SBIR-STTR Award

Next-generation thermal batteries must provide higher power over longer operating times in smaller, lighter packages. To address this challenge ENSER proposes to significantly enhance the conductivity of its proven Low Melting Point (LMP) Electrolyte to increase specific energy while concomitantly optimizing pulse performance at operational current densities typical of aggressive actuator systems. Preliminary results indicate that the specific energy of ENSERs state-of-the-art LiSi / LMP / CoS2 electrochemistry can be increased by ~15% while substantially increasing pulse voltage margins. A new electrolyte formulation - designated HCE (Higher Conductivity Electrolyte) - will be characterized and validated in single cells (Phase I) and fully-packaged thermal batteries (Phase I Option). In Phase II, anode, separator and cathode formulations will be adjusted to realize the maximum benefits available via HCE / CoS2. The preferred HCE will then be incorporated into cathodes employing mixed-metal sulfides (MxNyS2) which have shown the potential to replace CoS2 as the cathode material of choice. The Phase II goal is to demonstrate a 30% increase in specific energy over the state of the art via the LiSi / HCE / MxNyS2 electrochemistry. Approved for Public Release 16-MDA-8620 (1 April 16)

Thermal batteries are single discharge reserve batteries that provide very long shelf life, minimal self-discharge, wide storage temperature range, fast thermal activation under power demand, and wide range of operating and storage temperature conditions. We are proposing development and optimization of novel anode and cathode materials and demonstration of advanced thermal batteries (TB) that significantly outperform current TB technology. Approved for Public Release | 17-MDA-9219 (31 May 17)