High Energy Density Chemistry Source for Temporary Torpedo Electrical Power Navy SBIR FY2012.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2012.1 Topic No.: N121-067 Topic Title: High Energy Density Chemistry Source for Temporary Torpedo Electrical Power Proposal No.: N121-067-1090 Firm: Yardney Technical Products, Inc. 82 Mechanic Street Pawcatuck, Connecticut 06379-2154 Contact: Frank Puglia Phone: (860) 599-1100 Web Site: www.yardney.com Abstract: Yardney Technical Products, Inc., with SBIR partners, Brown University and Fraunhofer LLC, propose to develop a high energy density, high power, bipolar battery. Bipolar battery designs are inherently the most volumetrically efficient batteries. Further, the elimination of the external intercell connections greatly improves the rate capability and solves the issue of making a very low capacity, high voltage system such as the one needed for the torpedo. The purpose of this novel cell design, with newly developed enabling technologies, is to replace the currently used system and to provide both performance and cost advantages. The proposed chemistries have passed UN and 9310 safety testing in formats with higher levels of stored energy. More importantly, the proposed chemistries have demonstrated calendar life well in excess of the 12 year goal for this program. The new availability of nano-scale active materials for the proposed chemistries along with the novel bipolar design have allowed for a low capacity (<2Wh), 300-volt battery design with unparalleled volumetric power and energy density. Benefits: Anticipated Benefits In Phase I of this project, Yardney proposes to take a technology developed for a different system and by selectively adding metals, removing features and masking the coated area create a simple technology for a bipolar system. The main benefits to the system are that it simplifies the isolation issues that have plagued bipolar batteries and is compatible not only with the proposed chemistries for the torpedo but with almost any chemistry. The demonstrated long life and wide temperature range of the chemistries enables the technology to be a viable replacement for almost all thermal and reserve battery applications. Potential Commercial Applications The proposed torpedo battery can be used in identical or similar designs as a safe, compact, high power reserve battery. Several of Yardney's current customers use our gas generator based Ag-Zn primary batteries and would be interested in the cost, power and improved reliability of this technology. The improved reliability stems from the fact that the battery will be active and testable (OCV, Impedance) before use. This is not possible with most reserve batteries. The design also offers much faster (2 millisecond) accessibility to full power which provides advantages over thermal batteries. In summary, the proposed technology is an enhancement of the state of the art over products which we currently supply to the armed forces and thus we would be able to commercialize the product directly. The technology also offers potential improvements in cost, life and reliability for AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) that have become common. This is a much larger market than the military need and would act to further drive down the price. Return