Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

This research proposal explores an innovative lithium battery system design suitable for displacing traditional lead-acid batteries within (but not limited to) renewable-energy-based micro-grid applications. Lithium-based battery technologies have many inherent advantages over their lead-acid counterparts, but a number of technical, design and economic challenges persist and are slowing the market transition from traditional tried-and-true lead-based battery technologies to longer-lasting and higher-performing lithium-based designs. This research proposal considers a simplified, modular and flexible lithium battery system design philosophy that is reduced in cost and complexity as compared to current products in the marketplace. This project aims to realize a modular lithium battery system concept that can be installed with the same ease, flexibility and cost as today's lead-acid batteries. This is to be achieved by developing new technologies and techniques for packaging, managing and protecting commodity lithium cells. Of specific interest is improving battery performance and cost-effectiveness within solar power applications.