Innovative Lightweight Metal-Air Cell Cases for Non-Rechargeable Batteries

Some of the challenges of manufacturing batteries for military applications are: low quantities, sporadic demand, high price and various power sources. If a Multi-Functional Cell Case for Metal-Air Batteries, such as Lithium-Air, Aluminum-Air, and Zinc-Air could be created, then it would be possible to reduce cost, increase energy density and possibly allow the automation of the assembly process to further reduce cost. Molded cell cases allow for the production of any quantity of product at reasonable costs. Most of the metal-air chemistries have reached their maximum energy with current materials. The limiting factor is the weight of the cell case. Yardney's new concept of one lightweight plastic case design that is capable of producing cell cases for several types of metal-air batteries attacks this specific problem. These innovative cases are suitable for quick automated assembly. In this Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project, Yardney proposes to investigate this design concept using lightweight materials suitable for low cost and quick assembly. These cell cases will provide a high quality and lightweight energy storage device for military applications.