Low Temperature Thermal Battery

Low temperature electrolytes for thermal batteries are desired to increase the power density while still maintaining safe and long-storage life capability. Reducing the operating temperature of the thermal batteries can lessen the amount of pyrotechnic material and insulation required to maintain a molten electrolyte during the thermal battery operating lifetime. This translates directly into a higher power density cell. The common materials of choice for thermal batteries use LiCl-KCl at its eutectic ratio to minimize its melting point to 352 degreesC. To obtain a thermal battery that operates at a much reduced temperature, Reactive Innovations, LLC proposes to develop an alternative lower operating temperature electrolyte. During the Phase I program, we will develop and demonstrate two low temperature eutectic electrolyte systems showing their feasibility with operational thermal batteries. Using these materials along with some improved manufacturing techniques, we will show higher power density thermal batteries that operate at temperatures less than 200 degreesC. A larger, higher voltage thermal battery system will be developed and evaluated in a Phase II program working with a commercial partner to help transition the technology to military applications.