TABLE OF CONTENTS David Linden
Batteries, which use highly active component materials to obtain the required high energy, high power, and/or low-temperature performance, are often designed in a reserve construction to withstand deterioration in storage and to eliminate self-discharge prior to use. These batteries are used primarily to deliver high power for relatively short periods of time after activation in such applications as radiosondes, fuzes, missiles, torpedoes, and other weapon systems. The reserve design also is used for batteries required to meet extremely long or environmentally severe storage requirements.
In the reserve structure, one of the key components of the cell is separated from the remainder of the cell until activation. In this inert condition, chemical reaction between the cell components (self-discharge) is prevented, and the battery is capable of long-term storage. The electrolyte is the component that is usually isolated, although in some water-activated batteries the electrolyte solute is contained in the cell and only water is added.
The reserve batteries can be classified by the type of activating medium or mechanism that is involved in the activation:
Water-activated batteries: Activation by fresh- or seawater.
Electrolyte-activated batteries: Activation by the complete electrolyte or with the electrolyte solvent. The electrolyte solute is contained in or formed in the cell.
Gas-activated batteries: ...
