High-Capacity Primary Battery for Extreme Environments

The Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) Handheld Manpack Program has a need for a primary battery capable of operating high power consumption devices, the JTRS handheld radio in particular. Key requirements of the battery assembly include operation at extreme environments (-40„aC to 55„aC), weighing less than 1.3 pounds, and occupying a volume no greater than 30 in3. Additionally, the battery assembly should include State of Charge (SOC) technology that will enable operators to evaluate battery health prior to performing a mission. During Phase I, MaxPower designed and demonstrated the capability of a primary lithium carbon monofluoride (Li~!@CFx) battery system. This system was capable of delivering a minimum of 10 hours operation at -40„aC while meeting the weight and volume constraints. In addition, a state-of-charge device was developed and successfully demonstrated even down to the utltra-low temperature at -40„aC with 98% accuracy. A sound foundation is set for the development of a fully integrated radio battery system prototypes. For the Phase II effort, the following milestone deliverables are called out: three functional prototype 12 months after contract award (MAC); ¡§second¡¨ functional batteries at 22 MAC; a CDR review at 16 MAC; and completion of a Technology Transition Plan (TPP) 23 MAC.