80NSSC25PA128

Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) Phase I

Universal Battery Integration Module for Hybrid and Electric Aircraft Powertrains

The proposed innovation is the development of a universal and highly versatile Battery Integration Module (BIM) designed to accelerate adoption of battery systems in future hybrid and electric aircraft. The BIM aims to address the critical challenges of power density, modularity, configurability, and ease of use, enabling seamless integration with a wide range of batteries and components for aerospace applications. Our technology focuses on creating an energy system where the BIM integrates with, monitors, and protects the battery, interfaces with key elements of the powertrain, providing crucial data for control systems. The purpose of this proposal is to secure funding to advance the BIM from TRL 3 to TRL 4, achieving validation in a laboratory environment. Phase I funding will be utilized for integrating basic technological components and conducting comprehensive tests to validate electrical performance, thermal management, fault tolerance, etc. This foundational work will establish the feasibility of our innovative architecture concept, demonstrating high-power capability while maintaining modularity and scalability. Our target markets include both the civil and defense aviation sectors. The BIM's modular and configurable nature makes it suitable for a broad range of aircraft, from small unmanned aerial vehicles to large manned aircraft. The regional aviation market, in particular, stands to benefit from our technology by accelerating the development and adoption of next-generation battery energy systems, ultimately contributing to cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable air travel. Phase I will demonstrate the BIM's readiness for integration into hybrid powertrain testbenches, paving the way for further development and commercialization in Phase II. This project will position us as a key player in the rapidly evolving electric aviation industry, offering a robust solution that bridges the gap between current battery technologies and future aerospace systems.

The goal of phase I is to establish the technical merit, feasibility, and commercial potential of proposed R&D efforts and determine the quality of performance of the small business awardee organization.

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Ignite 2024 Phase I

Nasa Sbir Support Office