Electrochemical Energy Storage
Argonne National Laboratory has been actively involved in the development of
advanced batteries since the late 1960s when it initiated R&D on
high-temperature lithium sulfur batteries. In the early 1970s, the US Department
of Energy (DOE) established its first independent battery test facility at
Argonne and named it the National Battery Test Laboratory (NBTL), for the
purpose of conducting independent evaluations on advanced battery technologies
that were potential candidates for use in battery-powered electric vehicles.
NBTL incorporated a well equipped post-test analysis laboratory that was
instrumental in helping to identify life-limiting mechanisms with several
candidate battery technologies. Even in these early days of the battery program,
Argonne was internationally respected for its advanced battery work. Over the
last 40 years Argonne’s battery program has evolved and expanded, becoming
internationally recognized as a world-class center for lithium battery R&D.
Integrating Basic Research, Applied R&D, and Engineering
The current organization of Argonne’s Electrochemical Energy Storage
Department includes a battery test group and three battery R&D groups. The
battery test laboratory changed its name to the Electrochemical Analysis and
Diagnostic Laboratory (EADL), but it continues to provide DOE’s transportation
program and US auto companies with the same type of independent evaluations,
using standardized test protocols that EADL helped to develop for DOE. The
department’s three R&D groups cover the lithium battery landscape from the basic
science perspective to the engineering design of batteries for specific
applications. This integration of basic research, applied R&D, and engineering
(as shown below) has played a key role in Argonne’s success.
The integrated capabilities of the department can be described using an
example of the process it employs to develop more optimal materials and cell
chemistries for a specific application. When existing cell chemistries suffer
from life, inherent safety, or performance limitations, detailed diagnostic and
electrochemical cell modeling studies are used to identify the limiting factors
and new materials are developed to overcome these limitations. These can be new
electrode materials with enhanced structural, chemical, electrochemical, and
thermal stability that are designed (with the aid of ab initio modeling) to
increase specific capacity, extend life, and/or enhance inherent safety.
Additionally, with the aid of quantum mechanical modeling, electrolyte additives
with the proper redox potentials and physicochemical properties are developed to
help stabilize the electrode/electrolyte interfaces. These new materials are
thoroughly characterized and compared with existing materials to provide
assurance that they will help stabilize cell chemistry. Once the
characterization work and preliminary aging studies verify enhanced stability,
the materials are produced in sufficient quantity to allow thorough evaluations
in hermetically sealed cells, which are obtained from industrial battery
manufacturers. Argonne employs its detailed battery design model to develop the
electrode design specifications, and the battery manufacturer coats electrodes
and produces cells to Argonne’s specifications. These hermetically sealed cells
are then subjected to extensive accelerated aging and abuse tests to quantify
the improvements relative to a baseline cell chemistry. Results from detailed
diagnostic and modeling studies on these cells are then used to further refine
and optimize the materials, if needed. Using this process, Argonne has developed
a large
portfolio of intellectual property on advanced materials that is available
for licensing by the battery industry and its material suppliers.
Leading Major DOE Initiatives
Argonne is DOE’s lead laboratory for its applied battery R&D program for
hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) applications, the Advanced Technology Development
(ATD) program. This program is a multi-laboratory program that involves support
from four other DOE national laboratories: Brookhaven, Idaho, Lawrence Berkeley
and Sandia. The objective of this program is to help the industrial developers
of Li-Ion batteries to overcome the key barriers of calendar life, abuse
tolerance, low-temperature performance, and cost for Li-Ion batteries in HEV
applications. Also, Argonne is a major participant in DOE’s longer-range R&D
program, the Batteries for Advanced Transportation Technologies (BATT) program.
Here Argonne’s role is in the development of novel anode and cathode materials
that can help advance Li-Ion battery technology for transportation applications.
DOE also is looking to Argonne’s Electrochemical Energy Storage Department to
make significant contributions to its new initiative on plug-in hybrid electric
vehicles (PHEVs). Argonne is (1) testing prototype PHEV cells to establish
baseline performance characteristics and to aid in the development of
standardized PHEV testing protocols, (2) developing PHEV battery performance
models that are used in PHEV vehicle simulation studies, and (3) conducting R&D
on new advanced electrode materials, with the goal of significantly increasing
the energy density of lithium-ion batteries for this application.
Working with Others
In addition to projects funded directly by DOE projects, Argonne conducts R&D
for industrial firms under Work for Others contracts. Some of these contracts
involve R&D support to industrial battery companies that are funded by DOE via
its collaborative R&D agreement with the U.S. auto companies (the U.S. Advanced
Battery Consortium). Other contracts are with industrial firms that seek
Argonne’s help to develop and optimize cell materials, components, and/or cell
chemistries for a variety of applications.
To further support advanced battery research, Argonne’s
Electrochemical Analysis and Diagnostics
Laboratory is available to assist Argonne and non-Argonne battery
researchers by conducting evaluations that can be used to identify potential
design or material changes that may improve battery performance. EADL conducts
independent performance and life studies on DOE/USABC contract deliverables and
similar benchmark studies on advanced battery technologies developed without DOE
support. Services of this type also are available to the private sector.
Contact Gary Henriksen, Manager
Electrochemical Energy Storage
Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division
Argonne National Laboratory, Bldg. 205
9700 South Cass Avenue
Argonne, IL 60439 USA
(630) 252-4591
e-mail: henriksen@anl.gov |