Characterization of High Power Electrochemical Energy Storage Devices for Use in Naval Applications

Advancements in electrochemical energy storage technology have led to the development of cells that are more power dense than ever before. This power density, coupled with their modestly high energy density, makes them suitable to use as the prime power source for high power naval applications. Such applications may include backup energy storage systems, electromagnetic launchers, high power microwave devices, and radar systems. Because these devices are new to the market, their performance characteristics still need further research to understand their limitations, and how they will perform in a high power environment for a prolonged period of time. To characterize the high-pulsed power operation of new Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), electric-double-layer capacitors (EDLCs), and Lithium-ion capacitors (LICs), two experimental test platforms have been developed. The first is a low-impedance test stand designed to extract high-pulsed currents from individual cells. The second is a MicroGrid testbed used to characterize a module's ability to provide stable power to a pulsed DC load. A description of the two experimental setups and some experimental results obtained thus far will be presented.