Electrical/Electro-Chemical Power Sources Technical Support Services

Test and Evaluation. R&D services and related consultancy services. Research services. DES Tech EG requires technical support on Electical/Electro-Chemical Power Sources and Systems (batteries & allied technologies). Support includes: • Technical Advice. Expertise with primary, secondary & reserve battery chemistries is required together with control electronics, fuel cells, super-capacitors & energy/power conversion devices.

• Product Test & Evaluation. Versatile, high volume test capabilities are required for assessment of in-service items, emerging products & technologies. Product evaluation may be applied to specification validation, hazard assessment, UN Dangerous Goods Transport Tests & fault investigation. The facilities will evaluate single items or batches to a broad range of application based requirements (including abusive tests) performing numerous tasks (historically >15 tasks). The contractor shall evaluate the MOD electro-chemical power sources & develop new techniques to address emergent issues. All test facilities are located within in Mainland GB & co-located (limitations imposed through the Dangerous Goods transport regs for prototype & abused or defective items).

Required test capabilities:

Electrical discharge & charge capabilities (single & multiple stage regimes in various modes with automated cycling) performed on products ranging from single cells up to batteries of 50 Volts d.c. Current ranges from 300A in conjunction with the ability to perform these tests over temperatures from -60 to 200 Celsius (on samples up to 300 mm in all dimensions weighing up to 45 kg).

Less frequent tests include: Simulated engine start. Altitude simulation (<11.6 kPa ≈ 50,000 ft) Humidity exposure Vibration & mechanical shock Water immersion (minimum depth of 1 Metre) High temperature (up to 400 C) Fire test facilities (burning characteristics & susceptibility) Bullet strike capabilities Rapid/explosive decompression Abusive charging & explosion containment. Broad spectrum EMC testing (radiated & conducted emissions & susceptibility). Data logging is required during individual tests together with the ability for video recording & thermal imaging.

Tech Support. Specific areas technical support are required in relation to tech policy for: Specification activities (civil & mil both at National /International levels). Battery rationalisation & harmonisation issues Airborne use of batteries on military aircraft Policy & regulation for transportation and disposal

Information Management. Management of high volumes of diverse information and data from a range of sources for both current and legacy items (including electronic and hard copy) is required. The ability to generate retrieve, manage, collate present and disseminate data to a variety of users with different expectations is vital in the support arrangement.

The site and individuals providing these services hold a minimum of SC clearance.