Description:
TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Ground/Sea Vehicles, Materials/Processes, Weapons
OBJECTIVE: Develop innovative concepts and materials to replace the Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) microporous separator and glass separator used in lithium oxyhalide batteries, while maintaining or exceeding performance, decreasing manufacturing complexity, and yield more efficient battery geometries.
DESCRIPTION: The anodes and cathodes of the lithium oxyhalide reserve battery’s cells are separated by a PTFE micro-porous material and glass material that provides electrical isolation for the electrodes. The solutions must include producible materials that maximize volumetric efficiency for electrolyte capacity and are optimized for efficient electrolyte flow and distribution upon battery activation. The solutions must utilize materials which are chemically compatible with electrolyte and reaction products after activation.
These efforts will focus on specific military aerospace requirements and chemistry while concepts and materials developed in this effort could be integrated into other military systems and aerospace batteries of similar chemistry and have potential for application in other battery chemistries using liquid electrolyte.
PHASE I: Conduct experimental and/or modeling efforts to demonstrate proof-of-principle of the proposed technology to operate in the aerospace battery electrochemical environment. Demonstrate the technological ability to maintain performance standards at the cell level.
PHASE II: Build and demonstrate the functionality of a separator prototype and its ability to be utilized in a missile defense reserve battery. Demonstrate applicability to both selected military and commercial applications.
PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The cost avoidance by employing this technology would be significant. Hence, the anticipated Phase III program customers would include a wide range of current weapon system programs. During this phase, the effort calls for engineering and development, test and evaluation, and hardware qualification.
COMMERCIALIZATION: The proposed technology would be anticipated to have a high level of interest for the aerospace, marine, and automotive industries and anywhere batteries are used as a primary power source.
KEYWORDS: Battery, Lithium Oxyhalide, Electrolyte, Ceramic, Battery, Micro-Porous Separator
