MEMS Electrochemical Power Supply for Miniature Satellites

TPL proposes to develop a novel MEMS power supply employing volumetric lithium ion microbatteries and micro-supercapacitors for miniature satellites. This configuration will provide high energy density and rechargeability for longevity and high specific power capability for handling both steady state and transient high power demands in an electrochemical micro-power system. The proposed design is unique because it embodies volumetric energy storage in cells that are 1mm3 in extent. Existing MEMS microbatteries are area/planar designs that require large footprints (tens of mm2) to achieve useful capacities. The proposed space power system is area conforming and can be integrated with minimum volume systems. No existing satellite power system can make this claim. These innovative devices will exploit TPL?s novel soft lithography microcontact printing (?CP) fabrication process to construct components that have both high power and high energy densities in an electrochemical device. The PI has pioneered the use of soft lithography ?CP as a novel microfabrication process for non-silicon materials for advanced packaging and has excellent capabilities to achieve the project objectives. The effort will build on ongoing relationships with space and defense OEMs to deliver a product suitable for immediate insertion into space-based defense systems.