SBIR-STTR Award

Front Edge Technology's (FET) work will demonstrate the feasibility of combining solar-cells and thin-film batteries to create a practical self-contained power source for Marine expeditionary forces. A subscale 28-volt breadboard system, using high-efficiency Spectrolab solar-cells, FET's existing thin-film batteries, and off-the-shelf charging circuit will be fabricated and tested during Phase I. The tests are expected to demonstrate the feasibility and verify the characteristics of FET's proposed full-scale system. The full-size FET system will be built during Phase II and be able to provide 100W of peak power and 200Wh of stored energy from a flexible wearable array measuring only 0.3 square meters in area by 1.1mm thick, and weighing one kilogram

The Phase II program will complete the development and demonstration of a portable, lightweight, self-contained solar/battery power system that can be carried by individual soldiers to power their electronics gear (radio, NOD, etc). Phase I demonstrated the system feasibility by combining Front Edge Technology (FET) high-specific-energy thin-film batteries and Spectrolab high-efficiency (31%) solar cells, in a subscale breadboard system which can recharge batteries in as little as 14% sunlight. A full-size system design (finalized during the Phase I Option period) will have the following characteristics: • 3.1-pound weight • 200Wh of energy storage at 12/24V (same as BA5590) • Fully rechargeable in 6 hours in 65% sunlight • Approximately 0.2m2 in total area (~ 16” x 18”) when laid out on ground • Foldable, and storable in pocket of fatigue pants The system will also have a “fuel gage” to determine the remaining battery capacity, and a “fast-charge” (<1 hour) capability from an external power source (e.g., field generator). During Phase II, FET will scale-up its existing thin-film battery cells, and fabricate packaged 4.2V 2Wh cells, self-contained 12V 25Wh solar/battery modules, and a complete 24V 200Wh system. FET will also conduct design studies of other configuration/application options.

Keywords:
Thin-Film Battery, Solar Power, Portable Photovoltaic Power Systems, Solar/Battery Power Systems, Autonomous Soldier Power.