Optimized Thermal Battery Heat Regulation

Thermal batteries are a power source for many MDA programs. As mission requirements push the limits of battery lifetime, optimizing the thermal insulation used in the batteries becomes increasingly important. Another design challenge is to create batteries with unconventional configurations for more efficient space utilization. Designers need flexible tools to assist them to meet these challenges. While detailed computer programs for predicting the behavior of thermal batteries have been developed for research purposes, designers have not routinely had access to practical tools to help them develop advanced batteries. During Phase I, Erigo developed a prototype of the Analysis Program for Thermal Batteries (APTBat) that meets these needs. The prototype for APTBat has already proven easy to use, fast-running, and as accurate as detailed R&D codes. During Phase II, we will add advanced automatic optimization capabilities and other needed features, provide training and technology transfer, and perform complete design/analysis/build/test demonstrations of the use of APTBat to develop an improved thermal battery, including a design with advanced thermal insulation. We also expect to extend the code to treat other battery types.