The advanced warfighter is increasingly dependent upon electronics equipment that requires a lightweight and reliable source of portable electric energy. The standard energy storage systems that are available to the warfighter are antiquated and do not meet the requirements of the advanced warfighter deployed for C4ISR tactical engagement. Electro Energy Mobile Products Inc. is developing a very high specific energy portable rechargeable battery using bipolar lithium ion technology that will meet these needs.
The batteries will have a specific energy greater than 200 Wh/kg and be available in two different configurations. The first configuration will be that of the BB-2590/U and will provide greater than 10 ampere hours at 30 V and greater than 20 ampere hours at 15 V. The battery will have a pulse capability of 20 A in the 30 volt configuration and 20 A in the 15 volt configuration. The battery will have an excellent operational temperature range and have a life of over 400 cycles.
The battery development will also include the design and development of a battery in a wearable configuration that will be much more suitable for the tactical warfighter to carry. The design will use human engineering factors and will allow the battery to more ergonomically comfortable, effective and safe. In addition, it is anticipated that this configuration will be easily and quickly charged from a 24 volt power source.
This paper will present test data that describes the configuration of the batteries characterizes the operation of the batteries and demonstrates the capability of the batteries to meet the C4ISR battle field requirements. Data will include voltage traces at various current draws, voltage traces during high pulses, specific energy calculations and capacity and recharge profiles.
The batteries will also have applications in wild land firefighting, homeland security, and local government first responders.