Gassing characteristics of high capacity, high energy density rechargeable silver zinc cells

Silver zinc batteries have been used safely for many years in a myriad of applications. With the advent of high energy density, semi-closed propulsion systems, the gassing characteristics of silver zinc cells have come under closer scrutiny from both a quantity standpoint as well as quality. A body of work was undertaken to characterize the gassing of a high energy density rechargeable 740 ampere hour (Ah) silver zinc cell with an energy density of 93 WH/lb on a cell basis and 88 Wh/lb (5.7 Wh/in/sup 3/) on a battery basis. This included characterization of cell gassing during discharge as a function of temperature, state of charge, and cell evacuation with particular focus on oxygen generation.