SBIR-STTR Award

PolyPlus Battery Company has identified that by transitioning its PLE based Li-Seawater Battery Technology to a more optimal circular geometry, battery length in a Type A sonobuoy can be decreased by as much as 50% compared to a square form factor, and by this expedient provides sonobuoy battery component flexibility and the potential for enhanced power and overall sonobuoy performance.

Benefit:
An enhanced battery component for use in Type A sonobuoy apparatus. The use of a circular format PLE provides value add to a number of technology applications, including consumer electronic devices and electric vehicles.

Keywords:
high energy, high energy, protected lithium electrode, lithium, Lithium seawater battery, Battery

The goal of this Phase II SBIR is risk reduction for the NGAPS DDS battery pack design in the areas of (1) electrochemical performance, (2) impact survival, and (3) the telescoping pack framework. For the first area, the performance of the individual Type I cells and small 3-cell packs will be measured under the environmental conditions expected during the operation of the NGAPS DDS. PolyPlus will discharge its battery packs in the lab under the most challenging simulated environmental conditions that the actual NGAPS DDS is expected to encounter: low to zero water flow, 0-1C temperature, and approaching zero concentration of dissolved oxygen. For the second area of risk reduction, PolyPlus will work with SeaLandAire to design test fixtures and carry out initial impact testing of key battery components in a representative pack framework. Finally, for the third area, PolyPlus will work closely with SeaLandAire to assess the design and modify the framework design to be applicable to our battery packs needs.

Benefit:
Long life, low power underwater applications for Li-Seawater batteries could include sensors, underwater charging stations, and power for ocean gliders and UUVs.

Keywords:
Lithium-Seawater Battery, Deep Ocean Battery, high energy density battery