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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 217 records · Page 12

Cost Projections for Utility-Scale Battery Storage: 2021 Update

In this work we describe the development of cost and performance projections for utility-scale lithium-ion battery systems, with a focus on 4-hour duration systems. The projections are developed from an analysis of recent publications that consider utility-scale storage costs. The suite of publications demonstrates varied cost reductions for battery storage over time. Figure ES-1 shows the low, mid, and high cost projections developed in this work (on a normalized basis) relative to the published values. Figure ES-2 shows the overall capital cost for a 4-hour battery system based on those projections, with storage costs of $\$$143/kWh, $\$$198/kWh, and $\$$248/kWh in 2030 and $\$$87/kWh, $\$$149/kWh, and $\$$248/kWh in 2050. Battery variable operations and maintenance costs, lifetimes, and efficiencies are also discussed, with recommended values selected based on the publications surveyed.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

The MOLICEL(R) rechargeable lithium system: Multicell battery aspects

MOLICEL rechargeable lithium cells were cycled in batteries using series, parallel, and series/parallel connections. The individual cell voltages and branch currents were measured to understand the cell interactions. The observations were interpreted in terms of the inherent characteristics of the Li/MoS2 system and in terms of a singular cell failure mode. The results confirm that correctly configured multicell batteries using MOLICELs have performance characteristics comparable to those of single cells.

Fouchard, D.↗

Multi-service battery energy storage system optimization and control

Battery energy storage systems (BESS) have become fundamental part of modern power systems due to their capability to provide multiple grid services. As the renewable penetration increases, BESS procurement is also expected to increase where it is envisioned to play a systematic and strategical role in power systems planning and operation. Hence, in this paper we present a multiple grid service procurement and operation for BESS - ranging from energy arbitrage, reserve/regulation services, power factor correction, and demand management. The proposed framework considers an optimal multi-temporal dimension, designed to be operable for both planning and real-time operation. Moreover, non-linearity inherent to BESS services and uncertainty associated to market forecasts variables are addressed using techniques such as polyhedral norms and robust optimization approaches. Here, the developed model is tested using a utility-scaled BESS and the obtained results show the effectiveness of the systematic BESS multi-service planning and operation approach.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Battery Cell Balancing System and Method

A battery cell balancing system is operable to utilize a relatively small number of transformers interconnected with a battery having a plurality of battery cells to selectively charge the battery cells. Windings of the transformers are simultaneously driven with a plurality of waveforms whereupon selected battery cells or groups of cells are selected and charged. A transformer drive circuit is operable to selectively vary the waveforms to thereby vary a weighted voltage associated with each of the battery cells.

Davies, Francis J.↗

New Secondary Batteries Utilizing Electronically Conductive Polypyrrole Cathode

To gain a better understanding of the dynamic behavior in electronically conducting polypyrroles and to provide guidance toward designs of new secondary batteries based on these polymers, two mathematical models are developed; one for the potentiostatically controlled switching behavior of polypyrrole film, and one for the galvanostatically controlled charge/discharge behavior of lithium/polypyrrole secondary battery cell. The first model is used to predict the profiles of electrolyte concentrations, charge states, and electrochemical potentials within the thin polypyrrole film during switching process as functions of applied potential and position. Thus, the detailed mechanisms of charge transport and electrochemical reaction can be understood. Sensitivity analysis is performed for independent parameters, describing the physical and electrochemical characteristic of polypyrrole film, to verify their influences on the model performance. The values of independent parameters are estimated by comparing model predictions with experimental data obtained from identical conditions. The second model is used to predict the profiles of electrolyte concentrations, charge state, and electrochemical potentials within the battery system during charge and discharge processes as functions of time and position. Energy and power densities are estimated from model predictions and compared with existing battery systems. The independent design criteria on the charge and discharge performance of the cell are provided by studying the effects of design parameters.

Yeu, Taewhan↗

Apparatuses and methods for testing electrochemical cells by measuring frequency response

Real-time battery impedance spectra are acquired by stimulating a battery or battery system with a signal generated as a sum of sine signals at related frequencies. An impedance measurement device can be used to interface between the battery system and a host computer for generating the signals. The impedance measurement device may be calibrated to adapt the response signal to more closely match other impedance measurement techniques. The impedance measurement device may be adapted to operate at mid-range voltages of about 50 volts and high-range voltages up to about 300 volts.

Christophersen, Jon P.↗

Thermal Characterization Study of Lithium-Ion Cells

The primary challenge in designing a full scale lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery system is safety under both normal operating as well as abusive conditions. The normal conditions involve expected charge/discharge cycles and it is known that heat evolves in batteries during those cycles. This is a major concern in the design for high power applications and careful thermal management is necessary to alleviate this concern. An emerging thermal measurement technology, such as the electrochemical calorimetric of batteries, will aid in the development of advanced, safe battery system. To support this technology, several "commercial-off-the-shelf" (COTS) Li-ion cells with different chemistries and designs are being evaluated for different cycling regimes at a given operating temperature. The Accelerated Rate Calorimeter (ARC)-Arbin cycler setup is used to measure the temperature, voltage, and current of the cells at different charge/discharge rates. Initial results demonstrated good cell cyclability. During the cycle testing, the cell exhibited an endothermic cooling in the initial part of the charge cycle. The discharge portion of the cycle is exothermic during the entire discharge period. The presence of an endothermic reaction indicates a significant entropy effect during the beginning of charge cycle. Further studies will be performed to understand the thermal characteristics of the Li-ion cells at the different operating conditions. The effects on the thermal response on cell aging and states-of-charge will also be identified.

Britton, Doris L.↗

Lithium ion battery with thermal runaway protection

Lithium ion batteries are provided that include materials that provide advantageous endothermic functionalities contributing to the safety and stability of the batteries. The endothermic materials may include a ceramic matrix incorporating an inorganic gas-generating endothermic material. If the temperature of the lithium ion battery rises above a predetermined level, the endothermic materials serve to provide one or more functions to prevent and/or minimize the potential for thermal runaway, e.g., thermal insulation (particularly at high temperatures); (ii) energy absorption; (iii) venting of gases produced, in whole or in part, from endothermic reaction(s) associated with the endothermic materials, (iv) raising total pressure within the battery structure; (v) removal of absorbed heat from the battery system via venting of gases produced during the endothermic reaction(s) associated with the endothermic materials, and/or (vi) dilution of toxic gases (if present) and their safe expulsion from the battery system.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

A new concept for high-cycle-life LEO: Rechargeable MnO2-hydrogen

The nickel-hydrogen secondary battery system is now the one of choice for use in GEO satellites. It offers superior energy density to that of nickel-cadmium, with a lifetime that is at least comparable in terms of both cycle life and overall operating life. While the number of deep cycles required for GEO use is small, LEO satellites with long lifetimes (5 to 10 years) will require secondary battery systems allowing 30,000 to 60,000 useful cycles which are characterized by an approximately 2C charge rate and C average discharge rate. Recent work has shown that birnessite MnO2 doped with bismuth oxide can be cycled at very high rates (6C) over a very large number of cycles (thousands) at depths-of-discharge in the 85 to 90 percent range, based on two electrons, which discharge at the same potential in a flat plateau. The potential is about 0.7 V vs. hydrogen, with a cut-off at 0.6 V. At first sight, this low voltage would seem to be a disadvantage, since the theoretical energy density will be low. However, it permits the use of lightweight materials that are immune from corrosion at the positive. The high utilization and low equivalent weight of the active material, together with the use of teflon-bonded graphite for current collection, result in very light positives, especially when these are compared with those in a derated nickel-hydrogen system. In addition, the weight of the pressure vessel falls somewhat, since the dead volume is lower. Calculations show that a total system will have 2.5 times the Ah capacity of a derated nickel-hydrogen LEO battery, so that the energy density, based on 1.2 V for nickel-hydrogen and 0.7 V for MnO2-hydrogen, will be 45 percent higher for comparable cycling performance.

Appleby, A. John↗

Recent Advances in Rechargeable Aluminum-Ion Batteries and Considerations for Their Future Progress

Owing to their high theoretical capacity and reliable operational safety, nonaqueous rechargeable aluminum batteries (RABs) have emerged as a promising class of battery materials and been intensively studied in recent years; however, a lack of suitable, high-performing positive electrode materials, along with the need for air-sensitive and expensive ionic liquid electrolytes, has significantly hindered the practical use of RABs in large-scale applications. Therefore, we sought to carefully analyze positive electrode materials and the associated electrolytes that have been reported in these battery systems in order to stimulate the design of the next generation of high-performance and low-cost RABs. In this review, we have summarized the electrode materials that have been used in both nonaqueous and aqueous RAB systems and provided a rational classification based on the types of materials used and their respective structures. Additionally, we have reviewed electrolytes employed in RABs and have categorized them according to two main types of applications, either for fixed battery systems or for use in portable devices. Here, a systematic account of recent developments on RABs, with a focus on electrode materials, innovative perspectives, and impending research efforts on future RABs, has been included. Finally, a proposed liquid RAB system is discussed with the aim of solving issues regarding fast-charging and long operational lifetimes, followed by insights into solid RABs for use in both portable and multistructural RAB systems.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Cost and Efficiency Analysis for Hybrid AC/DC Distribution System Planning with PV and Battery

Distribution system planning is one of the main tasks for the electric utilities. Cost and energy efficiency are two main concerns in the distribution planning process. In this work, cost and efficiency analyses are conducted for the hybrid AC and DC distribution grids for the planning purposes. The IEEE 34-bus feeder has been applied for the case studies. The investment cost, operation and maintenance cost, replacement cost, etc., have been considered in the life cycle cost analysis. Power losses of both the AC and DC section are calculated with an open source simulation tool, the Open Distribution Simulator Software (OpenDSS). The proposed framework can be applied to quantitatively evaluate the cost and efficiency of hybrid AC and DC distribution grids and help comparing different planning options.

AC/DC hybrid system planning↗

Hydrogen/bromine flow battery in which hydrogen is freely exchanged between two cell compartments

A flow battery system includes a first tank including a hydrogen reactant, a second tank including a bromine electrolyte, and at least one cell including a first electrolyte side operably connected to the first tank and a second electrolyte side operably connected to the second tank. The battery system further includes a direct connection line directly connecting the first tank and the second tank and configured such that the hydrogen reactant passes between the first tank and the second tank.

Albertus, Paul↗

An experimental database of cell performance for vanadium redox flow battery

The continual growth in energy demand has resulted in the deployment of renewable energy generators to reduce the impact of fossil fuel dependence. However, these generators often suffer from intermittency and require energy storage when there is over-generation and the subsequent release of this stored energy at high demand. One promising energy storage technology which can provide a solution to improve energy management and grid stability, is the redox flow battery. Among the numerous flow battery systems, vanadium redox flow battery is the most iconic solution to large scale energy storage, giving a more efficient link between energy production, especially from renewables, and energy demand. The aim of the current database is to characterize the performance of the cell design and to provide training/validation data for physical model or data-driven model. The database includes hundreds of experimental cell performance data of vanadium redox flow battery with various current densities for multiple charge-discharge cycles. All the cell parameters, chemical parameters, material parameters, operation parameters and thermodynamic parameters of the cell system are listed. Coulomb, voltaic and energy efficiencies are also provided. The database will be helpful for researchers in the field of redox flow batteries.

Gao, Peiyuan↗

System for an ionic liquid-based electrolyte for high energy battery

A system for electrical energy production from chemical reagents in a compartmentalized cell includes: at least two electrodes, comprising at least one anode and at least one cathode; at least one separator, that separates the anodes and the cathodes; and an ionic liquid electrolyte system. The system can be a battery or one or more cells of a battery system. The ionic liquid electrolyte system comprises an ionic liquid solvent; an ether co-solvent, comprising a minority fraction, by weight, of the electrolyte; and a lithium salt. In preferred variations, the anode is a lithium metal anode and the cathode is a metal oxide cathode and the separator is a polyolefin separator.

Wang, Richard Y.↗

System for an ionic liquid-based electrolyte for high energy battery

A system for electrical energy production from chemical reagents in a compartmentalized cell includes: at least two electrodes, comprising at least one anode and at least one cathode; at least one separator, that separates the anodes and the cathodes; and an ionic liquid electrolyte system. The system can be a battery or one or more cells of a battery system. The ionic liquid electrolyte system comprises an ionic liquid solvent; an ether co-solvent, comprising a minority fraction, by weight, of the electrolyte; and a lithium salt. In preferred variations, the anode is a lithium metal anode and the cathode is a metal oxide cathode and the separator is a polyolefin separator.

Wang, Richard Y.↗

Co-simulation Framework for Community-scale Building-grid Integration [SWR-21-75]

Distributed energy resources (DERs), including rooftop solar, energy storage, and flexible loads, are gaining popularity as costs decline and as building owners and utilities realize their benefits. DERs can improve distribution system efficiency, help prevent the need for expensive grid upgrades, and increase the resilience of local communities. However, they can also cause difficulties in grid operations and can require controls to achieve their benefits. To address this challenge, NREL researchers have developed a community-scale solution that assesses the impacts of DERs and their control strategies on a distribution system. The framework has been shown to reduce solar photovoltaic (PV) curtailment to 0%, mitigate the adverse impact of solar variability on the distribution voltage, and provide up to 5-day critical load support during emergency events. Utilizing 5 different modules representing the feeder, buildings, home energy management systems, an aggregator, and a utility controller, NREL expects this simulation technology to play a critical role in the continued integration of DERs. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), solar curtailments accounted for 94% of the total energy curtailed in the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) in 2020. By enabling Independent System Operators (ISOs) and utility operators to bring solar curtailments to 0%, the electrical grid can become less dependent on fossil-fueled power generation sources. NREL's co-simulation framework contains five major components: Distribution Feeder Model: describes the distribution feeder topology using OpenDSS, including the locations of all DERs. Residential Building Model: simulates a large number of buildings at a high resolution using OCHRETM. The model is equipped to control equipment based on signals from an external module. The model includes major household appliances such as HVAC and a water heater, non-dispatchable load models, a distributed PV system, and a home battery system. Home Energy Management System: optimizes the controls for the devices in a home using foreseeTM. The control can adjust based on the user preferences including cost, comfort, and convenience. In hierarchical control scenarios, where the houses follow signals from an aggregator, the home energy management system provides a flexibility band with a range of power and follows the dispatch signals received from aggregator. Community-Level Aggregator: solves for optimal energy dispatch based on the flexibility bands received from each home and the grid service signal received from the utility controller. Utility-Level Controller: provides grid signals for voltage control using Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), such as solar systems, in the community.

Balamurugan, Sivasathya Pradha↗