Document w3Nq5G095vaaVvp4Qddj5QvD

l k'- - lv; r;: i -j c fe ' y. *. i i: ';1 'I 1 l Lead Industries Association, Inc. ttt Matftaon Annua Naa York, K. V. 10017 Tatapftona: (tth *7*-tOM lurch 3. 1972 SUBJECT: LOCKHEED BATTERY TOi MEMBERS OF THE LEAD UTDOSTRIES ASSOCIATION, ZVC. A recent item in the Will Street Journal (February 22, 1972) reported Lockheed*a development of a sodium or lithium battery that might compete etrenuously with lead-acid batteries. Connel A. Baker, Jr. of the LZA staff haa checked a number of informed sources, including Lockheed. His report is attached, together with a copy of the Lockheed release which was not picked up in toto by the Mall Street Journal. Sincerely, PERiip Attachments (t. t Philip E. Robinson Executive Vice President ; i gHgi jpRfwMmmm t y r rrsp** sm?m LIA14612 eiff ^ e i ^ WjMpipisppMSf f io f f i i js g iiiiip e w jw HEKS8UREAU LOCKHEED MISSILES t SPACE COMPANY, INC. \ (A SUBSIDIARY OP LOCKHEED AIRCRAPT COUP.) ^SUNNYVALE. CALIP. -- (408) 742-6688 Contacti W. R. Hilbrinlc FOR RELEASEi TUESDAY, TES. 22, 1972 LOCKHEED DEVELOPS COMPACT -i ELECTRIC POWER SOURCE ; PALO ALTO, Calif. -- A compact power source that can produce levels of electric power greatly exceeding that of conventional batter ies has been developed here in the laboratories of Lockheed Missiles * Space Co. The source has been developed in two configurations, described as a dynamic cell and a static power cell. The devices are fueled with two plentiful materials--water, and an alkali metal such as sodium or lithium. Lithium and sodium are among the lightest in weight of all metals, and when they come in direct contact with water, they nor mally react violently. Because of this high reactivity, it was not believed practical in the past to coebine then directly with water to obtain electrical power. i i However, Lockheed has found a way to control this reaction and to extract large quantities of useable electric power. The static 1 cells, like conventional battery cells, can be made in various sizes and connected in combination to make up batteries with various voltage outputs and current capacities. The cells produce many times sx>re electrical power per pound than is available from the common lead-acid storage battery--up to 100 times more in long term applications where water is freely available. They will also operate aK>re efficiently at lower ambient temperatures than will the lead-acid battery. The static cell produces electrical power as its output with out moving parts, as in conventional batteries. Several working pro totypes have been operated. The dynamic cell has a rotor, and can con vert its electrochemical activity directly into mechanical output. A laboratory model of the dynamic cell has been built to demonstrate direct conversion of the cell's electrical energy into rotating shaft power--a combined electric motor and power source. O mox% - t p * 1* 1 N 3453.01 \ n iM.iji.iAJgW p p u ! MEMORANDUM February 24, 1972 LITHIUM AMP SODIUM BATTERY -- LOCKHEED HEWS RELEASE ILZRO - A. R. Cook believes of little immediate aubatance byond our presant knowledge -- no foreseeable thraat to lead acid. COPPER DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION G. H. Bartley, President hae soma proprietary agreements with Lockheed. (One of the electrodaa contain* copper) In connection with CDA1 a electric car aoate consideration is being given to uaing the lithium or sodium battery to support the lead-acid, not to replace it. The nature of thia new source ia such that it discharges extremely fast, cannot be electrically recharged and is highly unstable at present state of the art. Still considered experimental and baa not advanced beyond the `breadboard* stage. ESB INCORPORATED - J, Smythe, Research and Development `Another wild fuel cell'* Be has thoroughly investigated the current report o and finds no substance to a comsercial viability. ESB ia also working on thia principle and knows the problems involved. LOCKHEED, Dr, Weyland Griffith The battery, or power cell by their definition, ia in the milliwatt stage presently. They have found no insurmountable problems to date to further development into the watt and kilowatt stage, but it ie e primary cell and the hoped-for application foreseeably ia small signal and electronic devices requiring intermittent power at low rate. The next step might be application to shore and marine siarkera and such devices. Has no feel for economics at this time, but is told that the basic metals are in plentiful supply, notwithstanding lithiums1 dependenca upon other metal processing. Said that Wall Street Journal item selected only parte of original release. (He is sending m e copy of original.) COULD - Dr. D. Douglas Feels that availability will be for highly specialised application only (atostly submersible devices). Economica rule out for replacing lead-acid. CABilp COHHZL A. BAKER, J*. - tA. v I N 3453.02