TIAX LLC — Department of Energy SBIR Phase I: 17a

Description

Start-stop batteries offer the promise of significant improvements in vehicle fuel economy, without significant increase in vehicle sales price. A key enabling component of the start-stop system is the battery. Present start-stop systems employ lead acid batteries because of their low initial cost and excellent low-temperature performance, but these batteries suffer from life limitations especially when subjected to repeated deep cycling and high charge rates. Li-ion technology is the leading candidate to replace lead-acid batteries in start-stop systems. However, most Li-ion battery systems offered today suffer from one or more disadvantages such as poor low-temperature performance, poor high-rate charge acceptance, or high cost relative to lead acid batteries. TIAX proposes to develop Li-ion technology for start-stop applications that overcomes the limitations of the current Li-ion systems by combining its proprietary high-power cathode materials with lithium titanate LTO) anode and specially engineered electrolyte. In Phase I we will demonstrate the potential for this system to be competitive over lead acid batteries and state-of-the-art Li-ion systems for start-stop applications using cells with capacities > 200 mAh. In Phase II, the battery technology will be further optimized and performance relative to USABC targets demonstrated in a 12 V module. Widespread deployment of start-stop technology in vehicles, that can be enabled by TIAXs technology, can enhance the fuel economy of light-duty vehicles by as much as 5% without a significant increase in vehicle cost. This can allow the automobile manufacturers to meet increasingly stringent goals for fuel economy. Because start-stop batteries reduce engine idling, emissions of CO2 and pollutants such as hydrocarbons, CO, NOx and particulates can be significantly reduced in urban areas.