Volt Carbon Technologies, in collaboration with Downsview Aerospace Innovation & Research (DAIR), has announced that both Volt Carbon's southern Ontario-based mineral processing operation (Toronto) and its subsidiary, Solid UltraBattery (Guelph), have been selected as recipients of the DAIR Green Fund.
The funded projects include: 1) "Development of High-Performance Carbon Materials for Aerospace Industries" and 2) "Advancements in Low-Temperature Performance of Lithium-Ion Batteries." These initiatives aim to advance battery solutions for unmanned aerial systems and enhance the capabilities of graphite and graphene in aerospace materials.
The DAIR Green Fund empowers small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to transform the southern Ontario aerospace industry through sustainable and green aviation technologies and solutions. Funded by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), this initiative fuels DAIR's mission to revolutionize the collaborative environment by catalyzing innovation in aerospace and beyond. DAIR will fund 50% of the total project cost for each entity, up to a maximum of CAD$75,000. The participating companies are responsible for covering the remaining 50% over a period of 24 months.
This project, dedicated to Volt Carbon's mineral processing facility in Toronto, leverages Volt Carbon's proprietary method for extracting large-flake graphite from host rock, enabling the efficient production of expandable graphite and graphene. By developing high-performance carbon-based materials, it addresses the critical demand for aerospace-grade graphite amidst recent trade restrictions affecting North American supply chains. Graphene composites, with their superior strength-to-weight ratios, enable lighter, aerodynamically optimized designs that enhance aircraft fuel efficiency and overall performance. Additionally, graphite's thermal conductivity plays a vital role in the thermal management systems necessary for electrifying aircraft and advancing towards net-zero emissions. Through this initiative, Volt aims to deliver advanced aerospace materials that support the industry's evolving sustainability and performance standards.
"We're thrilled to be at the forefront of developing advanced carbon materials that meet the needs of the aerospace industry, and we're honored to have the support of DAIR in this journey. With our proprietary graphite extraction process and the unique capabilities of expandable graphite, we truly believe we are opening up exciting avenues for innovation in aircraft designs, fuel efficiency, and thermal management. This project reflects Volt Carbon's commitment to sustainable, high-performance solutions and, with DAIR's partnership, we're proud to contribute to Canada's net-zero goals for aerospace", said V-Bond Lee, P. Eng., CEO, President, and Chairman of the Board.
The Solid UltraBattery Project aims to enhance the low-temperature performance of lithium-ion batteries, improving their functionality in cold environments, particularly for small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Solid UltraBattery is focused on developing a novel electrolyte to address performance issues at low temperatures, thereby increasing battery reliability and extending flight range in extreme weather conditions. Ground testing in a controlled low-temperature chamber will simulate real flight conditions, enabling Solid UltraBattery to establish a robust performance envelope for the batteries. Through a partnership with the University of Waterloo, Solid UltraBattery gains access to advanced research tools and expertise to refine the battery's performance. This initiative aligns with the shift toward net-zero aviation, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and advancing sustainable battery technology for aerospace applications.
"DAIR is excited to support Volt Carbon Technologies in Toronto and Solid UltraBattery in Guelph through the DAIR Green Fund, as they research and develop graphene battery technologies and their performance in cold environments. As recently showcased at the DAIR To Innovate conference, the work by the teams at Volt Carbon Technologies and Solid Ultrabattery is critical in advancing battery integration in the aerospace sector", said Phil Arthurs, Executive Director, DAIR.
