D. O. Olawale, M. S. Bhuyan, J. Mercier
Valgotech LLC, Indiana, United States
Keywords: battery, lithium sulfur, lithium-ion, drones, satellites
There is a growing use of drones and small satellites for commercial and defense applications. These aerospace and defense systems are powered primarily by lithium-ion batteries (LIB). China however controls 79 percent of the global LIB manufacturing capacity and controls majority of the supply chain for the raw materials for LIB. Consequently, a new battery chemistry that uses abundantly available and low-cost materials is critical for United States’ national security, technology leadership, and competitive economic positioning. Valgotech has been developing its made-in-USA, high-performance, and affordable lithium sulfur (Li-S) batteries with the support of the National Science Foundation (NSF), the US Air Force, the US Space Force, the US Army, the Indiana Economic Development Authority, and Elevate Ventures. Unlike LIB, Valgotech’s Li-S batteries can operate at low temperatures (as low as –40 oC) without any heating element. Our lightweight batteries increase flight time by ~ 50%, doubling the operational flight time. Our cathode materials are 4 to 8 times cheaper than those used in LIB. Our manufacturing process eliminates the use of toxic solvents (NMP), thereby reducing manufacturing costs by ~50% and energy costs by ~90%. We are completing a drone flight test with Packet Digital in North Dakota (September).