An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : Media : News
NEWS | April 30, 2020

NSWC Crane, ONR offer cash prize for mitigating hazards of transporting lithium batteries in first-ever prize challenge

By NSWC Crane Corporate Communications

CRANE, Ind.- Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane), in partnership with the Office of Naval Research (ONR), is offering a total of $750,000 for concept and technology development for methods of mitigating inherent hazards with transporting small quantities of lithium batteries. The challenge, a first for NSWC Crane, is open for initial applications until May 7, 2020.

“The Department of Defense needs a safe and easy way to carry medium-sized lithium batteries aboard ships, along with other potential defense and commercial applications,” said NSWC Crane engineer Sam Stuart, a lead on the project. “This challenge will bring bright ideas and new innovations to solve this lithium battery problem for our warfighters – and maybe for us civilian travelers, as well!”

Lithium batteries provide increased capabilities at a reduced weight; however, the risks they pose during transport outweigh the benefits. Lithium batteries in the cargo hold are a fire hazard and unacceptable risk for commercial and military transportation. NSWC Crane is seeking a solution that develops a containment system to carry batteries that suitably mitigates the hazards associated with lithium batteries. 

“With this Prize Challenge, we hope to attract ideas and technology to solve some of our most pressing obstacles,” said Anne Fields, Midwest Tech Bridge Director. “Working together with our Innovation Ecosystem partners will result in better – and faster – solutions for all service members.”

More information on the Lithium Battery Man Portable hazard Containment Challenge can be found at following link: https://www.challenge.gov/challenge/lithium-battery-man-portable-containment/

About NSWC Crane

NSWC Crane is a naval laboratory and a field activity of Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) with mission areas in Expeditionary Warfare, Strategic Missions and Electronic Warfare. The warfare center is responsible for multi-domain, multi- spectral, full life cycle support of technologies and systems enhancing capability to today's Warfighter.

Join Our Team! NAVSEA employs a diverse, highly trained, educated, and skilled workforce - from students and entry level employees to experienced professionals and individuals with disabilities. We support today's sophisticated Navy and Marine Corps ships, aircraft, weapon systems and computer systems. We are continuously looking for engineers, scientists, IT and cyber specialists, as well as trade and other support professionals to ensure the U.S. Navy can protect and defend America. Please contact NSWC Crane Human Resources at crane_recruiting@navy.mil.