Multi-Functional High Energy, High Power Lithium-Polymer Batteries for MAVs

Micro air vehicles (MAV) are envisioned to play a substantial role in carrying out critical missions for the Nation’s future military force. However due to their small size, deficiencies in critical technologies may limit the operational performance of future MAVs. Arguably, on-board power may be the most mission-limiting issue facing future MAVs. To address this need, ADA Technologies, Inc. proposes the development of a novel, multifunctional power source that combines the functionality of a high energy device (e.g., fuel cells or high energy Li-ion battery) with a high power device (e.g., high power Li-ion battery or ultracapacitor). The hybrid-power device proposed here is essentially an advanced Lithium-polymer battery design that is capable of operating in both high-power or high-energy modes with great efficiency, thus eliminating the need for separate devices (e.g., battery and ultracapacitor). BENEFIT: The increased energy and power density provided by the proposed technology will enable greater on-board power for MAVs as well as allowing for more payload capacity thereby broadening the mission profile for next generation MAVs. Furthermore, the developments undertaken will substantially improve the state-of-the-art of energy storage devices. Thus if successful, the resulting technology could have substantial commercial impact as the overall market for battery technologies is estimated to be in excess of $6B per year. Spin-off applications include hybrid electric vehicles, utility grid applications, personal electronics and medical devices.