Future soldiers will require maximum energy at minimal weight to power their mission-critical electrical hardware on the battlefield. Amprius offers ultra-dense batteries that promise to double the runtime of existing solutions, allowing soldiers to stay out longer without the need for frequent recharges. The US Army is developing the next-gen Conformal Wearable Battery (CWB) to serve as an all-in-one power source for various equipment, including the Integrated Visual Augmentation System and other essential electronics. Inventus Power, one of the selected defense contractors, is working on the current-gen CWB with Amprius supplying energy-dense cells for the project.
Amprius’ SiMaxx cells, featuring a silicon nanowire configuration, offer superior energy density and safety attributes. These cells can hold up to 10 times more lithium ions than traditional graphite anodes, resulting in a high energy capacity. With energy density as high as 500 Wh/kg by weight and 1,300 Wh/kg by volume, the SiMaxx cells are among the highest density cells available in the market. This exceptional energy density enables soldiers to carry double the energy compared to existing military batteries, allowing for extended mission durations without added weight or size.
The SiMaxx cells have been designed to meet rigorous military standards, such as passing the nail penetration test, making them suitable for combat situations. These cells will be integrated into body armor for wear on the chest, side, or back. Amprius has increased its manufacturing capacity to meet the demands of the CWB project, with plans to scale production at its facilities in California and Colorado.
Apart from military applications, Amprius’ battery technology has garnered interest from industries like electric aviation, satellites, drones, and even electric vehicles. The company’s silicon-anode cells have the potential to significantly increase the range of electric vehicles, as demonstrated by their estimated range boost for a Tesla Model 3 battery pack. Amprius continues to be at the forefront of battery innovation, providing high-performance solutions for a wide range of applications.
(Source: Amprius Technologies)
