Mine-Neutralization Vehicle Thermal Battery

Thermal batteries are a mission critical component used in virtually every modern day weapons system. The mine neutralization vehicle requires a high energy density (> 70Wh/kg), multi-hour life (minimum 1hr.) power source that operates at relatively low power (100-120 watts). It has been shown, using ENSER's electrochemical and thermal modeling programs, that these requirements can substantially be met with a Li(Si) /LMP/CoS2 thermal battery of the appropriate voltage by combining two parallel cell stacks (each containing seven cells) to maintain a low current density and incorporating them into a single battery case. The major concern about the proposed design is whether battery will operate for the desired time of up to 3 hours before failing due to electrolyte leakage and cell-to-cell shorting when pre-conditioned at 75°C. Designing and incorporating peripheral cell edge seals to minimize the egress of electrolyte from the cells and thus prevent premature shorting of the battery will address this potential problem condition.