RENO, Nev.–Power electronics designers at Altair Nanotechnologies Inc. in Reno, Nev., won a $3.8 million contract award from the U.S. Office of Naval Research (ONR) to research and design a large-scale nano lithium titanate military battery system for possible use as an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for Navy warship applications.
“The development of a 500-kilowatt energy-storage unit paves the way for the Navy to dramatically change how vessels respond to requirements for efficient, redundant, and safe power availability,” says Altair Nano president Terry M. Copeland.
On Navy vessels today, two gas-turbine generators are kept online to guarantee military power availability. An Altair Nano battery solution provides the ability to run only one turbine at a more efficient capacity to supply shipboard power.
If there is a problem with the primary generator, the Altair Nano UPS would provide enough power to bring a second generator online. The fuel cost savings alone would near $1 million per vessel for a six-month cruise, company officials say.
This contract, the continuation of an earlier award, is for the additional engineering, design, and testing of Altair Nano’s advanced battery systems for use on Navy ships. The second phase includes construction and delivery of a 500-kilowatt energy-storage unit for operational testing by ONR. Contract completion is expected July 1, 2010.
To date, Congress has appropriated $12.5 million for Altair Nano’s battery program. Money for the third phase of Altair Nano’s engagement is expected in 2010. For more information contact Altair Nano online at www.altairnano.com.
