OUR STORY

Founded in 2010 initially to develop our own energy generation technology, CSi expanded its R&D focus in 2017 to include customizing a COTs high efficient, low power electronic Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater and controller to warm Warfighters’ body core and extremities during extreme cold weather.

Along the way we received multiple DoD Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) awards; conducted > 100 individual Warfighter field evaluations and delivered ever-evolving man-wearable prototypes to our SMEs and others. Some of these units were used in actual cold-weather police operations; stuffed into the boots of SOF paratroopers in the Alaskan winter; used on hunting trips; and a host of other activities. [See Man-Wearable page for more information.]

While at a TE SOCOM event outside Fort Bragg, NC in June 2022 we were approached by some NATO researchers looking for a solution to one of their most challenging cold weather issues – their soldiers’ EUD device batteries and electronics quit working when outdoor temperatures dropped below 0 degrees C, leaving them in life and death situations with no comms and no power. Could our technology help solve this serious issue?

We realized just how quickly the battlefield was becoming electrified! And, at a time when geopolitical tensions were forcing governments away from traditional battery suppliers. The increasing numbers of batteries (and weight) being carried into the field meant Warfighters reached their peak performance point quicker. In extreme cold conditions that negatively impacts equipment and Warfighters that point could be reached even earlier.

“Ounces equal pounds!”

Our TPOCs and SMEs (most with multiple combat tours) drilled that phrase into our minds throughout our efforts. That became our primary mission. That meant to meet the ever-increasing power needs, longer missions, with fewer re-supply opportunities, and overcome the battery and electronics obstacles associated with cold weather we had to:

·      Improve the cold weather endurance of existing and emerging battery-operated products

·      Overcome the inherent inefficiencies in each device

·      Increase the power management efficiencies

·      Make the solution seamlessly inter-operable with many devices without expensive specialized interfaces, cables and connectors (i.e., a universal connection)

·      Make it in a form factor that does not interfere or limit a Warfighter’s performance (i.e. meet stringent SWaP-C requirements)

·      Provide the Warfighter with a real time power monitoring capability

·      Make it logistical sustainable

 We had a paradigm shift.

We knew we had to keep the internal battery temperatures in the most optimum range, which required a more robust controller (or power manager). After a few iterations and field tests (2022) we had an answer. Before long we successfully completed a joint US/NATO technology sprint (2023); passed multiple civilian and military tests (including NATO extreme testing (2024)); and transitioned our first product, the End User Device (EUD) Support System, into NATO (2024). [See EUD page for more information.]

Not only did we keep their EUDs working continuously down to minus 40 C, our power module provided enhanced capabilities and superior power management not seen before. We removed the heater for some applications and found that the power module alone gave us a true all-weather capability that was as effective in the extreme heat as it was in the extreme cold.

Then, we re-focused again – designing our heater and power module to be a component that could be integrated into many existing and new battery-powered products within the same form factor.

Soon, we were integrating our heater and power module into multiple DoD-approved batteries directly, which significantly increased their operating time and power efficiencies. We also proved that we could re-charge batteries down to minus 40 C and provide faster charge times! [See Battery Heater page for more information.]

Immediately, we were asked if we could integrate the power module directly into a power/data cable – without the heater. Again, we met the challenge. Not only did we provide advanced power delivery capabilities and more efficient power use integrated into many existing/new power and data cables, in some configurations we were able eliminate a cable, thus reducing weight and cost while still providing enhanced capabilities. This product works well with existing power managers. [See Power/Data Cable page.]

AND,

We’re not done.

We are currently working with multiple product manufacturers to integrate our components into their products, including medical devices, drones, snowmobiles, battery bags, and more.  

Throughout this time we continued developing our energy generation and harvesting technology – which promises to provide an even greater benefit to our Warfighters – especially when combined with our existing capabilities.