Ion Storage Systems, a battery cell maker in the US, is making significant advancements in solid state battery technology with its unique design. The company claims to have successfully solved two major challenges that have hindered the progress of solid state batteries. Ion Storage Systems plans to begin commercial production of its 4cm by 4cm battery cells, achieving 1 megawatt hour (MWh) by the end of this year and scaling up to 10 MWh by 2025. This development could revolutionize both electric vehicles and stationary storage applications.
Solid state batteries have been hailed as a potential long-term solution to the limitations of lithium-ion batteries, including size, duration, and fire risk. Theoretically, solid state batteries offer higher energy density in a smaller package, providing longer range for electric vehicles. However, the growth of dendrites, or lithium spikes, has been a persistent challenge that can cause short circuits.
Ion Storage Systems claims to have successfully addressed both the expansion and dendrite issues. By incorporating a coral-like ceramic structure, the battery allows for lithium expansion during the charging process, eliminating the need for additional space for expansion in the final product. Additionally, the ceramic structure prevents dendrite growth, ensuring the long-term reliability of the battery.
The unique design of Ion Storage’s battery also offers the flexibility to adjust the size of the battery based on customer requirements. While the technology has clear potential for electric vehicles, the company initially aims to target consumer electronics, defense, and aerospace sectors. Collaborating with partners around the world, Ion Storage aims to bring its ceramic bilayer design to the market without the need for costly gigafactories.
While Ion Storage Systems is still in the process of seeking potential customers, its investors include Toyota, indicating significant interest in the technology. Additionally, the company received a $20 million grant from ARPA-E, further validating the potential impact of its solid state battery technology.
As Ion Storage Systems continues to scale up its operations, it aims to offer cost-comparable products to lithium-ion alternatives. With its emphasis on fire safety, lightweight design, and higher energy density, Ion Storage Systems is poised to revolutionize the battery industry and drive the adoption of solid state batteries.
FAQ:
1. What is Ion Storage Systems working on?
Ion Storage Systems is working on advancing solid state battery technology with its unique design.
2. What challenges have hindered the progress of solid state batteries?
Two major challenges that have hindered the progress of solid state batteries are expansion and dendrite issues. Expansion refers to the expansion of lithium during the charging process, which requires additional space in the battery. Dendrites are lithium spikes that can cause short circuits.
3. How has Ion Storage Systems addressed these challenges?
Ion Storage Systems claims to have successfully addressed both expansion and dendrite issues. They have incorporated a coral-like ceramic structure in their battery design, which allows for lithium expansion without the need for additional space. The ceramic structure also prevents dendrite growth, ensuring the battery’s long-term reliability.
4. What are the potential advantages of solid state batteries?
Solid state batteries offer higher energy density in a smaller package compared to lithium-ion batteries. This means they can provide longer range for electric vehicles and have potential applications in stationary storage. Solid state batteries also have the advantage of reduced fire risk.
5. Can the size of Ion Storage Systems’ battery be adjusted?
Yes, the unique design of Ion Storage’s battery allows for flexibility in adjusting the size based on customer requirements.
Definitions:
– Solid state batteries: Batteries that use solid electrodes and a solid electrolyte instead of liquid or gel electrolytes used in traditional lithium-ion batteries.
– Dendrites: Lithium spikes that can form during the charging process and cause short circuits in batteries.
Related links:
– Ion Storage Systems: Official website of Ion Storage Systems, the battery cell maker mentioned in the article.
– ARPA-E: The Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) is a U.S. government agency that funds innovative energy projects. Ion Storage Systems received a $20 million grant from ARPA-E.