Optimized Thermal Battery for Weight- and Size-Constrained Applications

Thermal batteries are a power source for most MDA weapons systems. Some of these systems have severe constraints on weight and size, and for this reason, advanced thermal batteries are needed that can provide greater power in smaller and lighter packages. The key components of conventional thermal battery cells are made by hydraulically pressing powders. Such components must be greater than a minimum thickness to keep the pressed powder pellets from breaking. For batteries that must supply high current for a relatively short period of time, this consideration can greatly increase the mass and length of the battery. We propose to address this problem by combining two recent advances in thermal battery technology. We will utilize a thin film component technology to construct thinner components with lower impedance than is possible with pressed powders. We will employ Erigo"s advanced thermal battery simulation software to extract the maximum benefit from the thin film process. By combining both technologies, we will create a well-defined procedure for building thermal batteries with greatly reduced mass and volume.