A power source for inflation systems. Specific embodiments relate to inflation systems that use an electrically powered inflation system, wherein the power source of the inflation system is a thermal battery. Particular embodiments may find use in connection with inflating evacuation slides or life rafts on board a passenger transportation vehicle, such as an aircraft or marine vessel. Other embodiments may be used for inflating shelters, life vests, or any other inflatable safety device that requires a rapid inflation.

A power source for inflation systems. Specific embodiments relate to inflation systems that use an electrically powered inflation system, wherein the power source of the inflation system is a thermal battery. Particular embodiments may find use in connection with inflating evacuation slides or life rafts on board a passenger transportation vehicle, such as an aircraft or marine vessel. Other embodiments may be used for inflating shelters, life vests, or any other inflatable safety device that requires a rapid inflation.

A method for assembling a thermal battery. The method including: arranging a plurality of tubes into a cylindrical shape; connecting the plurality of tubes to each other; attaching a first plate to a first end of the connected plurality of tubes into corresponding holes in the first plate; providing an initiation device to the first end of each of the plurality of tubes; filling each of the plurality of tubes from a second end with an exothermic material; assembling thermal battery components inside the connected plurality of tubes; connecting terminal wires to the thermal battery components; and connecting the second end of the connected plurality to a second plate.

A method for assembling a thermal battery. The method including: arranging a plurality of tubes into a cylindrical shape; connecting the plurality of tubes to each other; attaching a first plate to a first end of the connected plurality of tubes into corresponding holes in the first plate; providing an initiation device to the first end of each of the plurality of tubes; filling each of the plurality of tubes from a second end with an exothermic material; assembling thermal battery components inside the connected plurality of tubes; connecting terminal wires to the thermal battery components; and connecting the second end of the connected plurality to a second plate.

The present invention provides a fiber-reinforced aerogel material which can be used as insulation in thermal battery applications. The fiber-reinforced aerogel material is highly durable, flexible, and has a thermal performance that exceeds the insulation materials currently used in thermal battery applications. The fiber-reinforced aerogel insulation material can be as thin as 1 mm less, and can have a thickness variation as low as 2% or less. Also provided is a method for improving the performance of a thermal battery by incorporating a reinforced aerogel material into the thermal battery. Further provided is a casting method for producing thin fiber-reinforced aerogel materials.

The present invention provides a fiber-reinforced aerogel material which can be used as insulation in thermal battery applications. The fiber-reinforced aerogel material is highly durable, flexible, and has a thermal performance that exceeds the insulation materials currently used in thermal battery applications. The fiber-reinforced aerogel insulation material can be as thin as 1 mm less, and can have a thickness variation as low as 2% or less. Also provided is a method for improving the performance of a thermal battery by incorporating a reinforced aerogel material into the thermal battery. Further provided is a casting method for producing thin fiber-reinforced aerogel materials.

A liquid reserve battery including: a collapsible storage unit having a collapsible cavity for storing a liquid electrolyte therein; and a battery cell in communication with an outlet of the collapsible storage unit, the battery cell having gaps dispersed therein. Wherein the collapsible storage unit comprises a plurality of triangular sidewalls; and the plurality of triangular sidewalls being configured to collapse in a longitudinal direction about a hinge disposed between adjacent sides of each of the plurality of triangular sidewalls.

A reserve battery including: a housing has first and second compartments separated by a membrane, the first compartment has an anode and cathode and a separator positioned there between. The second compartment has an electrolyte for use with the anode and cathode to produce electrical power. The electrolyte being sealed in the second compartment relative to the first compartment at least by the membrane. Electrodes are connected to the anode and cathode and each has a portion on an outside of the housing. Where the second compartment has a cavity in which a wick material is arranged. The wick material is configured to pull the electrolyte into the second compartment from the first compartment by capillary action when the membrane changes from a sealed state in which the electrolyte is sealed within the second compartment to an unsealed state in which the electrolyte can flow into the first compartment.

A thermoelectric device includes a tubular electrode filled with an electrolyte, a core rod electrode inserted in the tubular electrode and in contact with the electrolyte, and at least one plug configured to separate the tubular electrode from the core rod electrode and to cover a filling opening of the tubular electrode. The plug is located between the tubular electrode and the core rod electrode. When the tubular electrode and the core rod electrode have a temperature difference, thermal energy can be directly converted into electric energy by the redox reaction of the electrolyte, and the tubular electrode and the core rod electrode can generate electromotive force. In particular, the thermoelectric device may use the structural design between the tubular electrode and the core rod electrode to provide a greater contact area with a heat source, and may be directly immersed in a heat source.

A thermoelectric device includes a tubular electrode filled with an electrolyte, a core rod electrode inserted in the tubular electrode and in contact with the electrolyte, and at least one plug configured to separate the tubular electrode from the core rod electrode and to cover a filling opening of the tubular electrode. The plug is located between the tubular electrode and the core rod electrode. When the tubular electrode and the core rod electrode have a temperature difference, thermal energy can be directly converted into electric energy by the redox reaction of the electrolyte, and the tubular electrode and the core rod electrode can generate electromotive force. In particular, the thermoelectric device may use the structural design between the tubular electrode and the core rod electrode to provide a greater contact area with a heat source, and may be directly immersed in a heat source.