High Power Density Thermal Batteries for Propulsion Applications

Thermal batteries are primary batteries ideally suited for military ordnance, projectiles, mines, decoys, torpedoes, and space exploration systems where they are used as highly reliable energy source with high power density and extremely long shelf life. Thermal batteries are manufactured using techniques that place inherent limits on the minimum thickness obtainable while ensuring adequate mechanical strength. This in turn has severely limited the achievable power densities, miniaturization efforts, activation characteristics, safety, and other important performance characteristics. This program will demonstrate a technology that can readily yield an order of magnitude reduction in cell thickness while simultaneously enhancing the mechanical properties of the cell. This breakthrough would significantly extend the thermal battery technology and enable extremely high power density energy sources. Phase I will establish the proof-of-concept. Phase II will optimize and produce prototype batteries, extensively evaluate and field test the thermal batteries. Phase III will commercialize the technology. Potential applications include those that require reliable energy source with very high power densities and long shelf life (longer than 10 years). Examples include rocket propulsion, mines, missiles, jammers, torpedoes, and satellites. Commercial applications include automobile back up power, aircraft, emergency evacuation equipment, and space exploration.