Energy Storage Enclosure Technologies for High Density Devices

Energy storage systems comprised of high-density batteries, capacitors and/or flywheel technologies provide numerous benefits for shipboard power systems. However, high-density energy storage systems which must be installed in locations populated by personnel and sensitive equipment can fail catastrophically. Robust enclosure designs and materials are required that are capable of overcoming effects related to temperature, pressure and inertial effects at the same time. Innovative enclosure designs are required because the size and weight of the enclosure cannot substantially reduce the power density of the energy storage system. The enclosure cannot expand the volume of the racked storage components by more than 10%. This project will develop a cost effective, lightweight, corrosion and fire resistant, robust composite Energy Storage System Protective Enclosure that will contain all electrical, fire, chemical and inertial hazards of the energy storage system while meeting the structural and environmental exposure design requirements for use onboard U.S. Navy ships. The protective enclosure will be constructed from composite materials that will meet all U.S. Navy design requirements including fire, smoke and toxicity, and all environmental and chemical exposures. The composite protective enclosure design will not expand the volume of the racked storage components by more than 10%.