Development of Rechargeable Thermal Batteries

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) will design a rechargeable thermal battery (RTB) capable of being activated, used, recharged and then stored in an inert state for extended periods of time (months to years). This battery will be designed to meet the power demands of airborne directed energy weapons (10-100 kW for 45 seconds). PSI will provide the desired energy and power density by augmenting state-of-the-art chemistries with high active (HA) cathode electrodes, lower melting point electrolytes, and novel lithium metal cell construction. During Phase I, PSI will conduct laboratory validation of thermal battery components for their ability to support rechargeability and the targeted power profile. The tests will be guided by a trade-space analysis of the current state of the art in thermal battery design. The cell designs, chemistries, and techniques demonstrated in Phase I will be used to design a prototype battery that will be constructed during Phase II. Successful completion of these efforts will demonstrate the readiness of the technology for further scale-up and demonstrations.