🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <1992Dec10.171157.28145@epas.toronto.edu> akrajn@epas.utoronto.ca (Anita Krajnc) writes:
>> I have been hearing a lot about rechargeable lithium batteries these days.
>> Supposedly, they are about to replace alkaline batteries for consumer
>> applications.  I read an article about Gates Millenium cells possibly
>> replacing alkalines (and this was quite a while ago), but there must be some
>> sort of problem, since the alkalines are quite popular.
>> Who makes these lithium cells?  Are they possible candidates for use in
>> electric vehicles?  Thanks in advance.          Eric
>
>Although litium batteries are widely used, rechargeable lithium
>batteries have not.  This is unfortunately since lithium rechargeable
>can store approximately 10X the capacity than Ni-Cads, the same size
>and voltage.  The reason why everybody is not using them is due to the
>fact that lithium batteries easily explode when they are inproperly
>recharged.  It would be considered quite dangerous to attempt to
>recharge a large Li battery, especially one used to power a vehicle.
>I believe that in the US, rechargeable Li batteries can not excede an
>AA size.
>	I found that in litigation obsessed North America,

There used to be a company called "Moli" or "Molicell" near Vancouver, BC
(Canada), which made a 12V (4 cell AA) rechargable Lithium pack.
They used to Advertize in QST and other Ham magazines.  It was only
for "experimental" use.  You had to have a waiver (which they sent you)
to transport 4AA cells on a US domestic flight.  It also required a "plug"
be removed to break a 4 cell pack into two 2 cell packs for shipment
to keep the DOT happy.

As I recall, the total capacity was 3X or so a Nicad.  However, one could
only use the center 1/3 or so of the charge/discharge curve.  Exceeding
it at either end, caused the cell to fail and/or not to be rechargable.
This meant the capacity was about 1X a Nicad in this mode.  They had
almost "infinite" shelf lives, and state of charge was easily determined
bu cell voltage (under no load). The voltage varied quite a bit during
discharge, was something like 12v down to 9V or so..

A 4 cell pack cost $100, which had a charger kit in it.. charger
had to cut off at a certain voltage..  Pack had "fuses", so a short
would not make it blow up.  Also, if tossed in a fire, they would
"burn profusely", not blow up, the manual said (due to vents).
--ghg