Mercuric Oxide-Cadmium Battery for Transceiver Applications.

Abstract : The work covered in this report was directed toward the design and fabrication of 200 prototype mercuric oxide-cadmium batteries to provide enhanced shelf life and low-temperature operating capability over the mercuric oxide-zinc system presently employed in the URC-64 transceiver radio. Emphasis in the design of this battery was aimed at a room-temperature energy density of 1.95 watthours per cubic inch and 19.2 watthours per pound. The specified load profile to be met over the entire spectrum of possible operating temperatures from -55C to +74C consisted of a 102-milliampere drain for one half-hour. The experimental program included efforts on the development of improved electrode structures and separator-electrolyte systems, the identification of suitable cell case materials and methods for cell assembly, the development of an optimized overall cell design, and corresponding techniques for producing the cell components required to meet the performance goals. A novel approach based on the use of a spiral electrode assembly in such button cells was developed to provide the needed electrode active area for low temperature performance in the minimum button cell volume allowance. Evaluation tests on finished batteries and individual button cells were preformed.