N0002424CS105

Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) Phase I

Handheld real time battery analysis for silver zinc battery SOC and SOH

Silver-Oxide/Zinc Battery Test Measurement and Diagnostic Equipment (TMDE) Tool

In recent years, there has been an increase in interest in silver-zinc batteries due to the high energy density and inherent safety afforded by the non-flammable aqueous electrolyte. However, despite the well-established silver-zinc battery system, there needs to be more work on measuring the failure mechanism, mainly as it can be applied to a portable, lightweight handheld measurement device. Mainstream proposes to develop a handheld measurement device that can be reliably used to measure cells. We will utilize highly sensitive electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to probe the effects of cycling and aging on the cell's resistive, capacitive, inductive, and mass transport characteristics. In Phase I, we will examine and validate the impedance analysis of a range of real cells establishing the electroanalytical indicators of the failure mechanisms in real cells as they are cycled and treated at elevated temperatures and cycling rates. The electrochemical characteristics will be validated using destructive analysis of the cells. In the Phase I option, we will optimize the analysis by incorporating increased statistical analysis and well as designing the handheld device. In Phase II, we will build and optimize the handheld system to allow fast, reliable measurements of the battery's state of health and predict the expected failure mechanisms and remaining useful life. This is expected to increase the system reliability as well as lower maintenance costs.

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.

N241-031

N241-031-1904

24.1

Nicholas A Flasher