SBIR-STTR Award

Policell Technologies Inc. proposes 6 month research effort to demonstrate the feasibility of replacing the lithium BA-5590 with a rechargeable battery. It is proposed to design and develop basic pouch lithium-ion cells that are suitable for assembly of BA-5590 battery and deliver some basic pouch cells to SOCOM by the end of the Phase I program. The battery system will be based on Policell Technologies Inc.'s unique heat-activatable separator membrane and advanced liquid electrolyte or gel polymer electrolyte, using conventional liquid lithium-ion battery electrodes. The research work will be divided into six tasks. By the use of PTI's proprietary heat-activatable separator and advanced electrolyte, the resulting rechargeable lithium-ion cells could offer high energy density (175 watt-hr/kg for cellular phone cell), high rate capability, long cycle life, in particular, low as well as stable impedance during charge-discharge cycling, extended temperature range for cell applications, and improved safety. This heat-activatable separator and the advanced electrolyte technologies are proprietary to Policell Technologies and do not involve any third party licenses. Policell Technologies has developed these technologies over the last two years. The research and development work will be conducted in Policell Technologies Inc.'s facility which is located in Newark, New Jersey. The estimated total cost for this program is $98,980.72.

This SBIR Phase II proposal to DOD SOCOM requests $749,985.49 of support for Policell Technologies, Inc. to design and develop a safe rechargeable battery replacement for the Lithium BA-5590 battery to eliminate hazards resulting from water exposure under SOCOM specific missions. This proposal responds to SBIR Topic Number 03-013-Battery Modulation for Communication Equipment. In addition, a Phase II Option proposal is also included, requesting $249,708.17 of support to continue the effort on the development. Specifically, Policell Technologies Inc. proposes to a) develop a prototype rechargeable battery which provides >175 Watt-hrs/kg energy density, exceeding the current BA-5590 battery performance, using a pouch cell design, b) test battery performance to BA-5590 specifications for electrical performance, environment, and safety; c) develop a Safety Assessment Report; and d) provide battery deliverables for field test and evaluation to specific SOCOM requirements. The battery system will be based on Policell Technologies’ unique bondable separator membrane and advanced electrolyte, using conventional lithium-ion battery electrodes. The significance of the opportunity is that the replacement BA-5590 rechargeable lithium-ion polymer battery will: 1) offer high energy density, 2) be less expensive, 3) be safe, since the battery does not contain metallic lithium, and 4) be environmental benign.

Keywords:
RECHARGEABLE BATTERY, POLYMER LITHIUM ION, MAN PORTABLE POWER, LITHIUM BA-5590, HEAT-ACTIVATABLE SEPARATOR, BONDABLE SEPARATOR, HIGH ENERGY DENSITY