Retriev Technologies, Inc. — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: N142-110

Description

The Sonobuoy has been and is continuing to be used for safeguarding Navy ships and other related applications. But the need for even higher power and more capabilities from the Sonobuoy has increased the demand for more power from its primary battery to support pulses from the present 4500 watts to 6500 watts pulses. LithChem Energy (LCE) has developed the highest power battery in the world with a power density of >10,000 W/kg with an energy density of 120 Wh/kg and capable of pulses up to 200 C rate. This battery also has the long shelf life needed for the Sonobuoy. LCE will initially make a 124 V battery which fits into the present Sonobuoy battery volume based on LCE high power AA cells which can achieve 200 pings of 6500 watt-second pulses on a 10% duty cycle over an 8 hour period. LCE will then demonstrate a new cylindrical cell (35450) which is capable of 200 pings of a Sonobuoy battery at >8000 watt-second pulses under the same test requirements. This new LCE battery also has the potential for providing ten-second 8000 watt pulses. This battery will open up new applications and capabilities for this proven Navy system.