3D Solid State Battery
Project Description
Current Lithium ion battery(LIB) technology is based on intercalation materials and corrosive/ flammable liquid electrolytes. LIBs exhibit safety issues related to liquid electrolyte, where flammability/explosion are concerns when thermally or electrically abused. However, LIB is the best- performing rechargeable battery technology to date exhibiting a high energy density of ~250 Wh/kg at the cell level. Research has pursued incremental improvements to intercalation materials (higher capacity, higher voltage or faster charging) to improve performance, reduce cost and/or improved safety. The maximum energy density of ~350 Wh/Kg is the most probable upper limit for Li intercalation chemistries (with one Li+). LIBs based on intercalation electrodes will not meet NASA's demand for higher energy density for future missions. Also, a safety paradigm exists where high energy density does not correlate with safety. Successful development of a high energy density battery requires not only suitable materials, but also architecture capable of storing large amounts of energy in a reliable and safe matter. Beyond-lithium-ion battery(BLIB) embraces new storage concepts, architectures and materials to achieve higher energy densities >400 Wh/Kg. BLIB does not imply a Li-free chemistry, the low anode potential and mass are extremely attractive. BLIB needs to be a transformative technology to meet aggressive energy and mass requirements for future applications. The goal is to advance solid state battery technology with non-intercalation (conversion) electrodes to enhance energy density and mitigate safety by using solid state electrolyte(SSE) technology. Although still in its infancy relative to liquid-based batteries, solid-state batteries provide a pathway to achieve NASA's energy storage and safety goals. The goal is to advance Lithium-Sulfur(Li-S) technology using SSE approach.
More »Anticipated Benefits
LIB energy capacity is 5 -10 times greater than aqueous battery systems. Demand for high energy capacity batteries traverses across all NASA's mission directorates. NASA's Road Map identifies the need for 2-3x higher energy capacity than current LIB technology. Advanced lithium chemistry coupled with SSE is envisioned to be mission-enhancing and mission enabling technology. Major advantages of SSE technology over more conventional battery technologies include reduced mass and volume, enhanced system safety, reliability and lower power system life-cycle costs. LIB has gained a dominant position in the commercial and military rechargeable battery markets due to larger energy per unit mass and/or volume. Market research projects annual growth ~20%/year, while stagnation is projected for nickel metal hydride battery market and a negative market decline of ~16% is forecasted for nickel-cadmium battery market. The 2012 global market for LIB technology was ~$12 billion, a $46 billion market is projected by 2022. Safety is a major concern for LIBs. There is an inherent risk for fire/explosion when storing a large amount of electrochemical energy. In 2010, UPS flight 6 was the first fatal air crash due to LIB incident. From 1991 to July 2013, the FAA has reported 135 incidents involving LIBs from cargo and baggage. The most visible and recent issue has been the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Boeing 787 is the first aircraft design utilizing LIB technology. The FAA suspended Boeing 787 flights in early 2013 due to LIB incidents. FAA approved safety modifications cost $464,678/plane. As LIB technology matures, the size and energy of these systems will continue to increase for emerging applications. As the energy storage systems increase, safety and reliability issues will become increasingly important. The failure modes and mitigations for hazards associated with these failures will also change and evolve. Fundamental improvements in material chemistry are needed to improve cell and system safety, reducing solitary dependence on ancillary external system control electronics.
More »Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Glenn Research Center
(GRC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Cleveland, Ohio |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
Ohio
