TDA RESEARCH, INC. — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: Air launched small unmanned aerial systems (SUAS) are limited by the current use of lithiu
TDA RESEARCH, INC. — SBIR Phase I award from Department of Defense.
- Amount
- $100,000
- Agency
- Department of Defense · Special Operations Command
- Program / Phase
- SBIR · Phase I
- Solicitation
- 2011.1
- NAICS
- —
- Place of performance
- CO
- Period
- 2011-05-20
Description
Air launched small unmanned aerial systems (SUAS) are limited by the current use of lithium-ion batteries (~150 Wh/kg) for power. To obtain a 4 hour run time of Group 1 SUAS a new battery technology is needed. TDA Research has discovered a fundamentally new battery cathode chemistry for high capacity primary (non-rechargeable) batteries. The new material has an even higher theoretical capacity (3050 Wh/kg) than commercial CFx (2160 Wh/kg) cathode batteries. However, in contrast to the intrinsically hazardous and expensive synthesis needed to make CFx, our cathode can be made under relatively mild conditions. In our preliminary experiments we have achieved encouraging discharge capacities proving the feasibility of the new battery system. In addition, this new battery system will prove superior to lithium-ion batteries in safety, non-toxicity and cost.