Dean Perkings
President, Southwest Electronic Energy Group
dperkins@swe.com | http://www.swe.com
Li-Ion chemistry is ideal for undersea environments. The cells are sealed and do not out-gas and the polymer versions can withstand pressures greater than 10,000 psi. This combination results in a battery that is easier and safer to use and one that does not require heavy, expensive pressure vessels.
Recent advances in electronic control of the Li-Ion battery and new modular design concepts for construction of complex battery systems have resulted in battery systems that are more robust, more flexible, longer lived, easier to charge and maintain, and more safe than their lower density counterparts. These new Li-Ion battery systems can be designed to deliver this energy at high voltages and high currents. Electronic charge control within the battery system allows charging by direct connection to power supplies or constant power sources such as fuel cells and solar panels.
The modular design concept for Li-Ion and Li-Polymer battery systems are presented with an emphasis on construction for undersea applications. Key to the modular battery system design concept is the ability to electronically balance all the cells within the battery system automatically without operator intervention. Two different methods are described that show how electronic balancing of all the cells within the battery system are accomplished. Examples of production battery systems already in service are shown and systems under development are provided.
Speaker Bio: Dean has 30 years experience in Electrical Engineering as both an individual contributor and managing teams of scientists and engineers. Working in both the Oil Exploration and Computer markets, Dean has 12 US and foreign patents for devices including battery charging techniques, a solar panel and battery hybrid, laptop computer designs, and geophysical energy source controls.
After completing Graduate School at University of Texas McCombs School of Business, Dean began to lead larger teams that included disciples other than technical staff.
As President of SWE, Dean oversees day to day operations and directs the Research and Development efforts.