OXIS Energy Working on Solid-State Lithium-Sulfur Technology
Most of us have heard of Lithium-Ion batteries, but OXIS Energy is looking at improving this longstanding staple of battery technology. Their recent advances in Lithium-Sulfur technology show that they can produce cells that can consistently power military-grade material. The company recently announced that they were completed testing their 400Wh/kg batteries and were confident that they could achieve 500Wh/kg by the end of 2020. OXIS has been instrumental in the development of lithium-sulfur (LiS) batteries, and their tech advancement has seen them partner with European chemical companies to develop a more advanced lithium protection mechanism for their cells.
Pushing the Boundaries of Battery Technology
One of the most significant hurdles modern society has to overcome when it comes to battery-powered vehicles is the ranger and storage capacity of those cells. OXIS has developed a battery module that reduces the weight and cost of those cells, as well as created a test center in the UK for manufacturers to put the company’s LiS batteries on trial. OXIS has also successfully developed, and ground tested an aircraft battery system. They intend to achieve Technology Readiness Level 9 with their flight trials in the US, putting the battery through a rigorous operational test. If it passes, it can then be used for military-level operations, and eventually, filter down to commercial usage.
A True Innovator
OXIS Energy’s latest battery design is the most advanced LiS cell to be commercially available today. The battery is lightweight and modular, allowing for portability and the ability to scale up if necessary. The carbon-fiber enclosure is fire-resistant to ensure that even in the most difficult operating situations, the battery won’t fail. Thermal management has also been considered, and the company has ensured the cell’s compatibility with several different cooling systems. The lowered assembly time mans that OXIS can produce large volumes of these batteries while maintaining the quality of the final product. This battery may signal a future where public transport is run entirely by electricity.
