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NSWC Crane Hosts Lithium Technologies Summit

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100312-09
Release Date: 3/12/2010 3:39:00 PM

From Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division Public Affairs

CRANE, Ind. (NNS) -- Experts from across the Department of Defense (DoD) gathered for the Lithium Way Ahead Summit held at Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane March 3-4 to discuss lithium technologies and plan future initiatives to meet warfighter needs.

The primary objective of the summit, chaired by Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) and NSWC Crane's Strategic Missions Center, was to begin mapping a single, comprehensive plan that establishes criteria for the development, testing and qualifications for lithium batteries in several naval applications.

"Safely fielding lithium technologies is an urgent need, and we are committed to developing a plan to get this power source in the hands of the warfighter as soon as possible," said Kyle Werner, NSWC Crane's Energy, Power and Interconnect Technologies Division manager. "We brought together a community that represents national leadership in this technical area, which will allow us to map out the best possible technical solutions."

Lithium batteries offer a high-capacity, low-maintenance, long-duration, rechargeable and affordable power source that improve warfighter system readiness. Larger lithium batteries, intended for use in submarines, unmanned underwater vehicles and surface ships, are currently in various phases of configuration, manufacturing and material development.

Discussion topics included the advantages and disadvantages of lithium, warfighter perspectives, testing and evaluation processes and safety requirements. Visitors were able to tour the on-site testing and evaluation capabilities at NSWC Crane, which is home to the DoD's largest collection of resources dedicated to electrochemical power sources.

Attendees included representatives from the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Naval Air Systems Command, Naval Research Laboratory, Office of Naval Research, Special Operations Command, Purdue University and several NAVSEA field activities.

"We must work as a team and this summit is an important first step to becoming a family of technical support. Our technologies give us the edge that we need to defend our nation; we have to support our warfighters and provide the products," said NSWC Crane Commanding Officer Capt. Charles LaSota.