TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Ground/Sea Vehicles, Electronics

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMS 320, Electric Ship Office

OBJECTIVE: Develop an advanced energy storage module capable of maintaining rated power for 5 to 10 minutes with energy densities of no less than 150Wh/Liter, and requiring minimal interface with existing systems.

DESCRIPTION: The Navy has evaluated many technologies which may be suitable as part of an energy storage solution. The forms currently of particular interest are: electro-chemical (e.g., fuel cells and batteries), electro-static (e.g., capacitors and super capacitors), thermal (e.g., thermal piles), and kinetic (e.g., flywheels). However, today�s energy storage devices do not yet have the energy density, operational flexibility or shelf life necessary for shipboard application. As a result, the Navy is not able to capitalize on the latest energy efficiency technologies which require the ability to seamlessly provide uninterrupted power at all times. The development of a shipboard-compliant energy storage system would be a significant enabler for the single generator operation and a hybrid drive system currently under development. It is estimated that these advances in ships� capability can lead to dramatic fuel savings of over 12,000 barrels of fuel per year per ship (a 9% reduction per vessel).

This topic seeks innovative approaches to the development of an advanced energy storage module. All internal electrical and thermal connections for the energy storage package must be designed such that they can be inserted or replaced in a reasonable fashion (i.e., accessible, rugged connections but not necessarily hot-swappable). Generally, it is desirable that the modules and system not require active cooling (external to the power cabinet) at full power levels. Proposed energy storage module concepts should meet the following thresholds:

- Energy Storage 150Wh/Liter.
- Power Density 2000W/Liter.
- 6000 full discharge /charge cycles while maintaining 80% of initial performance.
- 5 year shelf life, capable of sustained storage.
- Operation at temperatures as high as 150F.
- Maintain rated power for 5-10 minutes.
- Modular: able to disassemble to a hatchable dimension (26" x 66" oval hatch) and re-assembled at point of installation.
- Weight: maximum 500 lbs per module.

PHASE I: Demonstrate the feasibility of the development of an energy storage module capable of being incorporated into a power electronics and ship interface module that meets the above thresholds. Evaluate attributes of the system, including energy density, power density, size, weight, transient dynamics, shelf life, anticipated maintenance requirements, ability to withstand a shipboard environment, and thermal impact using detailed models or small subscale components. Provide a Phase II development approach and schedule that contains discrete milestones for product development.

PHASE II: Finalize the design concept from Phase I and fabricate a diagnostic test bed prototype for a 500kW-level demonstrator. Validate prototype capabilities using laboratory testing and provide results. Demonstrate proposed installation, maintenance, repair, and regeneration methodologies. Develop a cost/benefit analysis and perform testing and validation.

PHASE III: Install and test on a DDG-51 Class destroyer. Provide detailed drawings and specifications. Technology will have potential to transition to all US Navy platforms that require advanced energy storage technologies.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: Advanced high energy density safe moderate scale affordable energy storage will be directly applicable to facilities that require seamless UPS for information systems. It will allow cost effective clean power by smoothing voltage droops and provide additional capability to the medical community to have extended use technology remotely available for advanced patient monitoring and care.

REFERENCES:
1. Shipboard electric power quality of service; Doerry, N. H.; Clayton, D.; 2005 IEEE Electric Ship Technologies Symposium, pp. 274-279.

2. Hybrid Power System with a Controlled Energy Storage, Eduard Muljadi, Senior Member, IEEE, Jan T. Bialasiewicz, Senior Member, IEEE.

3. Next Generation Integrated Power Systems (NGIPS) Roadmap:
https://www.neco.navy.mil/synopsis_file/N00024NGIPS_Technology_Dev_Roadmap_final_Distro_A.pdf.

4. Future Naval Capabilities website: //www.onr.navy.mil/fncs.

KEYWORDS: Energy Storage; power electronics; modular; alternative power.

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

DoD Notice:   Between November 12 and December 7, 2008, you may talk directly with the Topic Authors 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 December 8, 2008, when DoD begins accepting proposals for this solicitation.

However, proposers may still submit written questions about solicitation topics through the DoD's SBIR/STTR Interactive Topic Information System (SITIS), in which the questioner and respondent remain anonymous and all questions and answers are posted electronically for general viewing until the solicitation closes. All proposers are advised to monitor SITIS (09.1 Q&A) during the solicitation period for questions and answers, and other significant information, relevant to the SBIR 09.1 topic under which they are proposing.

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