Nanomaterials-based hybrid energy storage devices and systems for space applications

Project Outline: Energy storage systems are critical for all robotic and crewed missions which comprise up to ~30% of a spacecraft’s mass. Many state-of-the-art (SOA) energy storage systems are limited by their low efficiency, heavy components, and a high degree of sensitivity to extreme environments, however. Most SOA energy storage technologies need improvement in specific energy, safety, reliability, and durability (Hill et al. NASA Technology Roadmaps: Technology Area 3; May 2015). This project will address these limitations through the development and integration of nanomaterial-based hybrid energy storage devices with energy generation technologies for efficient power management. Alignment with NASA and SC EPSCoR priorities: This project is well aligned with the following NASA Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) priorities: (1) Space Power and Energy Storage Roadmap, Technology Area (TA) 3, (2) Nanotechnology (TA 10), and (3) Thermal Management Systems Roadmap, TA 14; and the SC Science and Technology Strategic Plan Vision 2025 (R&D, Education and Outreach, and Economic Development). Project Objectives: (1) To establish a strong and sustaining research and development program that builds upon our existing strengths and collaborations with NASA, specifically in energy storage devices for space applications. The project objectives will be achieved through the integration of: (a) multiple project elements ranging from materials development to device or component level demonstration performed jointly by the team, our NASA and industrial (Cornell Dubilier, Inc.) partners; and (b) educational energy programs developed at Clemson and Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College (OCTech) with hands-on technology transfer through our industrial collaborators (such as Cornell Dubilier, Inc.) to promote human resource development within SC. (2) Our most challenging goal entails sustaining the program beyond EPSCoR support, which we will achieve through the establishment of a NASA funded energy center between the Clemson Nanomaterials Institute, the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research, and the OCTech robotics and automated manufacturing division. Method of Approach: The fundamental limitation of today’s batteries is the lack of lightweight recyclable electrode materials that can store and rapidly deliver high amounts of charge safely for at least a thousand cycles without degradation. We will addresses these challenges through the development of: 1) high-capacity nanostructured cathodes (e.g., NMC) and anodes (e.g., Si) for Li-ion batteries, 2) engineered current collector-active material interfaces (CCAMI), 3) boron nitride-based thermal management nanomaterials to prevent localized hot spots and evenly distribute the heat within a battery pack, and 4) battery thermal management systems for real-time monitoring, estimation and control, with the ultimate goal to significantly downsize the battery pack while ensuring the same performance and safety. Expected Outcomes: This project will establish a self-sustaining research cluster on energy and power storage for applications relevant to NASA and other federal agencies. We will leverage our existing partnerships with NASA scientists, local industrial partners, and national lab collaborations (Oak Ridge and Savanna River) for sustaining this program through a federally funded research center. We expect that this project will lead to blueprints for batteries with a longer lifecycle and higher energy and power density. Importantly, this project will improve both cathodes and anodes to achieve safer and high-energy density Li-ion batteries. Nanomaterials-based novel thermal management systems for battery packs will be developed with enhanced capability to monitor and optimize battery pack usage. Lastly, this project will establish new energy certification programs to train underrepresented minorities and promote a 21st century energy workforce.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.