High Temperature Batteries for Underwater Vehicle Propulsion

Thermal batteries based on Lithium-Metal Sulfide (LiMS) technology have great potential for meeting the needs of the Navy for upsocming applications in Unmanned, Underwater Vehicles (UUV). Generally, this battery technology provides for the power and energy densities required by UUV applications. Furthermore, variations on this technology have been used for many years in Navy applications such as torpedoes and sonobouys. Thus, the base technology has been proven effective and safe for remove Naval power source requirements. In order to apply the basic LiMS technology to the specific Navy UUV applications, the design specifications as well as the available geometry of the intended application vehicles require determination of suitable battery designs. Additionally, development of new means of preparing key components will be required to provide for full utilization of the specified volume provided for the power source in these vehicles. ART has worked with Westinghouse for several years in developing a new material and fabrication process for key component in LiMS batteries. This base technology is considered the critical component in application of this battery technology to the larger diameter cell structure required by UUV applications. ART - 'proposes to demonstrate the feasibility of this fabrication technology for large diameter batteries in Phase I. Concurrently, Westinghouse will provide bench-top demonstration of LiMS cells consistent with several Navy vehicle sizings.