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NSWC Crane Joins Powerhouses in Nanoscience Technology

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS091125-11
Release Date: 11/25/2009 10:11:00 AM

From Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Corporate Communications

BLOOMINGTOn, Ind: (NNS) -- Presenters from Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane) joined experts for a collaborative conference to share the latest research and technologies related to batteries and power sources at Indiana University, Nov. 13.

NSWC Crane's participation was requested by conference host, Indiana University Nanoscience Center, because of the Warfare Center's more than 50 years experience in battery technology and status as the Department of Defense's largest collection of resources dedicated to electrochemical power sources.

The Warfare Center's work in emerging technologies represents the leading edge field of study that will produce power sources for the next generation of military systems.

NSWC Crane Strategic Missions Center experts, Sue Waggoner and Dr. Lloyd Zilch, discussed critical technologies from the Energy, Power and Interconnect Technologies division, with a focus on the Warfare Center's important work in engineering development, lifecycle testing and alternative energy as well as meeting future demands for higher energy densities.

"We work to meet the power needs for advanced satellites, ships and aircraft and unmanned military platforms that are essential to keeping our warfighters the best equipped in the world," Waggoner said. "Power sources must be safe, high-energy, long-lasting and always evolving."

NSWC Crane's work in energy-related nanoscience involves researching the chemical reactions that take place at the molecular level of a battery surface, such as the shape, size and electrical composition of the particles. This research ultimately provides the data needed to make improvements and breakthroughs in battery technology.

"Batteries and power sources engineered by Crane are used in the field by our men and women in combat, but our technologies have applications that transcend military use," Waggoner said. "Our work in alternative energy, for instance, can be applied to real-world situations like transportation that impact us all — that is why we are committed to collaboration, resource sharing and technology engagement."

Waggoner served as the NSWC Crane representative on the organizing committee for the event that also included speakers from Indiana University, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Ohio State University, Illinois Institute of Technology and Sandia National Laboratory.

"This conference holds the promise for future collaboration and enables researchers from academia, government and industry to capitalize on existing research and expertise. With a full understanding of available resources, we can continually improve technology transfer to warfighters," Waggoner said.

NSWC Crane is a field activity of Naval Sea Systems Command with focus areas in special missions, strategic missions and electronic warfare/information operations.

For more news from Crane Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC Crane), visit www.navy.mil/local/crane/.