Periodic Reporting for period 1 - PLuTO (Photo-induced heating of Lithium-ion batteries for Low Temperature Operation)
Reporting period: 2023-01-01 to 2024-12-31
Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are currently the most widely spread energy storage technology. However, LIB performance is strongly negatively affected by low temperatures. In particular, at sub-zero temperatures, LIB performance is dramatically reduced. This is detrimental for LIB deployment in cold climates (found for example high latitudes and altitudes) and hinders their widespread use in airplanes, high-altitude aerial vehicles and aerospace applications. This project’s overarching aim was to develop an innovative approach based on a new photo-induced heating route for liquid electrolyte batteries, to improve LIB performance at low temperatures. The core concept involved using specific elements, which were designed to activate and warm up the battery. In this context, this project aimed at providing a new, passive and hence more efficient approach to heat batteries, which could be employed in low temperature application scenarios.
To reach the main objective, a balanced approach comprising computational design of heaters, physics-based numerical simulation of LIBs, fabrication of transparent and semi-transparent small scale LIBs (coin cell size) prototypes and opto-electrical characterization were performed. Successful fabrication and assembly of LIBs with designed heaters was achieved. A pioneering method of heater loading for small scale LIBs was developed. Specific LIBs were developed which allowed to activate the heaters and warm-up the battery cell. Thermal experiments demonstrate temperature increases in the order of 10 °C or up to increases of 25 °C, with uniform heating, suitable to heat LIBs.
The attained results comprise (1) physics-based simulation of batteries at room and low temperatures, incorporating microstructural characteristics acquired through advanced electron microscopy techniques; (2) pioneering fabrication of heater loaded small scale (coin cell size) LIBs; and (3) test of the developed prototypes. To the best of the researchers knowledge, this constitutes the first-of-its-kind demonstration of heaters within liquid electrolyte of the LIB, with suitable heating for the intended applications. Further research would be needed to assess the competitiveness/practical utility of the developed approach, and its applicability.
The concept is been protected and a patent application will be filed during March 2025.
The concept is been protected and a patent application will be filed during March 2025.