Project Title:
Intrinsically Safe, Rechargeable Magnesium Batteries for Space Station Freedom
10.08-1140
910242
Intrinsically Safe, Rechargeable Magnesium Batteries for Space Station Freedom
Covalent Associates, Inc.
52 Dragon Ct
Woburn
MA
01801
Victor R.
Koch
617-938-1140
JSC
NAS9-18705
212
10.08-1140
910242
Abstract:
Intrinsically Safe, Rechargeable Magnesium Batteries for Space Station Freedom
Safe, high-energy-density, rechargeable batteries are required for a wide variety
of applications on board Space Station Freedom as well as for EVA excursions around
it. Lithium and sodium-based technologies offer high specific energies, but safety
and reliability are problematic, especially in a closed, manned environment. Preliminary
work has shown that the intrinsically safe magnesium electrode can be reversibly
cycled against a high-energy, transition-metal-oxide, solid cathode. This cell manifested
little polarization in a highly conductive non-aqueous electrolyte. Phase I will
evaluate three high-energy-density cathode materials against magnesium. These materials
afford theoretical specific energy densities approaching 1000 Wh/kg and practical
energy densities of 200 Wh/kg, about six times higher than state-of-the-art NiCd
cells.
Safe, reliable, high-energy-density, rechargeable Mg batteries will find use in satellites,
deep space probes, portable communications equipment, and other consumer products
currently employing NiCd batteries.
rechargeable, magnesium, battery, nonaqueous, electrolyte