The overall technical objective for this proposed effort is to develop 1,000 amp-hour, minimum Ni-Zn battery concept that will achieve 75% of capacity, or better, through 200+ Navy Equivalent Charge/Discharge cycles. This will include a detailed three-dimensional design model of the cell that includes key components and design parameters critical to the performance. Examples of these components and parameters include electrode dimensions and separator design. The design package will also include projected capacity, power, and cycle life performance. This will be supported by test data generated by a series of 140 Ah cell evaluations specifically designed to include features considered for use in this large format concept. In addition, the design package will include a detailed discussion on the manufacturability of the proposed cell concept. This will involve an evaluation of the various manufacturing process steps and how they will need to change in order to accommodate the manufacturing of a large format cell as compared to the current G31 format. sir is proposing to exercise the Phase I Option and will develop detailed design specifications for the proposed cell concept. This will include a detailed drawing package of the cell design, including key components and manufacturing parameters. In addition, a manufacturing flow process plan for the cell concept will be developed and finalized so to be readily implemented in a subsequent Phase II. This will include documentation of processes, tooling, and fixtures on the assembly line.
Benefit: AEsir intends to be the supplier to DOD for Nickle Zinc chemistry battery systems. In 2018 ZAF (now sir) started low-rate initial production (LRIP) factory operations in Joplin. Our business strategy is to continue to serve customers in the aerospace and defense market indefinitely. With the initial LRIP line successfully in place, our business plan is to expand and streamline our production through improvements and acquisitions of the necessary manufacturing equipment and processes. sir is also preparing to assist license partners in the motive, industrial, energy storage system, and consumer markets to meet their product lines. We are now focusing on fulfilling our current contracts with the US Air Force and Navy. sir agrees with the DoNs characterization potential markets presented in this RFP This technology has potential commercial transition to other applications such as aircraft, alternative energy, and data center energy storage. Large-scale Ni-Zn batteries can easily be integrated into current lead-acid applications such as engine start, trucking, and large-scale data centers. Large format Nickel-Zinc cells have a distinct advantage over other chemistries in commercial applications like grid storage and large-scale data centers where power requirements are exceeding tens of Mega-Watts, if not hundreds of Mega-Watts. This trend in larger size energy storage demand is driven by the move to incorporate renewables in the grid and more demand for virtual and digital platforms in day-to-day life. Larger format cells are more efficient to use than smaller format cells that need to be paralleled to make the capacity targets. This is regardless of chemistry. However, Ni-Zn has twice life and energy density of Lead-Acid batteries and large format Li-Ion cells present an even more severe safety issue than Li-Ion currently presents in smaller formats.
Keywords: Submarine Main Storage Battery, Submarine Main Storage Battery, Safer Alternative to Lithium-ion, Nickel-Zinc battery, Rechargeable Nickel-Zinc Batteries, Nickel-Zinc Alternative Energy, Nickel-Zinc Replace Lead-Acid
