Development and Optimization of a Novel, Ultrafast Aluminum-Ion Battery for Large-Scale Energy Storage Applications

可靠、持久和负担得起的储能选择正在成为开发可行的可持续能源系统的重要组成部分。从历史上看，铅酸电池被用来储存多余的电能，然而，它们的寿命短，加上维护要求高，限制了它们的使用。锂离子电池也被广泛研究和安装用于不同的应用；然而，与铝离子（Al-ion）电池相比，它们的高成本、环境问题和较短的寿命进一步阻碍了它们的大规模应用。Volta能源公司和Lambton学院将通过拟议的项目密切合作，开发一种新型、高效的铝离子电池，具有超快充放电和长循环寿命的能力，超过了最先进的、市售的二次电池，包括锂基电池。除了单个电池的开发和优化之外，还将开发一系列电池组，从1.0千瓦到25.0千瓦，30分钟（0.5千瓦时到12.5千瓦时），并在不同的操作条件下进行测试。不同电池组件（包括阳极、阴极和电解质）的材料开发和优化将是主要关注的领域。兰姆顿学院的研究团队将包括IRCC Shahram Karimi博士，2名研究生和3名研究生。开发的储能系统进入Volta能源公司的工业活动将大大提高他们服务现有和未来客户的能力，同时创造经济增长并为加拿大提供积极的环境影响。

Energy storage options that are reliable, long lasting and affordable are becoming an essential component in developing viable sustainable energy systems. Historically, lead acid batteries have been employed to store excess electrical energy, however, their short lifespan combined with their high maintenance requirements have limited their use. Lithium-ion batteries also have been extensively studied and installed for different applications; however, their high cost, environmental issues and shorter lifespan compared with aluminum-ion (Al-ion) batteries has further hindered their utilization in large-scale applications.Volta Energy Inc. and Lambton College in close collaboration through the proposed project will develop a novel, high-efficiency aluminum-ion battery capable of ultrafast charge and discharge with long cycle life exceeding those of state-of-the-art, commercially available secondary batteries, including lithium-based batteries. . In addition to single cell development and optimization, a series of battery banks, ranging from 1.0 kW to 25.0 kW, 30-minute (0.5 kWh to 12.5 kWh) will be developed and tested under varying operational conditions. Material development and optimization for different battery components, including anode, cathode and electrolyte with emphasis on the last two, will be the primary focused areas. The Lambton College research team will include IRCC Dr. Shahram Karimi, 2 graduate research students and 3 research students. The developed energy storage system into Volta Energy's industrial activities will greatly enhance their ability to serve their existing and future customers while creating economic growth and providing positive environmental impact for Canada.