Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

Vehicle electrification and integration of renewables such as wind and solar power into the grid have further underlined the importance of affordable, environmentally friendly energy storage platforms. Current options of electrical energy storage in batteries suffer from a variety of shortcomings as they may contain toxic materials, have low energy densities, face safety concerns and cost overruns. As a result, the search for alternative metal-air batteries has increased. Aluminum, is a promising material on account of its high theoretical energy density and power that are either comparable or superior to other battery chemistries. AlumaPower has developed a primary aluminum-air (Al-air) battery, which can be charged mechanically for use in different sectors. Aluminum-air batteries come with their own concerns, however AlumaPower has solved these problems, but in doing so have added complex systems and varying voltage outputs that need to be managed. For commercialization of the system it must be easily controlled and operated, while providing output power that is readily usable for the broader market. AlumaPower, in collaboration with Lambton College, will design and install an Internet of Things (IoT) based automatic control, data acquisition and logging system that will have Bluetooth and Web connectivity with the aim of Managing the Electro-Chemical Processes for an Aluminum Power Generator. In addition, a power inversion system will be developed to convert proper output voltage. Success of this project will allow for AlumaPower to enhance their ability to service their existing customers and attract new ones, expanding their business in Ontario and elsewhere.