Alternative Power for Anti-Submarine Warfare Targets

Navy SBIR 22.1 - Topic N221-057
NAVSEA - Naval Sea Systems Command
Opens: January 12, 2022 - Closes: February 10, 2022 (12:00pm est)

N221-057 TITLE: Alternative Power for Anti-Submarine Warfare Targets

OUSD (R&E) MODERNIZATION PRIORITY: General Warfighting Requirements (GWR)

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws.

OBJECTIVE: Develop an alternate power source greater than 3.6 KWhrs in a 6.75 inch diameter by 30 inch length extended endurance section for the MK39 Expendable Mobile Anti-Submarine-warfare Training Target (EMATT).

DESCRIPTION: Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) training is conducted most effectively when air, surface, and subsurface platforms train in the operational environment. Training against live submarines is costly and often not available; therefore, mobile ASW training targets fill this critical training need. The addition of a larger and higher density power source to the MK39 EMATT would give its users more options to improve its emulation of a submarine for ASW proficiency training. The baseline MK39 EMATT is powered by a Li SO2 battery capable of doing 3 to 8 knots, is very high in energy density, is low cost, has a long active life, contains lithium metal, and is pressurized. The existing battery uses L026SXC cells manufactured by SAFT, Inc. The battery pack consists of two (2) parallel strings of fifteen (15) D-size L026SXC cells connected in series (15S2P). This provides a 45 Volt (V) power source with a capacity rating of 16 Ampere-hours (Ah). Each string is protected by redundant diodes and the pack is fused with an 8 amp slow blow fuse. The existing form factor is much smaller than the 6.75 inch diameter by 30 inch length extended endurance section to be investigated under this SBIR effort.

The objective is to develop an alternative power source that accomplishes the requirements and meets the goals set by the MK39 EMATT program and ASW targets.

The Navy is in need of an innovative way of powering the MK39 EMATT and ASW targets. The SBIR topic seeks development of a power source that is expended after one use that is not required to be recharged. This SBIR effort would evaluate concepts based on specific needs such as endurance and sprint speed. Currently there are emerging methods such as fuel cell, battery paper, carbon zinc, etc. both commercially and in Government. Increasing the power capabilities of an ASW training target will make it more realistic to real world threats. Also, with increased power ASW targets will have a wider range of capabilities. This includes increased speed, additional sensors, and increased endurance. With the addition of an extended endurance section to the EMATT that is 6.75 inch diameter by 30 inch length, the cg (Center Of Gravity) becomes an issue to investigate as the EMATT is negatively buoyant. The goal is to have a cg of -1.5 inches or less below the center of buoyance. The goal for buoyancy of the section to be approximately neutrally buoyant.

An innovative way of powering the MK39 EMATT and ASW targets should enable a longer run time per vehicle, looking at approximately an objective time of 24 hours. Desired voltage is to maintain the baseline 45Volts. Estimated amperage required for the speed range of the larger vehicle is approximately 10-15 amps. Driving down the cost per hour below $100 per hour is also desired. The Navy would like to develop and build thirty to forty prototype power sources for testing and evaluation.

System performance will be demonstrated through bench and safety testing. The awardee will perform bench testing, at the awardee�s facility, to determine if the prototype meets size, weight, and power. Bench testing is expected to be conducted halfway through the Phase II effort. Evaluation results will be used to refine the prototype into an initial design that will meet Navy requirements. Conduct safety testing in accordance with Navy lithium safety program responsibilities and procedures of S9310-AQ-SAF-010 [Ref 1] as applicable with Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock. Conduct safety testing in accordance with High-Energy Storage System Safety Manual, SG270-BV-SAF-010 [Ref 2] with Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock. Safety testing will be conducted at the end of the Phase II effort. The prototype shall meet operational temperature requirements of -5�F to 135�F. The prototype shall meet operational vibration requirements of exposure to a random vibration of 20 Hz to 1126 Hz for duration of 3 hours. The prototype is not required to meet any operational shock requirements, however the prototype design shall be evaluated to determine shock survivability.

PHASE I: Develop an initial concept design and feasibility of an extended endurance power source. Consider how the candidate alternate power supply can be integrated into the ASW mobile training target. Provide design data and analysis to substantiate the findings. Demonstrate the feasibility of the concept to meet the parameters listed in the Description through modeling, simulation, and analysis. The Phase I Option, if exercised, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities description to build a prototype solution in Phase II.

PHASE II: Based on the results of Phase I and the Phase II Statement of Work (SOW), the small business will develop and deliver a prototype for evaluation as appropriate. Approximately Thirty power sources shall be built for testing and evaluation. The prototype will be evaluated to determine its capability in meeting the performance goals defined in the Phase II SOW. System performance will be demonstrated through prototype evaluation as described in the Description. Evaluation results will be used to refine the prototype into an initial design that will meet Navy requirements. Conduct safety testing in accordance with Navy lithium safety program responsibilities and procedures of S9310-AQ-SAF-010 as applicable. Conduct safety testing in accordance with High-Energy Storage System Safety Manual, SG270-BV-SAF-010. Conduct environmental testing.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support the Navy in transitioning the technology to its intended platform for Navy use. Develop the extended 6.75 inch diameter by 30 inch length extended power source for evaluation to determine its effectiveness in an operationally relevant environment. Support the Navy for test and validation to certify and quantify the system for Navy use. The developed power source will be transitioned for use in the MK39 EMATT and other ASW targets.

Compact High-Energy Storage Systems are in demand for a variety of commercial applications including automobiles, unmanned undersea vehicles, emergency and portable power systems, and residential storage.

REFERENCES:

  1. "S9310-AQ-SAF-010: NAVY LITHIUM BATTERY SAFETY PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITIES AND PROCEDURES." NAVSEA Technical Report, 03 November 2020. https://navysbir.com/n21_1/Topic-N211-033-Reference_Document_S9310-AQ-SAF-010-Rev3.pdf.
  2. "SG270-BV-SAF-010 High-Energy Storage System Safety Manual (27-April-2011)." http://everyspec.com/USN/NAVSEA/SG270-BV-SAF-010_27APR2011_50446/.
  3. Staffell, Iain, Scamman Daniel, Balcombe Paul. "The role of hydrogen and fuel cells in the global energy system" Energy & Environmental Science, 10, December 2018.
  4. Technical Manual: Expendable Mobile ASW Training Target (EMATT), Mark 39 MOD 3, Description, Operation, Launch, and Handling.
  5. "Hight Rate DD Cell Lithium Sulfuryl Chloride." Electrochem An Integer Company : 8 December 2020. https://s24.q4cdn.com/142631039/files/pdf/3B0036-datasheet.pdf.

KEYWORDS: energy source; energy density; endurance; Anti-Submarine Warfare; ASW targets; Expendable Mobile Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Target; MK39 EMATT; advanced power source

** TOPIC NOTICE **

The Navy Topic above is an "unofficial" copy from the overall DoD 22.1 SBIR BAA. Please see the official DoD Topic website at rt.cto.mil/rtl-small-business-resources/sbir-sttr/ for any updates.

The DoD issued its 22.1 SBIR BAA pre-release on December 1, 2021, which opens to receive proposals on January 12, 2022, and closes February 10, 2022 (12:00pm est).

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