Composite Solid Polymer Electrolyte (CPSE) Solid State Battery for UAS

Turbo-generators (or other prime power sources) meeting the stringent size, weight, performance, reliability, operational lifecycle, and environmental requirements for existing DoD UASs are already at the limits of available technology. Small turbines and generators suffer from scale effects that drive their ideal operating point to higher turbine inlet temperatures and shaft speeds greater than conventional materials and designs allow. Operating at off-ideal conditions reduces the overall thermal efficiency, mass-specific performance, and operational life of miniature turbine generator systems.Solid State Battery, Inc (SSBI) proposes to develop a compact, high-efficiency prime power system for potential reuse, with power density exceeding current Department of Defense (DoD) unmanned aerial systems (UASs)Ýtechnologies. The design specs require a cylindrical form factor at a target volume of 0.0125 m3 of with the center of gravity located on the center axis, a not-to-exceed (NTE) 90mm mating device, a 27-VDC output, a 20-25kW power level, with a demonstrated reliability for a minimum 60-flight. Many industries and DoD systems use turbine generators (turbo-generators) for their high energy density and power-to-weight ratio. In aviation, the power both propulsion and tactical payloads, enabling optimal power allocation for aircraft performance and payload functionality. Here, turbine generators are preferred for high power output, use of high-energy fuels, low vibration, and reduced maintenance. However, current turbine generators face challenges in meeting size, weight, performance, reliability, and lifespan requirements due to material limitations at small scales.ÝMany companies and research institutes are focused on increasing battery usage time by enhancing Li-ion battery capacity, particularly by employing solid-state battery components. To achieve this, efforts are underway to develop batteries of high capacity, high efficiency, and safer solid electrolytes and lithium metal anode batteries. The primary issues involve mechanical failure as well as interface contamination during charge/discharge cycles. This causes a decrease in capacity and an increase in resistance, thereby shortening battery life. Efforts to solidify the electrolytes have introduced challenges related to binders, conductive materials, and manufacturing processes. Fast charging performance also suffers due to dendrite formation and lithium metal deposition, which can lead to safety hazards and reduced cycle life.ÝÝ