This project is targeted for NASA's X-planes with lithium based energy storage systems. The X57 Maxwell is the target application, however, other X-planes, as well as Space applications may re-use the research to extend pack life, and avoid unpredicted Thermal Events. Vertical Take off & Lift working groups studying air taxi transportation.
All commercial aviation applications with a lithium ion battery have the ability to benefit from this research. No deployed Li-Ion battery system in Aviation today has an active topology. This is due to the stringent FAA DO311 requirements which require designers to show that their systems can meet a 1E-9 probability requirement of failed condition occurring such as overcharge. This is achieved through redundancy and the elimination of single point failures. With charge current being transferred from cell to cell, no one has achieved a cost effective design that meets the 1e-9 requirement. If the TRL is advanced on such a topology, the economics of lithium becomes much more compelling given the much improved cycle life. Other key markets who could benefit from Research would be the Air Taxi Manufacturers. Much of their business model is based on the economic properties of the battery. Right now cell manufacturers who are achieving the energy density targets for the application are no where near the cycle life requirement to make this market viable. This technology fills a critical gap in both cycle life and certification aspects.
More »