Innovative Manufacturing Process for Li-Ion Batteries

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Program:
OPEN 2012
Award:
$935,022
Location:
Palo Alto, California
Status:
ALUMNI
Project Term:
03/01/2013 - 06/11/2014

Technology Description:

Palo Alto Research Center (PARC) is developing a new way to manufacture Li-Ion batteries that reduces manufacturing costs and improves overall battery performance. Traditionally, Li-Ion manufacturers make each layer of the battery separately and then integrate the layers together. PARC is working to manufacture a Li-ion battery by printing each layer simultaneously into an integrated battery, thereby streamlining the manufacturing process. Additionally, the battery structure includes narrow stripes inside the layers that increase the battery’s overall energy storage. Together, these innovations should allow the production of higher capacity batteries at dramatically lower manufacturing costs compared to today’s Li-ion batteries.

Potential Impact:

If successful, PARC’s new manufacturing process could significantly reduce the cost and increase the energy storage of Li-Ion batteries for EVs.

Security:

Increased use of EVs would decrease U.S. dependence on foreign oil—the transportation sector is the dominant source of this dependence.

Environment:

Greater use of EVs would reduce greenhouse gas emissions, 28% of which come from the transportation sector.

Economy:

The ability to make higher performance batteries at a lower cost will give U.S. battery manufactures a significant advantage over their foreign competitors.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Howard Branz
Project Contact:
Dr. Corie Cobb
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
Corie.Cobb@parc.com

Partners

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

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Release Date:
03/02/2012