The objective of this Phase I program is to design and develop flexible, high energy lithium ion power source technologies for MDA high altitude airship (HAA) that is versatile, simplistic, reduced mass, lightweight, has a high cycle life and is cost-effective. The power source will supplement the primary power for the HAA. Our goal in Phase I will be to develop lithium ion flexible batteries of surface area of at least 10 x 10 cm2, thickness of about 0.2 to 0.3 mm, an energy density of at least 180 to 200 Wh/kg, rate capability of at least C-rate (C is the nominal capacity of the battery), cycle life of at least 50 cycles demonstrated during the program period and capacity per unit area of at least 3 mAh/cm2. Lithium Power will demonstrate the feasibility of this ultra thin film, flexible, high energy density rechargeable lithium ion or lithium polymer electrolyte battery power source in single cells and stacked cells of 24V modules, and demonstrate sufficient lifetime, specific power and ruggedness. We will also address the issues of radiation tolerant materials, thermal management, and life cycles of this battery. Anticipated Benefits/Commercial Applications: A convincing demonstration of such a battery and eventual use as an integrated power source with photovoltaic modules in HAA will give MDA new options for space defense. More specifically, it will spur a commercial market that will develop the concept with private investment for use in automobiles where the structural components of cars could be replaced by these power source panels for providing additional power to the main battery; in homes and office buildings where these integrated power source could be used to provide peak-time power; in remote locations and commercial satellites. The overall U.S. commercial space market is $10 billion per year, representing about 35% of the world's market. Terrestrial applications are expected to be significantly higher. We believe the incorporation of a very large surface area of these power source modules manufactured through high-speed manufacturing maximizes the utility of the space power system and allows more useable space for other components required for fire-power. The technology may also find use in the battlefield for powering the military equipment either on the ground or carried by the soldier or for general reconnaissance aircraft and stealth bombers. The portable "Quonset style hut" buildings used by the military could be made out of these flexible power sheets to provide lighting and powering equipment. Rolled-up modular sheets of the modules could be made available for a number of applications requiring power either for civilian use or military use in remote areas of the world where sunlight is readily available.
Keywords: Lithium, Energy Density, Power Density, High Altitude, Battery, Airship, Capacity, Aerobots
