Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) and Lithium-ion Polymer (Li-polymer) Battery Safety

The proposed program aims to overcome the challenge of developing a Li-ion battery that delivers high performance while simultaneously improving the intrinsic safety of the Li-ion cell. Generally, safety at the cell level is sacrificed in order to achieve performance in terms of high charge/discharge rate capability and energy density. In contrast to the traditional single point approach of incorporating external controls such as a Battery Management System (BMS) to render a degree of safety to a Li-ion battery pack, the proposed approach aims at introducing multiple innovations in the components within the cell, particularly in terms of the materials used. Working in collaboration with a fully equipped battery manufacturer, we propose to demonstrate the feasibility of our approach in Phase I by comparing it to the state of the art in Li-ion cell technology for high rate applications. 5 Ah cells will be fabricated and tested so the performance and safety characteristics can be ascertained quantitatively. Since the objective of the program is to develop safer Li-ion batteries that also have the needed rate capability and energy density, the Phase II program will focus on incorporating the Phase I innovations into larger scale Li-ion battery modules, and subjecting them to industry standard performance and abuse testing. Prototype battery packs will be delivered to the military at the end of the Phase II program for testing and qualification.