OPEX SYSTEMS, LLC — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: A20-047

Description

The Army is seeking a novel, inverter-integrated 6T, Li-Ion (LiFePO4) battery module suitable for highly-agile tactical operational energy (OE) needs. We are proposing an R&D effort to develop a compact and modular product called “ACDC-6T” to address this need innovatively. This technology will incorporate several innovative component technologies integrated to achieve superior power and energy densities (Volumetric and Gravimetric efficiencies) than the state-of-the-art technologies. It will have flexible functional capabilities to operate in stand-alone, parallel and tactical microgrid configurations.  We have several years of experience in working on DoD’s expeditionary power and energy related S&T initiatives and hence have the needed domain expertise to create this innovative technology. Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), with their world-leading expertise in several of the proposed novel component technologies will be our R&D partner for this project. Together we plan to develop a novel, yet near-term deploy-able product to tremendously enhance warfighter capabilities. The proposed effort has garnered the interest of a leading Li-Ion OEM battery manufacturer, as a potential commercialization partner.  During the Phase I effort, we will investigate the feasibility of developing the proposed “ACDC-6T” product. We will also fabricate a proof-of-concept (PoC) product at the end of Phase I Base period and during the Phase I Option period we will demonstrate this TRL-4 PoC product to the Army.