Fast Charge Silicon Anode Lithium-Ion Cells for Small UAS Systems
ID: A24B-T006Type: Phase I
Overview

Topic

Fast Charge Silicon Anode Lithium-Ion Cells for Small UAS Systems

Agency

Department of DefenseN/A

Program

Type: STTRPhase: Phase IYear: 2024

Topic Link

https://www.sbir.gov/node/2605943

Additional Information

https://www.defensesbirsttr.mil/SBIR-STTR/Opportunities/
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the topic of "Fast Charge Silicon Anode Lithium-Ion Cells for Small UAS Systems" as part of their Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I program. The objective of this topic is to develop fast charge silicon anode lithium-ion cells for small unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The current challenge is the inability to fast charge commercial graphite anode Li-ion cells to specific energies greater than 110 Wh/kg. The proposed technology based on silicon (Si) anodes has demonstrated fast charge capability in prototype cells, but faces challenges with cycle life, calendar life, and safety. The goal is to develop Si based fast charge cells with a specific energy greater than 200 Wh/kg in 6 minutes of charge.

    In Phase I, the focus is on demonstrating single/few layer Si anode full cells that can be fast charged at 10C (6 minute) rates and cycle for over 1000 continuous cycles at 3C discharge to over 80% capacity. Phase II involves producing and characterizing cells in sufficient quantities to fully characterize them for rate, temperature performance, and continuous cycling stability. The deliverables for Phase II include 20 full cells with a rated capacity of over 2Ah capable of 10C/3C charge-discharge cycling at an energy density of over 200 Wh/kg at the 10C charge rate.

    The potential applications of this technology include energy sharing, increased pace of operations, and compact energy sources for high power devices. It can be used in storage for high energy storage modules, jammer applications, 6T battery applications, and fast charge batteries in UAS systems. Commercial applications include batteries for hybrid electric vehicles and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. If the Phase III program is successful, likely sources of funding include PEO Soldier, PM UAS, and C5ISR.

    The deadline for proposal submission is June 12, 2024. More information can be found on the grants.gov website or the DOD SBIR/STTR Opportunities page.

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