Li-S. It s Safer with OXIS. Lithium Sulfur Rechargeable Batteries

Transcription

1 Li-S It s Safer with OXIS Lithium Sulfur Rechargeable Batteries Li-S

2 Next Generation Battery Technology Since 2005 OXIS Energy (OXIS) has spearheaded the Next Generation of Batteries, pioneering rechargeable Lithium Sulfur technology. The company has developed its unequalled technology around sulfur based cathode materials, highly stable electrolyte systems and anodes made of lithium metal. OXIS Lithium Sulfur technology is able to produce batteries which are superior in terms of safety, energy, weight, cycle life, costs and ageing. To date, OXIS has a portfolio of 19 patent families, with 58 patents granted and a further 47 patents pending. 2

3 Meeting the Demands of Tomorrow High-energy rechargeable Lithium Sulfur (Li-S) batteries are the next generation in energy storage devices being developed by OXIS Energy for electric vehicles as well as defence systems and energy storage systems. The OXIS technology has many advantages over existing technologies: Lightweight Systems using metallic lithium are known to offer the highest specific energy, even more so when coupled with sulfur. OXIS has tapped into this extremely high theoretical specific energy, in excess of 2,700 Wh/kg, which is 5 times higher than that of lithium ion (Li-ion). 300 Wh/kg has already been demonstrated in pouch cells. Therefore, for the same energy stored, the battery is significantly lighter. OXIS is working on further developing this stored energy to Wh/kg. Safe Safety and reliability are guaranteed by the robust OXIS Li-S chemistry. Inherent in the technology are two key mechanisms which protect the cells: a ceramic lithium sulfide passivation layer and a non flammable electrolyte. This means that the cells can survive a barrage of electrical and physical abuse, including being punctured, without any adverse reaction. Environmentally Friendly The OXIS Li-S chemistry is considered to have less environmental impact when compared to other technologies such as Li-ion. The Li-S cells utilises sulfur in place of heavy metals such as nickel and cobalt which have a significant environmental impact. Furthermore, the sulfur used in manufacture is a recycled product; a by-product of the oil industry. Full Discharge OXIS cells have a 100% Depth-of-Discharge and remain safe during overcharge. This contrasts with Li-ion batteries which are susceptible to damage by over-discharge. Maintenance Free OXIS cells have an indefinite shelf-life with no charging required when left for extended periods. In comparison, Li-ion batteries require regular recharge to prevent failure and this is often the cause of warranty issues for manufacturers and suppliers. 3

4 The Next Step is OXIS Lithium ion battery technology has now reached its potential. OXIS Lithium Sulfur (Li-S) batteries are the next step for rechargeable, lightweight, safe and low-cost energy storage. Each Li-S cell comprises layers of: A lithium metal anode A sulfur-based cathode which includes carbon and a polymer binder A non-flammable electrolyte rendering the cell inherently safe. This revolutionary new technology has several advantages over existing technologies. Safe Conventional electrochemical rationale holds that the use of lithium metal is risky. A common belief is that any rechargeable lithium metal system will sooner or later generate uncontrolled dendritic lithium. Fortunately, this is not the case for the OXIS Li-S battery. Li-S electrolytes provide an effective mechanism for the passivation of suspended or mossy lithium by creating a lithium sulfide (Li 2 S) film on metallic lithium. Li 2 S has a melting point of 938 C and is a perfect insulator. OXIS batteries use non-flammable electrolytes with high flash points. OXIS has demonstrated safe operation up to 85 C, albeit with reduced capacity at the top end of this range. There are no safety issues when the cells are heated up to 140 C. To further prove the safety of the chemistry, OXIS has subjected cells to numerous abuse tests including overcharge, short circuit, nail and bullet penetration, both on freshly assembled and cycled cells. These tests have been passed with no measurable increase in the size of the cells. Lithium Metal Anode Separator Lithium Sulfide Electrolyte e- Charge e- Discharge Sulfur-based Cathode Cost Effective As a result of low material costs and a simpler production process than Li-ion, OXIS cells are a cost-effective energy storage solution for many types of application. Lightweight The comparison below shows the historical progress of key battery chemistries and the dramatic improvement offered has already been demonstrated in pouch cells with over 290Wh/kg in production size pouch cells. Thus for the same total energy stored, an OXIS battery is significantly lighter. Aluminium Collector Of course, one of the last places where you want to experience a fire is at sea. Therefore, the inherently-safe OXIS battery technology is a vital element for electric marine propulsion. Finn Limseth Managing Director, Nodin Innovation AS Specific Energy, Wh/kg Lead-acid PRACTICAL IN YEAR OF BIRTH LIMIT PRACTICAL Nickel-metal hydride Lithium-ion PRACTICAL 2013 THEORETICAL Nickelcadmium Lithiumsulfur 4

5 Battery Management Systems Key to the introduction of a new game-changing cell technology has been the early development of batteries to demonstrate the robust integration of cells with Battery Management Systems (BMS). Fully Operational Applications Over the last 3 years OXIS has developed several prototype batteries using a range of BMS and integrated them into fully operational systems. These have varied in size from small batteries, powering e-bikes to larger stackable energy storage batteries connected to photovoltaic (PV) panels. Each has ratified the successful integration of Li-S cells into real applications thus allowing the reliable introduction of new commercial batteries today. Batteries to Meet the Needs of Customers OXIS has a dedicated Battery Integration Team supporting organisations in their development of new batteries for many different applications. The Battery Integration team supports both our Battery Integration partners, designing Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) and custom systems, and large system integrators with in-house battery design capability. The team s experience integrating a range of BMS with Li-S cells is invaluable in designing these batteries to fully realise the potential of the OXIS technology. 5

6 World Class Partners in Materials OXIS is working with top chemical companies to achieve the best possible performance in a new generation of rechargeable batteries. OXIS has been concentrating a large amount of research into improving the cycle life of Li-S cells. In doing so, OXIS has reached the limit of performance using commercially available offthe-shelf material and is now investigating new technologies in order to unlock the full potential of the chemistry. To that end, OXIS is collaborating with world class chemical companies to develop new polymer binders, carbon materials, electrode substrates and lithium salts to get the best possible performance improvements in order to pilot a new generation of high energy rechargeable batteries. Specialist Research and Development OXIS has signed Joint Development Agreements (JDA) with the global chemical company and France s leading chemical producer, Arkema as well as one the world s largest polymer companies, Bayer Material Science of Germany. Both companies will work with OXIS to provide access to different speciality materials. The OXIS R&D team has collaborations with a number of other organisations. Cooperation with SASOL Technology UK allows OXIS to utilize SASOL s world class analytical facilities to analyse Li-S cell components thus accelerating the rate of research. In addition, OXIS has many partnerships with companies who are at the forefront of battery materials production including: Toray, Celgard, Asahi-Kasei, Sumitomo Seika, 3M, FMC and Rockwood Lithium. This allows OXIS access to the latest new battery materials to further improve the technology. 6

7 World Class Partners in Energy Storage Lithium Sulfur batteries will form an innovative and essential part of lowering the costs of energy storage and improving safety. OXIS has teamed up with top companies in the solar and battery industry to develop innovative integrated renewable energy systems, from residential and community to larger commercial and industrial applications. Combining batteries with renewable energy sources such as solar, hydro and wind provides the capability to match building energy demand with energy availability and to minimise the use of electricity from the grid. As the installed base of renewable energy sources grows, it is recognized that there will be an increasing need for energy storage systems to match demand to the variable energy generation for systems such as solar. The overlap commonly accepted between solar supply and demand is about 20% for residential use, necessitating energy storage. Most existing energy storage solutions are lead acid based with Li-ion batteries currently being introduced into the market. Lead acid is polluting and inefficient, low energy density and with poor cycle life which increases maintenance costs. Li-ion batteries have safety issues, highlighted by fires on the 787 Dreamliner and are costly. These factors combine to reduce the take-up to date of localised energy storage systems and slowing growth in alternative energy generation. Li-S batteries fulfil the need for cost-effective, safe and high cycle life batteries for energy storage solutions. Li-S batteries are also lighter than Li-ion and significantly lighter than lead acid batteries allowing for an easier and simpler installation. Disposal costs at end of life will be lower as they do not contain harmful metals such as lead and cobalt. 7

8 World Class Partners in Manufacturing The key to our manufacturing success is having partners focused on quality at competitive costs. SASOL New Energy OXIS has a wide range of investors who are helping to bring Li-S batteries to the market. In 2012, OXIS received a GBP 15 million investment from the South African integrated energy and petrochemicals company, SASOL New Energy. The French corporate finance advisory boutique Natureo Finance acted as OXIS Energy s sole financial advisor during this transaction. Its financial proficiency and industry knowledge helped OXIS broaden the scope of potential technical and commercial activities with strategic corporate partners. GP Batteries OXIS has signed an agreement with GP Batteries of Singapore, a major world class manufacturer of primary and rechargeable batteries and the largest consumer battery manufacturer in China. Both parties will work together to augment the commercial production of Li-S battery systems for use in commercial applications. With the initial production project with GP Hong Kong complete, OXIS has moved the production operation to GP Shenzen. Equipment, processes and materials have been updated in order to make higher capacity cells. OXIS is meeting its daily cell production targets and has the capability to increase should the demand arise. Shenzhen offers advantages over Hong Kong in that it s a full production environment rather than the laboratory environment in Hong Kong. It also offers reduced costs in terms of staff, utilities and equipment. 8

9 World Class Partners in Transportation With our partners, the introduction of lithium sulfur batteries in Electric Vehicles (EVs) has already started and will have a game-changing impact on the adoption of EVs. The Future of Transportation OXIS, in collaboration with R&D Vehicle Systems, UK and NAVYA, France has successfully developed the battery system for the first ever commercially available driverless electric vehicle. OXIS has provided state of the art cell and battery technology in the form of an automobile battery management system to power this robotic shuttle. The battery, which is designed to be compliant with automotive standards, can supply 11 kwh of energy into a typical peak load of 25kW. The battery consists of two series connected units, one at each end of the vehicle and are fully sealed against dust and moisture so they can be mounted low down on the vehicle. Although made specifically for the vehicle, the technology is easily transferrable to other low voltage light electric vehicles. Marine Vessel Batteries OXIS has also forged a partnership with Multi Source Power Technologies (MSP) enabling the development of marine Li-S batteries. This will be a versatile battery system scalable from 20 kwh to 50 kwh and will provide multiple configurable voltage outputs that will not only power electric motor boats, but can also be used to power air conditioning and navigation systems. The vehicle is designed for transportation in city centres, university campuses, military bases and shopping malls and has the capacity to carry up to 8 passengers. Furthermore the lightweight nature of Li-S overcomes the key barrier to mass adoption of EVs, namely Range Anxiety the concern that a vehicle has insufficient range to reach the desired destination. Therefore, OXIS is collaborating with several major car manufacturers for the introduction of Li-S into the mass market. 9

10 Crown copyright World Class Partners in Defence OXIS is developing cutting edge battery technology that will significantly reduce the load on soldiers. The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has awarded a contract to OXIS Energy Ltd and Lincad Ltd to develop rechargeable Li-S batteries for UK forces that are significantly lighter and safer than the conventional Li-ion batteries that are in service today. Currently, soldiers carry several kilos of batteries on operations. This causes fatigue and reduces operational effectiveness. Lightening this load is a priority for the UK MoD. By using OXIS technology, the weight of the batteries can be halved. Lincad and OXIS are working together and have successfully integrated the Li-S cells into the current in-service battery using Lincad s expertise to ensure that the final design is a safe and reliable replacement for the current battery. With the gravimetric energy of Li-S being 5 times greater than Li-ion, there is enormous potential to further reduce the weight to just 20% of current batteries and OXIS is striving to achieve this. Another major factor in selecting Li-S is the safety of the personnel. The cells developed by OXIS can easily handle a wide variety of abuse conditions including extreme temperatures, short circuit and nail penetration. They have also proven that they can survive being punctured by a bullet without adverse reaction. Lincad s expertise in the production of high energy density military power solutions relies upon the continual development of lighter, more powerful and hence more mobile battery systems for deployed environments. We are excited to be working with OXIS Energy who are at the forefront of new lithium-sulfur cell technology; chemistry that demonstrates impressive safety characteristics and the potential to reduce the burden on the soldier in the field. LINCAD Project Manager, Peter Slade 10

11 OXIS Leads the Way OXIS is leading a consortium to develop a Revolutionary Electric Vehicle Battery System. REVB The objective of the Revolutionary Electric Vehicle Battery [REVB] programme is to improve cell technology for the purpose of mass adoption into electric vehicles. The programme aims to: Increase cell energy density to beyond 400Wh/kg Design cells from 25Ah to 90Ah for EV requirements Develop simulation model-led research and development processes Develop controls systems to maximise the efficiency of Li-S cells in application. Co-funded by the UK s innovation agency, the Technology Strategy Board, the project will leverage expertise in material research to develop high fidelity models that inform future research and facilitate the development of bespoke battery and energy control systems for Li-S applications. Breakthrough Technology REVB will deliver a game-changing electric vehicle battery and provide the UK with three innovations: Breakthrough Li-S cells for EVs Proven model-led battery development methods and tools Sophisticated, model driven Energy System Controller (ESC). REVB will accelerate the adoption of EVs into common markets and reduce CO 2 emissions. The REVB programme will run until the end of The REVB consortium chose the Nissan Leaf as the target vehicle to demonstrate Lithium Sulfur technology designed for the automotive market. Completing the first work package, requirements and specifications were developed using real world simulation. Combined with OXIS s materials knowledge and know-how, achievable targets for cell and battery specifications are defined. A rolling programme of cell development is underway, delivering advances in cell design every three months for the realisation of a tangible automotive Lithium Sulfur battery. Dr Mark Wild, Programme Manager for REVB 11

12 The Future of Battery Technology An interview with Huw Hampson-Jones (CEO) What further developments do you see ahead? The developments will continue on three fronts. First, the ongoing improvement in electrochemistry and the process by which cells are manufactured. Secondly, we will further improve the effectiveness and functionally of the Battery Management System. Thirdly, with our partners we will endeavour to package the entire battery system combined with our technology in a manner that meets the design criteria of our customers. This will vary in relation to the different applications to be powered, and aesthetics will play a role in this, especially for consumer products such as cars, yachts, residential energy storage systems, computer systems, e-scooters and e-bikes. If the petrol engine is to be replaced as a means of powering vehicles, what are you doing to make this happen? Crucially, OXIS is perfecting the use of materials such as novel electrolytes and cathodes, which, when combined, produce sufficient energy to power vehicles and other consumable products that require battery systems to perform. Through our development partnerships we are progressing with improving the energy density of our batteries beyond current technologies so that, over time, vehicle journeys of miles can be achieved on one battery charge. Once this mileage is achieved, the petrol tank can be replaced. How is industry adapting to your technological breakthrough? We are involved with various industrial sectors and each reacts differently. The automotive and aviation industries have now taken note of OXIS Energy s technological breakthrough on two counts. First, the energy density which we aim to develop over the next five years will provide sufficient energy to eliminate range anxiety. Secondly, its safety is particularly attractive to the aviation industry. OXIS has received orders from European mainstream vehicle manufacturers for the purpose of developing battery systems for their new electric vehicles. This is also true of the aviation sector. Safety and energy density are two of OXIS s key technological strengths. These have already been demonstrated. This allows the defence and aviation sector to display greater degrees of flexibility and innovation in the design of new products and applications. We are also seeing the energy storage industry beginning to grasp the significance of the OXIS technological breakthrough which will provide far greater safety and range and reduce the dependency on electricity generation. 12

13 Will this new technology change the way people live and work? Yes it will. Let me give you a real example of how this will change the way people live and consume energy by telling you about a project on which we are currently working. Solar Energy is a very cheap form of energy much more effective and cheaper than wind power, and arguably less detrimental to the look of the countryside, whether at sea or on land. Solar photovoltaic cells can easily be accommodated in houses. Current Lithium-ion battery storage technology is unsafe and cannot be safely stored and located in residential properties. Because of the inherent safety of OXIS s technology, the Lithium Sulfur cell and battery systems can be stored and located in people s homes. If we can successfully roll out this initiative, with our world class partners, over the coming years, the net effect will be to reduce dependency on oil, gas and coal generated power stations. What determines your personal success in business? That is a difficult question, as there are many factors at play. First on my list of priorities is to communicate and define our objectives as a team. The team must understand what achievements are necessary for the Company to be a success. The second is to prioritise and to focus on overcoming key issues and problems as they arise. The third is to bring our customers and partners with us, to be open and direct in explaining where we are today, where we are heading and why. It is important we set expectations correctly with both customers and partners. And lastly, we must not lose focus on what really matters, which is the generation of revenue, as a result of our customers actually entrusting us with their money to purchase OXIS s products and services. Ultimately, this will make OXIS a profitable company. All the above is undertaken with quality management. What are your biggest challenges for the year ahead? The biggest challenge for the year ahead is to ensure that we fulfil our customers programmes for demonstrating the use of our technology in defence, solar power, light electric vehicles and marine vehicles. 13

14 OXIS OXIS is based at the Culham Science Centre in Oxfordshire where the original Li-ion batteries were developed and prototyped. We have well equipped laboratories with state of the art equipment and one of the largest dry room facilities in Europe. OXIS has successfully designed, developed and produced Li-S battery systems, which are used to power electric vehicles, energy storage systems and military applications. Since Q our single cell capacity has improved 12 fold. We have set ourselves the target of 90Ah cells for the future. This is very good news for the mainstream European car manufacturers, as we are moving closer towards eliminating range anxiety and the internal combustion engine, whether petrol or diesel. The company was originally founded in May The name changed from Intellikraft to OXIS Energy in July This was when the company decided to concentrate on developing the electrochemistry associated with Li-S. During the period from OXIS started the process of perfecting the Li-S chemistry to a safer standard to provide the necessary energy density that would eventually power electric vehicles. We continue to improve even more! In 2010, the current CEO, Huw W Hampson-Jones joined the company with a brief to make the technology more commercial. His priority was to place the company on a sound financial footing. Since March 2010 the company has continued to perfect and improve its chemistry and technology. OXIS has gained significant improvements in energy density both at a research and development level as well as in terms of the prototype cell to be used in a range of applications. At the start of 2010, OXIS employed just 10 staff. Today it has a work force of 50 and expects this to rise during the period Huw W Hampson-Jones, CEO OXIS Energy Ltd It s safer with OXIS! 14

15 Granted Patent families include: 1. Improvements relating to electrode structures in batteries 2. Improvements relating to electrolyte compositions for batteries using sulfur or sulfur compounds 3. Electrolyte for lithium sulfur batteries and lithium sulfur batteries using the same 4. Lithium sulphide battery and method for producing the same 5. Lithium sulfur battery with high specific energy 6. High temperature cell 7. An electrolyte for batteries with a metal lithium electrode 8. A lithium sulfur battery with a high specific energy and a method of operating the same 9. Rechargeable battery with negative lithium electrode 10. Connecting contact leads to lithium-based electrodes 11. Reinforced metal foil electrode 12. A method of charging a lithium sulfur cell

16 OXIS Energy Limited E1 Culham Science Centre Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 3DB, UK Tel: +44 (0) Fax: +44 (0) oxisenergy.com