Thermal Isolation Technology for Large-Format Li-ion Batteries

Large format lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries with ineffective cell isolation are potentially hazardous when exposed to conditions such as crush, overcharge, discharge, high temperature and internal short circuit. The recent Boeing incidents and similar incidents in the automotive industry underscore the importance of current research into the root causes and safety hazards associated with such batteries. This research has shown that catastrophic failure in large-format Li-ion packs involves a complex chain of events that could, perhaps, be interrupted at several points along the failure chain and by several features in the battery design. In the event of cell failure, propagation of heat can occur, from a defective/damaged cell to the surrounding ones in a battery pack leading to a"domino-effect"and resulting in extensive thermal runaway. Such safety concerns can impede the combat capability of critical platforms like Joint Strike Fighter"(JSF). To address this need, ADA Technologies, Inc. (ADA) in partnership with Saft America Inc. (Saft), propose to develop a multi-layer, lightweight technology to mitigate thermal propagation risks in the event of cell failure.