Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer
Li Metal Protection for High Energy Space Batteries, Phase II
Project Description
NOHMs propose to develop, demonstrate, and deliver high energy, lightweight, safe lithium sulfur (Li-S) batteries for use in space applications. During the Phase II project, NOHMs Technologies pursue approaches for enhancing energy density, safety, and manufacturability of larger-format pouch cells based on the most promising electrode and electrolyte compositions identified in Phase 1. We will demonstrate benchmarked improvements in performance and safety metrics in 2 to 4 Ah cells that will be tested and integrated into space applications such as space suits. NOHMs will provide full cells to demonstrate the feasibility of our system to meet NASA's 'Far Term Mission' specific energy and energy density goals. The battery technology under development by NOHMs is capable of delivering batteries with specific energies that are two times higher than today's state of the art Li-ion battery systems. For NASA missions, this can be translated into increased operational range, functionality, or payload capabilities and significantly reduced operational cost.
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Anticipated Benefits
Advanced batteries are required for future space missions. These uses include batteries for astronaut equipment and EVA suits, crew exploration vehicles, in-space habitats, surface habitats, humanoid robots, landers, ISRU, ISS astronaut equipment, life support systems, and photovoltaic energy storage. Science Mission Directive missions include planetary probes, landers, rovers, and orbiters, all which require high energy, safe batteries. Advanced batteries with 2-3 X performance capability are required and will enable a number of future NASA space missions listed above. Successfully deployed safe lithium-sulfur batteries would result in significant mass savings and operational flexibility. Initial NASA space-based applications include space suit power and EVA applications which will be supported by ILC Dover. Additional NASA applications such as satellites will be supported by Lockheed Martin. Non-space applications within NASA include Unmanned Aerial Systems, and other electric flight programs, which will also be supported by Lockheed Martin. This project can provide an opportunity for the widespread adoption of high energy, safe Lithium-Sulfur (Li-S) batteries in the consumer, automotive vehicles and grid energy storage market. Li-Sulfur batteries have a theoretical storage capacity of 2.3 kW/kg and offer one of the highest theoretical energy densities among rechargeable batteries and can yield a dramatic 3-4x reduction in weight, size, and cost to present day Li-ion batteries. Non-NASA commercial applications will also include UAS platforms, such as the Desert Hawk from Lockheed Martin, and others. As battery lifetimes are increased to match and exceed current Li-ion technology, then larger commercial applications such as electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems will be addressable with this technology. In particular, the increased safety of the Li-S technology will be attractive to the commercial aviation industry which has suffered from catastrophic failures of Li-ion batteries in recent years.
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Project Library
Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nohms Technologies | Lead Organization | Industry | Rochester, New York |
Glenn Research Center
(GRC)
|
Supporting Organization | NASA Center | Cleveland, Ohio |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
New York
-
Ohio
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