E3S Web of Conferences (Jan 2017)

High Specific Energy Lithium Cells for Space Exploration

  • Farmakis F.,
  • Georgoulas N.,
  • Karafyllidis I.,
  • Amoiridis I.,
  • Elmasides C.,
  • Balomenou S.,
  • Tsiplakides D.,
  • Nestoridi M.

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/20171608003
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 16
p. 08003

Abstract

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The paper discusses development under an ESA TRP activity (Contract No. 4000109879/13/NL/LvH) with a target of high specific energy Lithium-ion cells, capable of operating under low temperature conditions, i.e. −40 °C. Such cells may be encountered in future exploration missions, which do not consider the use of Radioisotope Heater Units. During the activity, ≥1 Ah silicon-based high energy density prototype cells, following components characterization and optimization, were designed, developed, manufactured and tested under room and subzero temperature conditions down to −40 °C. The developed and tested prototype cells exhibited energy density of around 208 Wh/Kg at room temperature under C/10 charge-discharge rate within voltage range of 2.8 V and 4.1 V. Moreover, the prototype cells could retain and deliver more than 75% of their capacity at room temperature upon cycling at −40 °C, demonstrating an energy density of 140 Wh/kg.