Battery Chemistries: Lithium Thionyl Chloride

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Application Description:

Lithium thionyl chloride batteries are best where long storage life, high energy density and a wide temperature range are the most important factors. They are generally not well suited for high power applications.

Typical Applications:

    Card Readers
Gas Detection
GPS receivers
Memory Backup
Oil Rigging and Drilling
Automatic Meter Readers
   

Manufacturers:

SAFT

Specifications

Cell Voltage 3.6 V
Shelf Life 10 years at 25ºC
Discharge Temperature -55 to 85ºC
Power Delivery Low

Comparison Charts: Rechargeable Chemistries

Chemistry Cost Weight Temp Cycle Shelf Life Volts
(ºC) Life (months) per cell
Lead Acid Calcium $ Very Heavy -15 to 50 180 6 2.0
Lead Acid Tin $$ Very Heavy -65 to 80 300 12 2.0
Nickel Cadmium $$ Heavy -20 to 65 500+ 6 1.2
Nickel Metal Hydride $$$ Moderate -10 to 65 500 12 1.2
Lithium Ion $$$$ Light -20 to 60 500 12 3.7
Lithium Polymer $$$$$ Light -20 to 60 500 12 3.7

Non-rechargeable Chemistries

Chemistry Cost Weight Temp Discharge Shelf Life Volts
(ºC) Rate (years) per cell
Carbon Zinc $ Very Heavy -15 to 50 Medium 2 1.5
Alkaline $$ Heavy -65 to 80 High 5 1.5
LiMnO2 $$$ Moderate -20 to 65 Low 10 3.0
LiSOCl2 $$$$ Light -10 to 65 Low 10 3.6