Lithium-ion batteries, celebrated for their high energy density and lightweight characteristics, are not without their shortcomings. The intense power draw required for activities such as drone takeoff places considerable strain on these batteries, precipitating damage and curtailing their overall lifespan. To address these challenges, researchers, including Ilias Belharouak, Marm Dixit, and their team, have embarked on a mission to enhance LiB resilience through the development of a novel electrolyte specifically designed for fast charging and discharging.
The team's approach involved subjecting a set of LiB cells to extreme conditions, discharging 15 times the battery's optimal capacity for 45 seconds to mimic the rapid power draw characteristic of vertical takeoffs. This high-stress test revealed that the batteries could not sustain more than 100 cycles of this intense activity, with performance degradation becoming noticeable after approximately 85 cycles.
However, it was in the subsequent phase of the research that an intriguing possibility emerged. When these "stressed out" batteries were later exposed to more moderate, lower-rate power demands, they demonstrated a partial retention of their capacity. This finding suggests that, although these LiBs may falter under the severe demands of high-power applications like VTOL drones, they possess a potential afterlife in less strenuous roles. Applications such as battery backups for power supplies and energy-grid storage could benefit from these repurposed batteries, offering a sustainable solution to the challenge of battery waste.
The implications of this research are twofold. Firstly, it points to the necessity for ongoing development of alternative battery technologies that can better accommodate the high-power demands of applications like electric vertical takeoff and landing. Secondly, it highlights a sustainable pathway for extending the usefulness of lithium-ion batteries beyond their initial high-stress applications. By repurposing batteries in applications with lower power demands, we can enhance the sustainability of battery technology and contribute to a more circular economy.
This study represents a significant step forward in our understanding of lithium-ion battery performance under stress and opens the door to new strategies for battery utilization and recycling. As the demand for efficient and durable power sources continues to grow, especially in the burgeoning field of aerial electric vehicles, such research is essential in paving the way for more sustainable and resilient battery technologies.
Research Report:"Lithium-Ion Battery Power Performance Assessment for the Climb Step of an Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) Application"
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American Chemical Society
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