Eonix LLC — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: A19-166

Description

The Army’s ambitious Next Generation Combat Vehicle (NGCV) program calls for the increased electrification of vehicles to improve fuel efficiency and operational range, permit operations in electric-only silent mode, and provide battery backup for onboard soldiers. Unfortunately, the implementation of these advanced technologies in the NGCV is stifled by absence of a safe, durable energy storage option for the battlefield. The use of conventional lithium ion batteries (LIB) that have enabled electrification for the consumer vehicle market in the NGCV would result in a significant battlefield vulnerability due to the flammable and explosive tendencies of LIBs in extreme conditions. Currently, costly thermal battery management systems (BMS) are engineered into systems containing LIBs to improve safety. Eonix proposes the development of a next generation non-flammable electrolyte that is drop-in compatible with current lithium ion batteries to enable the first energy storage device that can be safely, simply, and extensively implemented in the NGCV without the need for complex, costly BMS to manage safety. The development of non-flammable LIBs will enable the NGCV to be safely electrified, allowing Warfighters to realize the tactical and operational benefits of electrification without also assuming the risk and vulnerabilities of conventional flammable LIBs.