A one-dimensional mathematical model for the lithium/thionyl chloride primary cell is used in conjunction with a parameter estimation technique, in order to estimate the electrode kinetic parameters of this electrochemical system. The electrode kinetic parameters include the anodic transfer coefficient and exchange current density of the lithium oxidation, ~"~ and io.~.~ef; the cathodic transfer coefficient and the effective exchange current density of the thionyl chloride reduction, c%4 and a~

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... and a morphology parameter, ~. The parameter estimation is performed on simulated data first in order to gain confidence in the method. Data reported in the literature for a high-rate discharge of an experimental lithium/thionyl chloride cell is used for an analysis. This work is part of an ongoing effort to characterize the lithium/thionyl chloride (Li/SOCla) cell in order to understand better the physical system and improve its safety and performance. The Li/SOC12 cell is an attractive primary energy source because of its high energy density (1, 2). A description of the Li/SOC12 cell along with the safety hazards it exhibits is discussed elsewhere (2) . A detailed mathematical model of this battery has been presented (3). The model is used here in conjunction with a parameter estimation technique in order to establish a means to estimate the electrode kinetic parameters, which aid in describing the physical system. The assumptions and governing equations used in the model are given elsewhere (3). A description of the model parameters, the sensitivity of the model predictions to changes in these parameters, and estimates of these parameters, based on available experimental data (4), are presented next. ] 2798