Brianne T. Scheidegger

Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio

Performance Characterization of High Energy

Commercial Lithium-ion Cells

NASA/TM—2010-216926

December 2010
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Brianne T. Scheidegger

Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio

Performance Characterization of High Energy

Commercial Lithium-ion Cells

NASA/TM—2010-216926

December 2010

National Aeronautics and

Space Administration

Glenn Research Center

Cleveland, Ohio 44135
Acknowledgments

The author would like to thank the following members of the Exploration Technology Development Program (ETDP) team for 

help with testing, equipment, and procedures: Bill Bennett, Michelle Manzo, Tom Miller, Kevin Prokopius, Concha Reid, and 

Dave Yendriga of NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC), and Judy Jeevarajan of NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC).

Available from

NASA Center for Aerospace Information

7115 Standard Drive

Hanover, MD 21076–1320

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Level of Review: This material has been technically reviewed by technical management. 
NASA/TM—2010-216926 1 

Performance Characterization of High Energy Commercial 

Lithium-ion Cells 

Brianne T. Scheidegger 

National Aeronautics and Space Administration 

Glenn Research Center 

Cleveland, Ohio 44135 

Abstract 

The NASA Glenn Research Center Electrochemistry Branch performed characterization of 

commercial lithium-ion cells to determine the cells’ performance against Exploration Technology 

Development Program (ETDP) Key Performance Parameters (KPP). The goals of the ETDP Energy 

Storage Project require significant improvements in the specific energy of lithium-ion technology over the 

state-of-the-art. This work supports the high energy cell development for the Constellation customer 

Lunar Surface Systems (LSS). In support of these goals, testing was initiated in September 2009 with 

high energy cylindrical cells obtained from Panasonic and E-One Moli. Both manufacturers indicated the 

capability of their cells to deliver specific energy of at least 180 Wh/kg or higher. Testing is being 

performed at the NASA Glenn Research Center to evaluate the performance of these cells under 

temperature, rate, and cycling conditions relevant to the ETDP goals for high energy cells. 

The cell-level specific energy goal for high energy technology is 180 Wh/kg at a C/10 rate and 0 °C. 

The threshold value is 165 Wh/kg. The goal is to operate for at least 2000 cycles at 100 percent DOD 

with greater than 80 percent capacity retention. The Panasonic NCR18650 cells were able to deliver 

nearly 200 Wh/kg at the aforementioned conditions. The E-One Moli ICR18650J cells also met the 

specific energy goal by delivering 183 Wh/kg. Though both cells met the goal for specific energy, this 

testing was only one portion of the testing required to determine the suitability of commercial cells for the 

ETDP. The cells must also meet goals for cycle life and safety. The results of this characterization are 

summarized in this report. 

Introduction 

In support of the Exploration Technology Development Program Energy Storage Project, NASA 

Glenn Research Center, in conjunction with Johnson Space Center (JSC), Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) 

and contracted efforts, is developing high energy (HE) and ultra-high energy (UHE) lithium-ion cells. 

These components are being developed to address NASA’s need for lighter, higher energy technologies 

with cycle capability to meet projected mission life requirements. Specific energy goals at the cell level 

are 180 and 260 Wh/kg for HE and UHE cells, respectively. The goals are at specific conditions of a C/10 

discharge rate and 0 °C. While this would offer a 50 to 100 percent increase in specific energy over stateof-the-art lithium-ion technology, the cells must also meet safety and cycle life requirements. HE cells 

must meet 2000 cycles at 100 percent depth-of-discharge (DOD) while retaining 80 percent of their initial 

capacity and UHE cells 200 cycles under the same conditions. 

In support of this development, testing was initiated to assess the capability of current commercial 

cell technology to meet ETDP Key Performance Parameter (KPP) goals for high energy cells. If a 

commercial cell were to meet or exceed the goals in terms of specific energy, safety, and cycle life, it is 

possible the cell could be included for use in the program. 

Several cells were obtained from Panasonic (through Quallion) and E-One Moli Energy on the basis 

of high specific energy reported by the manufacturers. This report describes characterization testing 

performed on these commercial lithium-ion cells. 
NASA/TM—2010-216926 2 

Test Articles 

Cells from Panasonic and E-One Moli Energy were chosen for evaluation. The first, model 

NCR18650 from Panasonic, is a 2.9 Ah cylindrical 18650 cell containing a graphitic anode and 

LiNiCoAlO2 cathode (NCA). Vendor data indicated the cell could deliver 235 Wh/kg at room temperature 

from vendor data. The second cell, model ICR18650J from E-One Moli, had a 187 Wh/kg specific energy 

at room temperature according to vendor data. The ICR18650J is a cylindrical 18650 cell containing a 

graphitic anode and LiCoO2 cathode. Table 1 lists characteristics of each cell provided by the vendor. 

These cells are shown in Figure 1. Both cells are cylindrical 18650 geometry. The Panasonic cells 

arrived with welded tabs at each terminal, whereas tabs had to be welded to the E-One Moli cells inhouse. 

TABLE 1.—VENDOR CELL CHARACTERISTICS 

Vendor Model Nameplate 

capacity, 

Ah 

Nominal 

voltage, 

V 

Cell 

mass, 

g 

Discharge 

temperature 

range, 

°C 

Panasonic NCR18650 2.9 3.6 44.5 –20 to 60 

E-One Moli ICR18650J 2.37 3.76 48 –20 to 60 

(a) 

(b) 

Figure 1.—(a) Panasonic and (b) E-One Moli 

Li-ion Test Cells. 
NASA/TM—2010-216926 3 

Incoming Cell Inspection 

All cells were inspected upon receipt. The cells were inspected to determine the state of the cell; 

weights and dimensional measurements, open-circuit voltages and case polarity were measured and 

recorded. Cell weights from inspection were used to calculate the cell-level specific energy. Tables 2 and 

3 show data from the cell inspections. As cell weights and open-circuit voltages were very similar, cells 

were randomly selected for testing from each batch. 

TABLE 2.—PANASONIC NCR18650 CELL INSPECTION 

TABLE 3.—E-ONE MOLI ICR18650J CELL INSPECTION 

MANUFACTURER: Panasonic

PART/LOT # NCR18650 Lot B8502

DATE RCV'D 1-Oct-09

Internal Serial 

Designation Number

With OCV

Bare Cell* Harware Diameter Length Width Height Neg. to Pos. Neg. to Case Pos. to Case

1 3-8 E49 0N3 45.953 18.15 65.55 3.564 0 3.564

2 3-8 E4A ??? 45.872 18.15 65.38 3.563 0 3.563

3 5-8 34A FE5 45.911 18.15 65.41 3.561 0 3.561

4 5-8 64A CE5 46.098 18.17 65.43 3.563 0 3.563

5 3-8 94A EE3 45.977 18.13 65.43 3.564 0 3.564

6 3-8 44A AA? 45.881 18.2 65.39 3.562 0 3.562

*Bare cell weight includes tabs welded at each terminal

Note: ? in serial number indicates illegible characters

Weight Dimensions (cm) Voltage (volts)

(grams)

MANUFACTURER: E-One Moli

PART/LOT # ICR-18650J

DATE RCV'D: 19-Jun-08

Internal Serial 

Designation Number

With OCV

Bare Cell Harware Diameter Length Width Height Neg. to Pos. Neg. to Case Pos. to Case

1 71A01 47.284 18.23 65.03 3.734 0 3.734

2 71A02 47.272 18.23 65.03 3.733 0 3.733

3 71A03 47.436 18.19 65.05 3.731 0 3.731

4 71A04 47.297 18.16 65.04 3.733 0 3.733

5 71A05 47.31 18.11 65.06 3.734 0 3.734

Weight Voltage (volts)

(grams)

Dimensions (cm)
NASA/TM—2010-216926 4 

Experimental 

The test program initiated for commercial and developmental lithium-ion cells included 

characterization testing and cycle life testing. Destructive physical analysis of cells from each vendor is 

also planned. 

Characterization testing was performed to assess cell performance under various rate and temperature 

conditions. Four of five cells from E-One Moli were tested due to limited equipment availability. Four of 

the six Panasonic cells were tested, allowing the remaining two cells to be stored for cycle life testing or 

destructive physical analysis (DPA). 

A test plan was developed prior to testing and modified for each cell based on vendor testing 

recommendations; the test conditions are shown in Table 4. 

With the exception of initial room temperature testing of the E-One Moli cells, 20 °C was considered 

room temperature for all tests. 

TABLE 4.—CELL TESTING OUTLINE 

Test 

(in order) 

Charge ratea

 Charge 

temperature, 

C 

Discharge ratea

 Discharge 

temperature, 

C 

Conditioning C/5 20 C/2 20 

Temperature 

characterization 

C/5 20 C/10 30, 20, 10, 0 

20 C rate 

characterization 

C/5 20 C/10, C/5, C/2 20 

20 C/0 C rate 

characterization 

C/5 20 C/10, C/5, C/2 0 

0 C rate 

characterization 

C/5 0 C/10, C/5, C/2 0 

a

Cells charged and discharged within manufacturer-recommended rates and voltage limits. 

Hour-long rests following both charge and discharge were incorporated into all tests to allow the cells 

to equilibrate and temperature to stabilize. Though the manufacturers indicated both cells could be 

discharged to 2.50 V and some data is presented at the 2.50 V cutoff, the KPP goals are stated at 

100 percent DOD to 3.00 V. 

Cell Conditioning 

Conditioning cycles were performed to be sure the cells had consistent, stable performance and 

provide an actual capacity for each cell. Conditioning consisted of a minimum of five cycles at 20 °C. 

The cells were charged at constant current (CC) at C/5 with “C” as the nameplate capacity followed by a 

constant voltage (CV) charge until the current tapered to C/50. Following a 1-hr rest the cells were then 

discharged at a C/2 rate. Testing was repeated until the cells reached at least five cycles and the change in 

capacity between cycles was less than 1 percent. Current values for charge and discharge of all 

subsequent testing used the actual capacity “C” found from this conditioning. 

In the case of the E-One Moli cells, room temperature characterization had been previously 

performed and conditioning was not performed on these cells. The actual capacity of these cells was taken 

from room temperature characterization. 

Temperature Characterization 

Temperature characterization was performed to provide baseline performance data for the cells at 

beginning-of-life at various temperatures. The operating temperature range of interest is 0 to 30 °C. The 

cells were charged at a CC C/5 rate followed by a CV taper to C/50 at room temperature (20 °C). The 

cells were then discharged at a C/10 rate at discharge temperatures of 0, 10, 20, and 30 °C with three 

cycles performed at each temperature. 
NASA/TM—2010-216926 5 

To preserve the order in which tests were performed, E-One Moli cells were not subjected to 

temperature characterization since room temperature characterization had already been performed. 

Temperature characterization of new cells recently received from E-One Moli is planned. 

Rate Characterization 

Rate characterization was performed to determine the ampere-hour (Ah) capacity of the cells when 

discharged at different rates at room temperature and 0 °C conditions. The cells were charged at a CC 

C/5 rate and CV taper to C/50 for all tests. Discharge was performed at C/10, C/5, and C/2 discharge rates 

for three cycles each. This rate characterization was performed at room temperature for both charge and 

discharge (RT/RT), 0 °C for both charge and discharge (0/0), and with a room temperature charge 

followed by 0 °C discharge (RT/0) (“low temperature discharge”). This allowed an evaluation of the 

effect of a 0 °C charge on the specific energy of the cell compared to room temperature charging 

conditions. 

E-One Moli rate testing at 23 °C was the one exception to the above test conditions. The cells had 

been held at 23 °C and charged with CC at C/10 with a CV taper to C/50. A 15-min rest followed, then 

C/10, C/5, C/2, and a final set of C/10 CC discharges were performed with five cycles at each rate. 

Another 15-min rest was incorporated after discharge. 

Test Equipment 

Cells were housed in a Russells environmental chamber for temperature control with a nitrogen purge 

to provide an inert environment. Sufficient soak time was allowed between charge and discharge to allow 

the cells to equilibrate. The cells were setup in the chamber with appropriately sized wiring, connectors, 

and fuses. An Arbin BT2000 Battery Testing System was used to provide current control during testing. 

The MITS Pro companion software was used to control the charge and discharge profiles, monitor safety 

limits, and collect data. The Arbin also has auxiliary temperature channels that were used to monitor the 

cell and ambient temperatures during testing. 

Results and Discussion 

Panasonic NCR18650 

According to manufacturer recommendations, the 2.9 Ah NCR18650 cells were cycled between 2.50 

and 4.20 V. Figure 2 represents a typical discharge curve of cell voltage versus specific energy in watthours per kilogram. This figure shows the performance as a function of temperature. Actual cell weights 

were used for each individual cell to calculate specific energy values. 

All cells delivered similar specific energies on discharge with a coefficient of variance less than 

0.6 percent at each condition. Considering 20 °C performance as a baseline, there is a slight improvement 

in specific energy at 30 °C. The cells delivered an average of 227 Wh/kg at 20 °C down to 3.0 V while 

delivering only 209 Wh/kg at 0 °C, a reduction of about 10 percent of the room temperature specific 

energy. Table 5 shows data collected for temperature characterization testing. Specific energy values are 

reported as percentages of the 20 °C baseline as well as in watt-hours per kilogram. 
NASA/TM—2010-216926 6 

Figure 2.—Discharge curves for temperature characterization of Panasonic NCR18650 cells. 

TABLE 5.—SPECIFIC ENERGY AT 3.0 V OF PANASONIC CELLS AT VARIOUS TEMPERATURES 

The next test performed was rate characterization at room temperature. These tests varied the 

discharge rate while the cells were held at room temperature. Figure 3 shows the specific energy trends 

during cycling. Data for all four cells is included, but the variability among cells is very small and thus 

hard to distinguish in the chart. Data for the final cycles in which cells were returned to C/10 matched the 

original C/10 data and is not shown in this plot. 

As shown in Table 6, the Panasonic cells delivered 225 Wh/kg at C/10 and room temperature, while 

delivering close to 91 percent of that energy at a C/2 rate. When returned to C/10, the cells recovered to 

within about 1 Wh/kg of the original C/10 capacity and remained 99.8 to 99.9 percent efficient 

(coulombic) throughout testing. 

These cells were also tested with a room temperature charge at a C/5 rate and 0 °C discharge at rates 

of C/10, C/5, and C/2. These conditions were utilized to examine the effects of harsh thermal 

environments on the performance of the cell. Within the scope of the ETDP Energy Storage Project, the 

cells may be subjected to temperatures as low as 0 °C, which is known to have a significant impact on the 

energy and rate performance of lithium-ion cells. The LSS Constellation customer has indicated that 

charging is likely to be performed in a controlled environment around 20 °C; however, the need may arise 

to charge in the field at less than optimum temperature conditions. This testing, accompanied by 0 °C 

(0/0) testing, was performed to assess the charging capability of the cells as a function of temperature. 

2.5

2.7

2.9

3.1

3.3

3.5

3.7

3.9

4.1

4.3

0 50 100 150 200 250

CellVoltage

V

Specific Discharge Energy Wh/kg

0°C

20°C

10°C

30°C

Cell

20°C

Wh/kg Wh/kg

% of 20°C

energy Wh/kg

% of 20°C

energy Wh/kg

% of 20°C

energy

1 224.7 229.3 102.1% 213.0 94.8% 203.0 90.4%

2 226.8 230.5 101.7% 215.6 95.1% 205.5 90.6%

3 228.3 231.2 101.3% 216.6 94.9% 206.3 90.4%

4 226.2 230.2 101.8% 215.6 95.3% 205.5 90.9%

Average 226.5 230.3 101.7% 215.2 95.0% 205.1 90.6%

Coeff of Var 0.67% 0.35% 0.32% 0.71% 0.25% 0.70% 0.25%

30°C 10°C 0°C
NASA/TM—2010-216926 7 

Figure 3.—20 °C rate characterization data for Panasonic NCR18650 cells. 

TABLE 6.—20 °C SPECIFIC ENERGY TO 3.0 V AT VARIOUS RATES 

Performance was evaluated keeping the cells at 0 °C for both charge and discharge. Figure 4 shows 

the C/10 performance at both of the above conditions compared to 20 °C performance for a representative 

cell. 

The figure clearly shows a significant decrease in specific energy when the cells are discharged at 

0 °C. However, there was little difference in the capacity between the 20 and 0 °C charge condition. The 

cells delivered an average of 202 Wh/kg with a 0 °C discharge and 198 Wh/kg with 0 °C charge and 

discharge. These values represent 90.0 and 87.9 percent of the specific energy at 20 °C charge and 

discharge, respectively. The 180 Wh/kg goal for specific energy was exceeded in both cases. 

2.5

2.7

2.9

3.1

3.3

3.5

3.7

3.9

4.1

4.3

0 50 100 150 200 250

CellVoltage

V

Specific Energy Wh/kg

C/2

C/10 C/5

Cell C/10 C/5 C/2 final C/10

1 223.0 215.0 201.7 221.8

2 224.8 216.8 203.4 223.7

3 226.1 217.9 204.6 225.0

4 225.0 217.0 203.7 223.9

Average 224.7 216.7 203.3 223.6

Coeff of Var 0.58% 0.57% 0.60% 0.58%

Wh/kg delivered at 3.0V
NASA/TM—2010-216926 8 

Figure 4.—Panasonic NCR18650 Cell 2 temperature effects at C/10 rate. 

Several cycles at a C/10 discharge rate at 20 °C were performed after characterization had completed 

to determine the capacity retention after cycling. The cells retained an average of 97.4 percent of their 

initial capacity (taken as cycle 1 in temperature characterization) after 48 cycles. The cells delivered an 

average of 227 Wh/kg in cycle 1 and 221 Wh/kg in cycle 48 (Fig. 7). The capacity retention is not 

indicative of cycle life of the cell due to differences between capacity characterization and cycle life 

testing procedures. Cycle life testing includes alternating C/10 and C/2 discharge cycles at 20 °C, while 

capacity characterization includes C/5 and low temperature testing. 

E-One Moli Energy ICR18650J 

The ICR18650J 2.37 Ah cell was cycled between voltage limits of 3.00 and 4.20 V. According to 

manufacturer data, the cell was capable of delivering specific energy of 187 Wh/kg at room temperature 

conditions. 

These cells delivered an average of 190 Wh/kg at room temperature and a C/10 discharge rate. 

Figure 5 shows specific energy trends at different discharge rates. Figure 5 illustrates the discharge curves 

of the four cells tested. The cells exhibited roughly a 4.5 percent decrease in capacity at a C/2 discharge 

rate. The cells also maintained coulombic efficiencies of 99.6 to 99.8 percent throughout testing. The 

E-One Moli cells exhibited less rate effects than the Panasonic cells, which had shown a 9 percent 

decrease in capacity at C/2. Specific energy data can be found in Table 7. 

A RT charge, 0 °C discharge characterization was performed on the E-One Moli cells identical to test 

procedures for the Panasonic cells. Due to an equipment malfunction, no additional testing was performed 

on cell 4 following room temperature testing; the cell was not damaged and a capacity check performed at 

the end of testing revealed no loss in capacity. The remaining three cells delivered 187.3 and 183.4 Wh/kg 

at 0 C when charged at RT/0 °C conditions, respectively, or 99.0 and 96.7 percent of room temperature 

performance. Negative low temperature effects on these cells were minimal. Figure 6 shows the effects of 

temperature on the performance of the cells. As with the Panasonic cells, there was little difference in 

performance whether charging was performed at 20 or 0 °C. 

2.5

2.7

2.9

3.1

3.3

3.5

3.7

3.9

4.1

4.3

0 50 100 150 200 250

CellVoltage

V

Specific Energy Wh/kg

20°C

Low temp dchg

0°C
NASA/TM—2010-216926 9 

Figure 5.—Room temperature rate characterization of E-One Moli. 

TABLE 7.—ROOM TEMPERATURE RESULTS FOR E-ONE MOLI 

Figure 6.—E-One Moli Cell 71A05 temperature effects at C/10 rate. 

3

3.2

3.4

3.6

3.8

4

4.2

0 50 100 150 200 250

CellVoltage

V

Specific Energy Wh/kg

C/2

C/10

C/5

Cell

C/10

Wh/kg

delivered

C/5 as %

of C/10

C/2 as %

of C/10

final C/10

as % of

C/10

2 189.3 98.7% 95.4% 99.3%

3 189.9 98.6% 95.3% 99.3%

4 189.7 98.7% 95.3% 99.3%

5 189.7 98.8% 95.6% 99.4%

Average 189.7 98.7% 95.4% 99.3%

Coeff of Var 0.12% 0.08% 0.13% 0.07%

3

3.2

3.4

3.6

3.8

4

4.2

0 50 100 150 200

CellVoltage

V

Specific Energy Wh/kg

20°C

Low temp discharge

0°C
NASA/TM—2010-216926 10 

Figure 7.—Comparison of discharge curves over cycles. 

These cells met the ETDP goal for specific energy by delivering 183.4 Wh/kg at a C/10 rate and 0 °C. 

The cells were returned to room temperature and a C/10 discharge rate following characterization to 

determine capacity retention. Since no temperature characterization tests were performed for these cells, 

the initial capacity was taken as the first cycle room temperature capacity. After 44 cycles, the cells 

retained 97.8 percent of their initial capacity, delivering 185.6 Wh/kg. Figure 7 shows the change in 

capacity over cycles for a representative cell from each vendor. Little capacity loss was seen with cells 

from both vendors. Additionally, the difference in discharge profiles due to the different cell chemistries 

is seen. 

Future Planned Work 

Cycle life testing is planned for both E-One Moli and Panasonic cells. The cycle life testing will 

provide an idea of the cycling capabilities of currently available technology at the ETDP KPP test 

conditions. The ETDP’s high energy cell is required to deliver at least 80 percent of its initial capacity 

(180 Wh/kg at C/10 and 0 °C) after 2000 cycles. Preliminary cycle life and safety tests on the Panasonic 

NCR18650 cells were performed at JSC. Initial observations show capacity degradation of roughly 

4.3 percent over 200 cycles at a C/5 charge and C/10 discharge rate at room temperature. Applying a 

simple linear fit to cycle life data shows the Panasonic cells delivering less than 80 percent capacity after 

973 cycles. This initial work at JSC indicates that the Panasonic cell would not meet all ETDP goals. 

Safety testing resulted in excessive heat and fire for internal short circuit and heat-to-vent tests, which 

represented 2 of 5 safety tests performed. The cells were not functional after any test except external short 

circuit (Ref. 1). Additional cells from both vendors have been procured to allow cycle life testing under 

updated conditions. Updated cycling procedures include alternating discharges of C/10 and C/2 rather 

than only C/10 as performed at JSC. Several cells will also be set aside for DPA and shelf life 

observations. 

Conclusions 

Many of the trends seen in the characterization of these commercial cells are typical of lithium-ion 

technology; the Panasonic and E-One Moli cells exhibited reduced performance at low temperatures with 

further reduction at high discharge rates. The cells from E-One Moli were less sensitive to changes in 

temperature and discharge rate when compared with the Panasonic cells, though the Panasonic cells 

delivered higher specific energy. While the cells do not contain the same chemistries, the Panasonic 

3

3.2

3.4

3.6

3.8

4

4.2

0 50 100 150 200 250

CellVoltage

V

Specific Energy Wh/kg

Cycle 1

Cycle 48

Cycle 1

Cycle 44

Moli  71A05

Panasonic2

Panasonic

Moli
NASA/TM—2010-216926 11 

contains an NCA cathode while the E-One Moli cathode is LiCoO2, these chemistries have similar 

theoretical capacities. DPA may reveal differences in cell construction and provide insight into the 

differences in performance of the cells. 

When comparing the results of capacity characterizations to the KPP metrics, both the E-One Moli 

ICR18650J and Panasonic NCR18650 cells met the HE specific energy goal of 180 Wh/kg at a C/10 rate 

at 0 °C. The Panasonic cells exceeded goals by delivering 198 Wh/kg at 0 °C, while the E-One Moli cells 

met the goal by delivering 183 Wh/kg under the same conditions. The cells will also be evaluated for 

cycle life performance to determine their ability to meet the ETDP cycle life requirement of greater than 

80 percent capacity retention after 2000 cycles. 

References 

1. Read, Jon, Jeevarajan, Judith, Patel, Pranav, Bytella, Joe, and Symmetry Resources, Inc., 

“Performance and Safety Testing of Panasonic 2.9Ah Li-ion NCR18650 Cells,” 2009 NASA 

Aerospace Battery Workshop, November 17–19, 2009. 
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Performance Characterization of High Energy Commercial Lithium-ion Cells 

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Scheidegger, Brianne, T. 

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Washington, DC 20546-0001 

10. SPONSORING/MONITOR'S

 ACRONYM(S)

NASA 

11. SPONSORING/MONITORING

 REPORT NUMBER

NASA/TM-2010-216926 

12. DISTRIBUTION/AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

Unclassified-Unlimited 

Subject Categories: 15, 20, and 44 

Available electronically at http://gltrs.grc.nasa.gov 

This publication is available from the NASA Center for AeroSpace Information, 443-757-5802

13. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES

14. ABSTRACT

The NASA Glenn Research Center Electrochemistry Branch performed characterization of commercial lithium-ion cells to determine the 

cells’ performance against Exploration Technology Development Program (ETDP) Key Performance Parameters (KPP). The goals of the

ETDP Energy Storage Project require significant improvements in the specific energy of lithium-ion technology over the state-of-the-art. 

This work supports the high energy cell development for the Constellation customer Lunar Surface Systems (LSS). In support of these 

goals, testing was initiated in September 2009 with high energy cylindrical cells obtained from Panasonic and E-One Moli. Both 

manufacturers indicated the capability of their cells to deliver specific energy of at least 180 Wh/kg or higher. Testing is being performed at 

the NASA Glenn Research Center to evaluate the performance of these cells under temperature, rate, and cycling conditions relevant to the 

ETDP goals for high energy cells. The cell-level specific energy goal for high energy technology is 180 Wh/kg at a C/10 rate and 0 °C. The 

threshold value is 165 Wh/kg. The goal is to operate for at least 2000 cycles at 100 percent DOD with greater than 80 percent capacity 

retention. The Panasonic NCR18650 cells were able to deliver nearly 200 Wh/kg at the aforementioned conditions. The E-One Moli 

ICR18650J cells also met the specific energy goal by delivering 183 Wh/kg. Though both cells met the goal for specific energy, this testing 

was only one portion of the testing required to determine the suitability of commercial cells for the ETDP. The cells must also meet goals for 

cycle life and safety. The results of this characterization are summarized in this report.

15. SUBJECT TERMS

Lithium batteries; Storage batteries; Electric batteries; Electrochemical cells; Energy storage; Space missions; Spacecraft power 

supplies; Electric power supplies 

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