Altair Nanotechnologies, Inc. (Altairnano) (Nasdaq: ALTI), a leading provider of energy storage systems for clean, efficient power and energy management, today announced the company has received a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant to support strategic initiatives for the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA). As a branch of the Department of Defense, NAVSEA engineers, builds, and supports America's fleet of ships and combat systems. The value of the contract is estimated at $100,000.
The SBIR grant will be used to further accelerate technological progression of Altairnano's advanced energy storage systems and batteries. The scope of the award supports development of new cell chemistries that can perform under extremely hot conditions. Additional SBIR grant awards will be pursued to accomplish key milestones associated with the initiative.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Technology administers the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program. This competitive program ensures that the nation's small, high-tech, innovative businesses are a significant part of the federal government's research and development efforts. Eleven federal departments participate in the SBIR program, including the Navy.
Altairnano's current cell capabilities allow for energy storage and battery systems to operate continuously in extreme temperature conditions ranging from -40C to 55C (-40 degrees Fahrenheit to 131 degrees Fahrenheit). Altairnano's work associated with the SBIR grant seeks to extend continuous operation to 65C (149 degrees Fahrenheit) without compromising existing performance attributes, including long cycle life and high power ratings.
"Altairnano's energy storage and battery systems already perform at some of the highest temperature ratings in the storage industry," said Terry Copeland, president and CEO, Altairnano. "NAVSEA is helping Altairnano to further develop our nano-structured lithium titanate chemistry and extend our unique performance characteristics to attain continuous operation in temperatures never before achieved with advanced energy storage and battery systems."
Altairnano's SBIR grant is aligned with the Navy's goal of developing a multipurpose energy storage module for a variety of potential applications, including single generator operations and pulse power.
Altairnano designs, builds, and delivers advanced energy storage and battery systems for power and energy applications within the utility sector, including systems for managing grid stability and the intermittence associated with renewable generation. The company's support for military applications helps deliver commercial, utility-grade systems that are safe, rugged, and reliable.
Possted July 30th, 2009