Data reduction and modeling of primary lithium-thionyl chloride batteries for gas meter applications

Over the past few decades, lithium batteries have emerged as one of the most widely studied and utilized technologies in the field of energy storage. Their electrochemical stability, favorable electrical characteristics, and long lifespan make them the preferred choice for a wide range of applications. This study focuses on a specific type of lithium primary cell based on thionyl chloride chemistry, evaluating its potential use as a power source for domestic gas meters. A total of 187 cells were analyzed, each extracted from gas meters at different stages of their operational life to assess the evolution of key performance variables over time. Voltage relaxation curves were recorded using pulsed discharge tests, and a curve fitting process was applied to extract the equivalent circuit parameters of the employed cell model. The resulting data were compiled into a database and analyzed to identify temporal trends and estimate the effective service life of the cells. The results indicate a potential service life exceeding the currently assumed maximum, suggesting that, with improved understanding of the cell’s behavior and more precise management of operating conditions, these batteries could remain functional for longer periods before requiring replacement.