High Energy Density, Fast Discharge Li-S Batteries for Electrified Aircraft Propulsion

NASA has set a U.S aviation goal to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. SOA Li-Ion batteries are limited to ~300 Wh/kg at the cell level, which is further reduced when integrated into a battery pack. To enable widespread electrified aircraft propulsion, NASA has identified the need for novel energy storage solutions which can provide high energy density (>400 Wh/kg at the system level), high-rate discharge (2C), fast charge capability, operation at 100 °C and the incorporation of passive safety components to prevent thermal runaway. Giner’s solution is a Li-S battery approach. These batteries have projected cell energy densities 600-700 Wh/kg. In the Phase I, Giner has paired a novel cathode design with high temperature electrolytes and passive safety components to demonstrate safe operation at 100 °C (100% of room temp capacity), 2C discharge, fast charge in 15 minutes, and high sulfur loadings to enable high energy density (> 400 Wh/kg) in the Phase II. Phase II funds will be used to scale our technology to market ready size and demonstrate performance in-house. Giner will partner with Aurora Flight Sciences, an uncrewed aircraft developer, for battery pack integration and battery performance demonstration in a drone flight profile. The target market for this technology MW-class passenger aircraft. Our near-term market is uncrewed systems including Group I and II drones, as well as small passenger aircraft including air taxis.

Electrified aircraft propulsion (EAP), a major focus of NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD). Within NASA’s Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP), EAP research directly supports Mega Driver 2 (Affordability, Sustainability, and Energy Use) and Strategic Thrust 3 (Ultra-Efficient Subsonic Transport). Breakthroughs in EAP energy storage will pave the way for transformative aviation technologies, including low-carbon “thin-haul” aircraft capable of providing cost-effective passenger and cargo transport between small communities—eventually enabling longer, more efficient flights. Giner’s high energy density battery will directly benefit ARMD, providing longer flight times and greater payloads. Beyond EAP, Giner’s high energy density battery can also enhance satellite power, robotic surface landers and rovers and EVA applications. Many sectors are looking for enhanced energy storage technologies. Most notably the electric vehicle market, valued at $484B would dramatically benefit from a safe, high energy density battery that could dramatically increase driving range. Vehicle range is limited by weight, making Giner’s Li-S battery technology a leading candidate to eliminate the cost, weight, and range hurdles that limit widespread commercial adoption of EVs. Beyond EVs aerospace and defense markets also represent significant opportunity. With many companies poised to play a role in a sustain space economy, there will be additional needs for astronaut power packs, satellite power, vehicles and deep space probes. The Department of Defense is increasingly relying on unmanned drones which have low noise, minimal thermal threshold and beyond line of sight.

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.