The Department of Defense, specifically the Army, is seeking proposals for the development of an advanced fiber-based electronic battery system under the SBIR program. The objective is to create a safe, stable, high-capacity, rechargeable battery that can be integrated into the fabric of Soldiers' equipment, significantly reducing their combat load while ensuring adequate power for electronic systems. This initiative addresses the challenge of excessive battery weight carried by Soldiers, aiming to embed the battery system into items like rucksacks and other fabric-based gear without adding unnecessary bulk. Interested parties can submit Phase I proposals for up to $250,000, with a performance period of six months, and the application deadline is May 21, 2025. For more details, visit the solicitation link at https://www.sbir.gov/topics/11873.

OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Microelectronics; Advanced Materials   OBJECTIVE: The goal of this topic is to develop a safe, stable, high-capacity, rechargeable, fiber-based structural battery that can be woven into the fabric of equipment worn by Soldiers and provide a power source for their electronic systems. DESCRIPTION: On the modern battlefield, the combat load of a dismounted Soldier can exceed 100lbs on average. Often, 1/10 of that combat load is simply the batteries to power all their equipment. Mass proliferation of Soldier carried/worn equipment requires an equal or greater number of batteries to power the equipment for the duration of the mission. In order to reduce the load carried by a Soldier while still maintaining adequate power for the Soldier’s electronic systems, the Army desires a rechargeable, fiber-based structural battery system that can be woven into the assault pack or rucksack of the Soldier, as well as other areas of the Soldier’s equipment loadout. By off-loading the power capacity to a fiber-based battery system in the Soldier’s pack and other carried equipment, the weight burden on the Soldier will be greatly reduced while maintaining operational efficiency. PHASE I: This topic is accepting Phase I proposals for a cost up to $250,000 for a 6-month period of performance. Development of an integrated rechargeable fiber-based battery into military end-item equipment. This can take the form of portions of the rucksack or other fabric-based equipment. PHASE II: Development of a stable, safe, high-power, rechargeable fiber-based battery compatible with current Army power connector types, embedded into specific substrates used in military clothing and individual equipment. Power capacity required should match or exceed the current capacity of the Conformal/Rigid Wearable Battery system (125 Wh/kg). The battery system should not add unnecessary weight or size to the Ruck or Assault pack. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Any business involved in the electronic industry would greatly benefit from the innovations developed under this STTR. Industrial uses in vehicles would also benefit from technology developed under this STTR. • Sportswear & Human Performance: Energy-enabled and rechargeable textiles will likely see increased demand, similar to that of wearable rings, like Oura. • Automotive: Energy-storing fabrics could be used in car interiors to power sensors, displays, or even contribute to the vehicle's overall energy system. • Construction & Building Materials: E-textiles can be integrated into building materials to help regulate temperature and reduce energy consumption. • Healthcare: Energy demands for continuous remote patient monitoring   REFERENCES: 1. “MIT engineers produce the world’s longest flexible fiber battery“ https://news.mit.edu/2021/fiber-battery-longest-1220 2. “An Overview of Fiber-Shaped Batteries with a Focus on Multifunctionality, Scalability, and Technical Difficulties” https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/adma.201902151 3. "A review on recent advancement of nano-structured-fiber-based metal-air batteries and future perspective” https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1364032120303762 KEYWORDS: Rechargeable; Battery; Fiber-based; Power; Energy-Capacity; Electronics; Background

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