An AUV backup battery with a lithium anode and a seawater cathode.
Background:
Extremely high energy density batteries are needed for underwater electric ships such as unmanned submarines and naval observatories.
Technology Overview:
The lithium-seawater battery is made of two compartments: the anode compartment, which encloses the metal in the non-aqueous electrolyte, and the cathode compartment, which contains porous and electrically conductive materials and seawater. A solid-state metal-ion conductive membrane is used to separate the two compartments. Inlets and outlets for seawater flow channels are installed in the cathode compartment and a mechanical pump is used to control and pump seawater into the compartment.
The theoretical energy density of a Li-seawater flow battery is about 11.6 kWh/kg while the cost for replacing the lithium in the anode is about $1.2/kWh. This makes the volumetric energy density of lithium-seawater flow battery about 2 kWh/L or 2,000 kWh/m^3, which is 0.0005 m^3/kWh.
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Advantages:
The lithium-seawater battery can deliver over specific energy of 4,000 Wh/kg, which is much greater than that of any electrochemical energy storage system including hydrogen fuel cells.
Applications:
Emergency backup power on underwater vehicles or other naval equipment
Intellectual Property Summary:
Provisional patent 63/300,251 filed 1/17/2022
Stage of Development:
TRL 2
Licensing Status:
Not licensed.
Licensing Potential:
Available for licensing on conversion.
Website:
TTO Home Page: https://suny.technologypublisher.com
Name: Evan Witmer
Title: Technology Assessment Specialist
Department: Technology Transfer
Email: evanwitm@buffalo.edu
Phone: (716)645-8181