High Capacity Thermal Batteries

"The objective of this BMDO SBIR Phase-I program is to perform research and development on new designs of thermally stable low-temperature electrolytes and high voltage cathode materials for lithium thermal batteries, including novel methods of synthesis,which when incorporated in cells, yields useful levels of specific power and specific energy, high reliability, and low cost, when compared with presently available thermal batteries. This can be achieved by utilizing a very high capacity, high voltagecathode material that is not only compatible with a low melting electrolyte, but has a flatter discharge profile, excellent chemical, electrochemical and thermal stabilities and good kinetic properties. Specific results of the work will include, thethermal stabilities of the components, self-discharge, steady discharge and pulse power characteristics, and modeling on the thermal management. The results of this investigation will provide a battery technology that delivers packaged energies of at least150-200 Wh/kg. It is expected that there will be a major reduction in the thermal insulation required which will further reduce the weight and volume and also cost. Successful implementation of low temperature chemically, electrochemically and thermallystable electrolytes with high voltage cathodes for lithium-based thermal batteries should pave the way for the development of higher energy density and lighter power source for BMDO's missile a