Can lithium batteries be used in aerospace applications?

The use of Li/Li-ion batteries in aerospace applications is still fairly new, and there aren’t many other incidents that are the same magnitude of the Boeing Dreamliner 787-8 incident; however, there are numerous other lithium battery failures that are of high relevance to the aerospace community with respect to safety and reliability.

What is Berkeley Lab's energy storage center?

Building on 70 years of scientific leadership in energy storage research, Berkeley Lab’s Energy Storage Center harnesses the expertise and capabilities across the Lab to accelerate real-world solutions. We work with national lab, academic, and industry partners to enable the nation’s transition to a clean, affordable, and resilient energy future.

Can lithium ion batteries be used in space exploration?

High energy density batteries are desirable for space exploration, and a current solution is sought in sulfur compound electrodes. A recent study of liquid electrolyte lithium–sulfur (Li–S) combinations displayed that Li–S batteries have a 3–5 times higher theoretical energy density than the most advanced Li/Li-ion batteries used today [ 14 ].

What is Berkeley Lab?

Through CalCharge and other partnerships, Berkeley Lab has strong collaborative ties with a broad range of energy storage companies in the Bay Area and beyond. Building a national community focused on impact at the nexus of energy storage and energy justice.

Are Li/Li-ion batteries the future of the space industry?

Li/Li-ion battery technology utilization increases yearly in the space industry. It’s clear why these rechargeable systems are prime candidates for the government-managed space industry, but what also needs consideration is the massive growth of the private space sector through the 2000s.

Where can I find information on aerospace Li/Li-ion batteries?

The primary source of information for the latest news on aerospace Li/Li-ion batteries is found through accessing information and databases available on the world leaders in battery production: for example, GS YUASA, EnerSys, Cell-Con, Quallion, Eagle Picher, and others.