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To: P. Ramamoorthy who wrote (21029)8/14/2000 10:41:01 AM
From: ikonoklast53  Respond to of 27311
 
Ram,

Yes, it is looking good. Hopefully we can get confrimation on other apps through more PO's soon.

BTW, came across this and wonder if Alliant/ Valence is invoved with this Air Force project using Li-polymer in small satellites. Not sure about the date but appears to have been intiated this year.

Regards,
Gary

dtic.mil

-----------------------------------------------------

Fuel Efficiency and Advanced Propulsion Technology

DoD will benefit significantly from the development of fuel-efficient,
low-emission power sources. This need is pervasive among all of the
services due to the cost and logistics burden of providing fuel to
combat forces. This initiative will focus on the efficient increase of
speed and thrust, reducing fuel requirements, and reducing emissions.
The driving forces for improved power and propulsion in the consumer
sector are the same as for the military: increased density, enhanced
safety, lower cost and environmental friendliness while still increasing
power/energy density. The results of these initiatives will be directly
applicable to both the military and commercial markets.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

00-PR-02
TITLE: Integrated Layered Power Source For Space Based Radar

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this effort is to fabricate an integrated
layered power source composed of a rechargeable lithium polymer battery
and a high efficiency solar cell. The TechSat21 initiative (ARFL/VS) has
proposed a unique solution to the space based radar need composed of
many small size satellites which communicate by forming a network which
mimics a much larger single radar array. An enabling technology for this
concept is a solar energy source sized to fit in the space and weight
requirements. The concept proposed here would support TechSat21 and many
other satellite concepts. The article to be developed consists of a
solar cell packaged together with a battery and controller/thermal
management forming a "sandwich" or layered single article that
generates, stores, and distributes energy to the satellite. The solar
cell required for this type of construct is now under development at
AFRL/VS and is expected to deliver a 35% efficient cell which will
significantly reduce the area needed for power generation. The
technology to be investigated here, the lithium-polymer battery, would
provide the energy storage medium and the structure for the unit. Based
on experiments and analysis done to date, an energy density of 300 to
400 Wh/kg is attainable. In addition, the energy storage needs to
function over a broad temperature range from -20 to +70 &degC. Weight
reductions and increased run times associated with the high energy
density are attractive for reducing launch weight costs and extending
mission capability. These features are highly desirable in commercial
applications such as space satellite networks, electric vehicle
applications, cellular phones and lap top computers. Low cost of
manufacturing is as important as lightweight.

DESCRIPTION: An integrated layered power source that is retractable
offers flexibility in meeting varied power requirements. To accommodate
small size and desired low cost, an easily manufactured concept that can
be mass-produced must be developed. Strings of these layered cells would
be packaged to unfold as the satellite deploys. The technology challenge
will be to develop a very high energy density lithium polymer battery
that can function over a broad temperature range and demonstrate low
self-discharge rates consistent with mission requirements of ten to
twenty years. The battery would be integrated with the solar cell from
the AFRL/VS effort and electronics based on current high energy density
DC/DC converters. The "payload" must be self-regulating (i.e., have its
own charge control and thermal management) with bus power delivered by
the network of interconnected layered power sources.

ESTIMATED AFRL/PRP FUNDING CONTRIBUTION: $1.1M
ESTIMATED PROGRAM DURATION: 36 months
GOVT TPOC: Dr. Larry Scanlon
PHONE: 937-255-7770
FAX: 937-656-7529



To: P. Ramamoorthy who wrote (21029)8/14/2000 10:59:46 AM
From: Dennis V.  Read Replies (2) | Respond to of 27311
 
Hi Ram, the present order is incremental but it's significance goes beyond as you pointed out from the press release. The batteries are working, the first industry acceptance of this technology, a chemistry with the potential for far more than 500mah cell applications that others are trying to sell. The press release seems to say that they are ramping to meet OEM requirements based on a generic design but not bricks for Radio Shack. Sometimes this seems agonizingly slow, the naysayers like to play on this. Recognizing that this is a startup, transitioning to commercial production, I am willing to be patient.



To: P. Ramamoorthy who wrote (21029)8/14/2000 11:45:08 AM
From: DFCampbell  Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 27311
 
No disrespect intended, but the press release says "similar footprint", not "same foot print".

Yet, I concur that "similar" in regards to manufacture, tooling-up, etc., will mean decreased costs, higher yields and the like.

An alternate view of Lev's statement could be taken to mean the the footprint is the same, but there are more layers to the battery, though this is just speculation.

In the end, it is good news and I look forward to more good news.

Regards,

DFCampbell