For more than two decades we have designed and built battery-powered systems for expeditionary use, beginning with custom NiCd packs, gel cells, NiMH, and lithium primary cells - and at each level striving for the highest energy density per kilogram in order to reduce volume and mass from the logistics loop. Currently the highest energy densities in rechargeable (secondary) systems come in the form of lithium ion and lithium polymer chemistry. Unlike all of the previously mentioned chemistries, the newer lithium cells come with a caveat: you can no longer simply connect them up in series or series-parallel and get what you want.

The power densities are so high that there is a serious risk of fire (and possible containment housing explosion) if all cells are not charged and discharged with independent control of each cell in the system. This requires a “smart” battery controller and a way of telling an offboard system executive a good deal of information about what’s happening at the battery stack so that appropriate action can be taken to avoid a compromising abort scenario or loss of a vehicle. We have this technology down cold and can build custom smart Li-Ion systems to meet performance specs of customers. We will also collaborate in providing and/or developing interface communications code with customer vehicle control systems - or we can develop that as well as part of a turnkey contract.

Contact us for further information.