Innovative Power Generation Technologies for Thermal Battery Replacement

Thermal batteries are used to provide primary power for a range of devices and military systems, and are characterized by a very long shelf life, ability to operate from -65 degrees F to 200 degrees F, and a rapid rise time. Drawbacks of thermal batteries, however, include occasional unreliability, have high cost, low energy density, and associated environmental hazards over their entire life cycle from production, to use, to disposal. For these reasons, a replacement system is needed for thermal batteries that eliminates these drawbacks. Aerodyne Research, Inc (ARI) proposes a specialized version of its miniature engine/generator technology for the Thermal Battery Replacement (TBR) application. This version is based on a previously developed a design for a fully sealed battery-like power source based on the miniature engine/generator for the downhole power environment for oil exploration and drilling applications. This design could handle shock loads as high as 1000 g"s, pressures up to 20,000 psi, and temperatures in excess of 170 degrees C, all of which exceed the requirements for the thermal battery replacement. In the Phase I program, ARI will demonstrate the functionality of its TBR system. The Phase I program will also develop a preliminary design of a Phase II TBR system.