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UDRI’s new battery great for electric cars

UDRI makes breakthrough with new rechargeable battery

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Binod Kumar, a distinguished research engineer at University of Dayton Research Institute, shows the first solid-state, rechargeable lithium-air battery developed by UDRI's electrochemical power group. While similar to lithium-ion batteries containing a liquid electrolyte, the lithium-air battery is more of a fuel cell, where the electrolyte is a glass-ceramic material and oxygen is drawn from the air through small holes.

Chris Stewart/Staff photographer Binod Kumar, a distinguished research engineer at University of Dayton Research Institute, shows the first solid-state, rechargeable lithium-air battery developed by UDRI's electrochemical power group. While similar to lithium-ion batteries containing a liquid electrolyte, the lithium-air battery is more of a fuel cell, where the electrolyte is a glass-ceramic material and oxygen is drawn from the air through small holes.

The University of Dayton Research Institute’s technology could also have applications for troops on the battlefield.

By John Nolan, Staff Writer Updated 10:45 PM Friday, November 20, 2009

DAYTON — The University of Dayton Research Institute’s new solid-state technology for a rechargeable lithium battery, which would draw oxygen from the air around it, could offer the long service life that is needed for electric transport power in a car, according to the leader of UDRI’s battery technology team.

Manufacturers and owners of hybrid and all-electric cars would want power batteries that would last as long as the vehicle, perhaps a decade, said Binod Kumar, a research engineer and leader of UDRI’s electrochemical power group. The UDRI technology could meet that need, he said Thursday, Nov. 19.

Today’s hybrid cars have gasoline engines to supplement the electric motor. All-electric cars would require advanced batteries, with the capability to last longer between recharges.

Kumar and his team said they have developed and tested a completely solid-state, rechargeable lithium-air battery, which they said is much more stable than conventional lithium-ion batteries that contains liquid and can rupture, catch fire or explode if exposed to short-circuit or excessive heat. UDRI holds patents on parts of the technology and will apply for additional patents, Kumar said.

Dan Rastler, manager of the energy storage program for Electric Power Research Institute, a nonprofit independent research group funded by the electric utility industry, said his organization is interested in knowing more about UDRI’s work. Scientists at IBM Corp.’s Almaden Research Center in California, and researchers in Japan, also are trying to develop improved lithium rechargeable batteries because of the growing demand and potential markets as power sources in cars; laptop computers, electric utility grids and as backups to solar or wind power generating systems.

The Air Force Research Laboratory provided the bulk of the funding for the UDRI team’s work.

New type of battery  has advantages

Long-lived lithium rechargeable batteries could be ideal power sources for battlefield troops or aboard unmanned aircraft flown by the military, Kumar said.

By not having any liquid electrolyte — an ion-containing substance that is electrically conductive — in UDRI’s battery, it avoids the volatility of today’s liquid-containing lithium-ion batteries, Kumar said. UDRI’s test batteries have performed during tests at temperatures of up to 225 degrees Fahrenheit, he said.

Contact this reporter  at (937) 225-2242 or  jnolan@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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