Evaluating the Safety of Next-generation Energy Storage Cells

Default ARPA-E Project Image


Program:
EVs4ALL
Award:
$3,425,000
Location:
Golden, Colorado
Status:
ACTIVE
Project Term:
07/27/2023 - 01/27/2026
Website:

Technology Description:

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) will lead a team to assess the risks of next-generation cells from fundamental reaction kinetics to the full battery level. NREL will apply cutting-edge experimental and modeling techniques to build a comprehensive description of the failure mechanisms and risks of cells. NREL’s approach will leverage the capabilities of their partners to understand the thermal and chemical response of cells spatially and temporally to controlled abuse conditions. Data and parameters representing the risks of next generation cells will be carefully assessed and made open-access to facilitate benchmarking of cell behaviors against NREL’s Battery Failure Databank, the largest open-source database on the thermal behavior of commercial Li-ion cells. A suite of new open access resources, including modelling frameworks and experimental data, will be made available during this project by expanding NREL’s existing online presence. The project will establish an understanding of failure mechanisms, reaction pathways, failure modes and effects, leading to revised testing standards, and new capabilities and tools to help de-risk adoption of next-generation cells for commercial applications.

Potential Impact:

EVs4ALL’s primary objective is to increase the domestic adoption of new and used EVs by enabling safe, resilient, fast-charging batteries with improved performance at low temperatures.

Security:

Solutions will target the use of “noncritical” battery materials, while minimizing the use of cobalt and nickel. A reduced dependence on the importation of critical metals supports U.S. energy independence.

Environment:

80% adoption of EVs in the U.S. could reduce overall CO2 emissions by 800 million tons/year.

Economy:

80% adoption of EVs in the U.S. could reduce annual energy consumption by 4 quadrillion British Thermal Units.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Halle Cheeseman
Project Contact:
Donal Finegan
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
donal.finegan@nrel.gov

Partners

University of Texas, Austin

Related Projects


Release Date:
05/03/2022