As the demand for on-board power and total energy-storage capacity in U.S. Air Force satellites has continued to increase, there has been an increasing trend towards the use of battery technologies with higher energy density potential. To this end, Li-ion batteries are now becoming the new industry standard for use as rechargeable secondary batteries in space vehicles. However, cycle-life degradation remains concerning to the space community. Further, the U.S. Air Force desires higher specific energy batteries for future satellite missions. In response to this need, Solid Powers proposes to utilize its ultra high energy, all solid-state rechargeable battery technology to meet the U.S. Air Forces requirements for high energy and long cycle life energy storage systems. The proposed Phase I program will optimize the solid-state battery technology in order to meet the unique requirements for Air Force satellite on-board energy systems.
Benefit: If successful, the proposed all solid-state rechargeable battery will substantially advance the state-of-the-art rechargeable battery technology. As a result, the benefit potential for both the U.S. military and commercial sector is vast. Beyond U.S. Air Force satellites, the proposed technology could benefit a number of military applications including unmanned vehicles (ground, air and underwater), missile systems and portable power devices among several others. Non-military commercial applications that could benefit from the proposed technology include electric vehicles, industrial energy storage, commercial aerospace and consumer electronics among several others.
