SBIR-STTR Award

The proposed program is to design and develop a rechargeable battery with high energy density, excellent cycle life and low magnetic signature offered by our polymer Li-ion technology. Concentrated efforts will be spent to improve the cell and battery performance to the objective level required in this program. Special attention will be paid to the magnetic and mechanical design aspects of this battery to ensure a successful operation. At the conclusion of this Phase I program, we will have achieved a low magnetic cell and battery design. And during the option period of time, we will be able to deliver 6 prototype cells, 2 prototype batteries and 2 prototype chargers. These batteries will be the proof-of-concept devices with properties far exceeding the threshold requirement in this solicitation, and also serve as a cornerstone for Phase II program and efforts.

Benefit:
First the rechargeable non-magnetic power sources will find its use in magnetic imaging suites and certain ground embedded sensing devices where are currently using non-magnetic primary lithium batteries. Second, we believe the experience and technology (water and pressure proof) obtained through the efforts under this program will benefit all underwater devices requiring power sources. For example, it will be useful as the emergency backup batteries for underwater vehicles, and/or as a power source for divers.

Keywords:
Low magnetic, Safety, Underwater, polymer lithium-ion

The proposed program will develop and deliver a rechargeable polymer Lithium-ion battery pack with high energy density, long cycle life and low magnetic signature. This pack will demonstrate to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) community that a low magnetic signature polymer Lithium-ion battery pack will add significant performance benefits to their underwater equipment users. We will address all key issues relevant to cell design and pack construction focusing on the fundamental challenges associated with a high energy density, low magnetic signature electro-mechanical device. Concentrated efforts will be spent improving single cell performance to meet or exceed the performance thresholds set for this program. All appropriate lithium battery safety protocols will be fully addressed.

Benefit:
This rechargeable, low magnetic signature power source will initially be utilized in magnetic imaging suites and certain ground embedded sensing devices, enhancing and replacing the use of low-magnetic primary lithium batteries. While we recognize the growing need for such power sources-especially in light of recent attacks with more sophisticated Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in Iraq-our experience as a commercial supplier of lithium batteries forces us to drive the price per kilowatt-hour to a minimum. As such, the core elements of the battery pack will be designed and built in a modular fashion, such that we may leverage as many other potential opportunities as possible. Special attention will be paid to identify and fill common needs in the military and commercial market place, enabling the broadest application of these modular, waterproof, high energy density batteries throughout the Navy and industry. These opportunities include emergency backup batteries for under water vehicles, remotely operated and autonomous surface vessels, power sources for divers’ suits, underwater computers and instruments plus sonar systems. In addition, this work sets in place a critical domestic manufacturing capacity for specialized batteries that have extraordinary robustness and reliability.

Keywords:
polymer lithium-ion, Safety, Low magnetic, Underwater