Next Generation, Aviation-Ready Modular Energy Storage Solution for Electric and Hybrid Aircraft

Imperia Batteries®, a division of Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI), will prototype and validate an abuse tolerant, high energy density, modular energy storage solution for integration into electric aviation platforms in the 1500 to 5000 lbs. size class. During the Phase I, Imperia conducted a trade study on cell level components to design it’s modular battery solution. Imperia’s module is 2.2 kWh and is designed to have an energy density >180 Wh/kg and be able to support power density >1000 W/kg. Imperia’s modular design includes safety considerations across multiple levels, including through the cell chemistry, the mechanical housing, and the electronic systems. During the Phase II, Imperia will prototype the energy module and validate the electrochemical performance, physical robustness, and abuse tolerance. Imperia will work with industry partners to integrate the battery prototypes with powertrain systems and validate them against scaled mission relevant conditions. This data will be used to update and improve the module design to best meet the demanding requirements of electric aviation applications. Successful completion of these efforts will demonstrate the readiness of the technology for low-rate initial production and certification activities.

The high energy density, abuse tolerant, battery modules prototyped during this effort could be integrated into a range of electric UAV sizes. In this way, Imperia’s modular battery directly addresses the NASA mission directive to lead the US’s transition into electric aviation. Any mission or application that requires increased gravimetric and volumetric energy density or improved abuse tolerance compared to commercial solutions could use the proposed technology. For example, Imperia’s modular aviation battery could be configured for electric aviation applications such as the older NASA X-57 vehicle or the current RAVEN program. Imperia’s cooperation with industry partners will demonstrate module performance in mission relevant environments, increasing the pace of development and commercialization of aviation battery systems. The proposed cell and module designs could be utilized in a range of applications. The module size of 2.2 kWh and the 50 V nominal voltage mean it is the appropriate size for a range of commercial applications. These applications include other electric propulsion applications, such as small UAVs, military UUVs, commercial electric vehicles including electric golf carts, electric forklifts, and electric cars and trucks. Other commercial applications include home battery storage, emergency power batteries, etc. The added abuse tolerance of Imperia’s modules improves user safety, and the improved energy density compared to similarly sized commercial modules means that Imperia’s solutions will reduce the weight. Imperia’s design enables safe, stable cycling with higher energy and power density in a module that can be configured for the voltage, energy, and power needs of various applications.

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.