Mathematical Modeling of the Lithium, Thionyl Chloride Static Cell: I . Neutral Electrolyte

A mathematical model of the Li ‐ LiAlCl 4 , SOCl 2 ‐ C static cell with neutral electrolyte is presented. The model considers a whole prismatic cell consisting of negative electrode, separator, electrolyte reservoir, and positive electrode. Physical phenomena described are ohmic potential drop and diffusion potential in the electrolyte, changes in porosity and electrolyte composition due to electrochemical reactions, local reaction rates, and diffusion, convection, and migration of electrolyte. The theoretical results show the trends in behavior observed experimentally. The effects of state of charge, initial electrolyte composition, electrode thickness and porosity, and current density are presented, and factors that can limit cell performance are identified.