TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Ground/Sea Vehicles, Electronics

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: Marine Corps PM Expeditionary Power Systems, Michael Gallagher

OBJECTIVE: Develop and demonstrate a state-of-charge technology for Zn/Air batteries.

DESCRIPTION: Many missions in remote locations are currently limited by the amount of power that can be carried on foot and/or left in place for unattended equipment operation. Currently non-rechargeable batteries offer better energy densities to rechargeable batteries but these energy densities are still too low leaving the Marine with a large battery burden. Advanced rechargeable batteries are anticipated to significantly reduce the overall number of batteries for Marine Corps Expeditionary units. However, the energy densities of these rechargeable batteries are not expected to see large increase over current state-of-the-art in the near future. In addition these rechargeable batteries must have a sustainable power source to recharge them in the field in order to see any weight savings.

To solve the Marine�s battery weight burden advanced metal air batteries are being developed. These batteries are showing promising increase in energy densities, >350 Wh/kg, and can deliver significant power in hybrid configurations. One problem with the metal air chemistry is a lack of state of charge (SOC) indication technology. This technology is currently being pushed in all portable batteries and is very important to the acceptability and full use of metal air technology.

This innovative research is to develop a SOC technology for Zn/Air batteries. In order to develop this technology several environmental factors beyond the discharge profile must be factored into the SOC technology. Some of these environmental factors include temperature, humidity and O2 exposure times. These environmental factors will be influenced by the physical arrangement of the technology including whether it is a forced air system or open air system. Predictions as to the percent error, across a wide range of discharge states, environmental, and storage conditions, should be given for the SOC technology and supported by data. The SOC technology should be small and have a low cost impact on the overall Zn/Air battery. Power consumption for the SOC technology should be minimal over the life of the Zn/Air battery. The Navy will only fund proposals that are innovative and involve technical R&D risk.

PHASE I: Develop and demonstrate innovative Zn/Air SOC system design concepts that address the above requirements. Key acceptability factors mentioned above such as cost, size, and accuracy should be talked about in the final report. Current technology readiness levels (TRLs) should be used to discuss the components needed in the design of the SOC system. Feasibility of the proposed design and anticipated improvements during Phase II should be supported by available scientific test data. Make recommendations for a Phase II detailed design and document in a technical report.

PHASE II: Build and demonstrate one lot of prototype devices suitable for advanced laboratory and supervised field-testing. Develop and implement a test plan that will evaluate the accuracy off the SOC indicator with Zn/Air batteries at various states of charge and under various environmental and storage conditions. Deliver several prototype units for Marine Corps testing. Provide interaction as needed during Marine Corps advanced laboratory testing and limited field-testing of the packaged prototype units.

PHASE III: Prepare a manufacturing plan and marketing plan to sell this product to the government as well as the private sector. Make the necessary teaming arrangements with the manufacturers of the components used in this product.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: Advanced metal-air technology is competing in electric vehicle and emergency power markets. SOC technology would be very beneficial for these commercial applications.

REFERENCES:
1. Advanced military batteries for the digital battlefield: A technology challenge by Dick Hooker

KEYWORDS: Zn/Air; Power Sources; State of Charge; Metal Air; Portable Power; Batteries

TPOC: William Story
Phone: (703)432-3695
Fax: (703)432-3532
Email: [email protected]

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

DoD Notice:   Between May 1, 2006 and June 13, 2006, you may talk directly with the Topic Author(s) to ask technical questions about the topics. Their contact information is listed above. For reasons of competitive fairness, direct communication between proposers and topic authors is not allowed starting June 14, 2006 , when DoD begins accepting proposals for this solicitation.

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