Self-contained low temperature battery system consisting of a magnesium anode, potassium thiocyanate-ammonia electrolyte and a cathode composed of a mixture of sulfur, carbon, and mercuric sulfate operates for at least seventy-two hours within a discharge temperature range of plus 20 degrees C to minus 90 degrees C

Armstrong, G. M.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

December 1967	 Brief 67-10546 
NASA TECH BRIEF	
/& 
NASA Tech Briefs are issued to summarize specific innovations derived from the U.S. space program, 
to encourage their commercial application. Copies are available to the public at 15 cents each 
from the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information, Springfield, Virginia 22151. 
Development of Low Temperature Battery 
The problem: 
To develop a low temperature battery capable of 
operating for at least 72 hours within a discharge 
temperature range of +20°C to —90°C. 
The solution: 
A self-contained battery system consisting of a mag-
nesium anode, potassium thiocyanate-ammonia elec-
trolyte and a cathode composed of a mixture of sulfur, 
carbon, and mercuric sulfate (Mg/KSCN:NH3/ 
HgSO4:S:C). 
Notes: 
1. Research and development on a (Mg/KSCN:NH3/ 
HgSO4:S:C) low temperature battery system has 
thus far produced a cell with a maximum life of 
117 hours obtainable at —90 1 C. The cell is capable 
of delivering 1.5 watts for 6 minutes and 0.3 watt 
for 54 minutes each hour. Continued research on 
this battery system should lead to further improve-
ments in its performance.
2. Additional details are contained in the following 
reports: 
(a) NASA CR-54970, First Quarterly Report—Low 
Temperature Battery, by G. M. Armstrong, 
December 14, 1965 to March 13, 1966. 
(b)NASA CR-72173, Second and Third Quarterly 
Reports (combined)—Low Temperature Battery, 
by G. M. Armstrong, March 14, 1966 to Sep-
tember 13, 1966. 
Copies of these reports are available from: 
Technology Utilization Officer 
Lewis Research Center 
21000 Brookpark Road 
Cleveland, Ohio 44135 
Reference: B67-10546 
Patent status: 
Inquiries about obtaining rights for the commer-
cial use of this invention may be made to NASA, 
Code GP, Washington, D.C. 20546. 
Source: George M. Armstrong 
of Livingston Electronic Corporation
under contract to

Lewis Research Center

(LEW- 10326) 
Category 01 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National	 Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 	 information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States 	 will be free from privately owned rights.
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Development of low temperature battery

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