Europe Gets Unique LiS Battery Test Centre

Europe Gets Unique LiS Battery Test Centre

Usually smartphones use Lithium batteries. Recently, there were media reports hyping Lithium Sulfur battery that claimed to be more efficient than Lithium batteries. Tests are on to prove the claims about the new batteries.

A test center in Abingdon has been set up by OXIS Energy where International Lithium Sulfur (LiS) battery system. Hyped as being the first of its kind in Europe, this facility is expected to enable and progress the development of LiS chemistry and technology.

Purpose of LiS battery system and this testing center:

The purpose of test center is to enable OXIS to develop new processes useful for rechargeable LiS battery systems. This center will be available and accessible to their customers as well.

OXIS’ CEO Huw-Hampson Jones said:
“The test center will allow OXIS and its partners to develop further its products towards commercialization and deployment into applications such as aircraft and a range of electric vehicles. The center will play a key role in maintaining, enhancing and furthering the expertise of OXIS and its personnel, in advancing the widespread adoption of LiS battery technology onto the world platform.”

Program Manager Ruth Davies said:
“Our objective is to develop a significant presence in overseas markets; exporting our products is a key strategic imperative. The Test center will enable us to make the best use of our highly skilled test team and extensive testing equipment. It will also enable us to employ highly skilled personnel over the next three years as OXIS expands.”

This center will also house specialist equipment to test battery systems and cells to check whether they meet order to meet specific industrial sectors regulatory requirements and international standards.

Benefits of LiS battery system:

  • Sulfur has an edge over ions
    Compared to lithium-ion cells, Sulfur is a better cathode partner for Lithium. In Lithium sulfur batteries, the chemicals processes include dissolution from the anode surface during discharge. They also reverse lithium plating to the anode while charging.Hence, Li-S allows for a theoretical specific energy in excess of 2700Wh/kg, which is almost 5 times higher than that of Li-ion. New lithium-based technology platform offers the highest energy density among all possible options involving chemistry involving lithium.
  • Safety
    Patented by OXIS, the Lithium-based chemistry in lithium sulfur batteries provides safety and allows the battery to meet international standards, with regards to shock, crush, thermal stability and short circuit.A ceramic lithium sulfide passivation layer and a non-flammable electrolyte equip the cells with the ability to withstand extreme situations. For example, the layer and electrolyte can prevent bullet and nail penetrations, preventing any possible adverse reaction.
  • Cycle life
    LiS batteries have a longer life compared to other batteries. They can be cycled approximately 1500 times (80% Beginning-of-Life). There are expectations that in the next 2 years, this might reach even higher.
  • Cost Effectiveness
    The costs of LiS production projections are significantly lower than Li-Ion. This is because the cost of Sulfur (raw material used for manufacturing this battery) is lower than the cost of the creation of ions. And sulfur offers high energy density. Less amount of sulfur offers the same amount energy that requires a higher amount of ions.
  • Temperature tolerance
    The Lithium-based chemistry of LiS battery is suitable for deployment at high temperatures. This makes LiS unique as most battery technologies are unable to tolerate high temperatures. This chemistry remains safe over 60°C. The thermal stability tests (for safety) at 150 ⁰C have been completed successfully. This surpasses most of the Li-Ion chemistries. Efforts are on to develop cells capable of operating at -80°C.
  • Pressure tolerance
    With the National Oceanography Centre (NOC), LiS cells were subjected to a test by Marine Autonomous Systems (MAS) project. After being tested up to 660 bars (6600 m equivalent water depth), the cells passed this test as well.
    What are your thoughts about the efficiency of LiS battery? Share with us by posting comments.
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