Li-S Energy proves safety of lithium sulphur batteries

Battery technology company Li-S Energy has announced that its GEN3 semi-solid-state lithium sulfur (Li-S) battery cells have successfully passed a series of nail penetration tests with the results exceeding both the civilian and US military performance standards.

The company tested its multi-layer semi-solid-state 2.5Ah lithium sulfur cells built on the company’s Phase 2 micro-production line at Geelong in Victoria.

A total of 28 cells were tested, with the cells exceeding the nail penetration test requirements of the civilian UL2271 and UL2580 standards and the United States Military Performance Specifications MIL-PRF-32383/4X requested by the company’s aerospace partners.

Nail penetration tests involve penetrating the battery cell with a steel nail under precise conditions in a blast proof test chamber.

Li-S Energy CEO Dr Lee Finniear said: “Amid growing public concern about the safety of lithium-ion batteries and battery fires, delivering a safe battery is vitally important.

“In our target markets of drones, electric aircraft and defence, a battery fire could be catastrophic, and these results show our partners that Li-S Energy battery cells are safe when penetrated and continue to work even after being damaged.”

The purpose of the tests was to determine what happens to a battery cell if it is damaged, for example in an accident or if there is an internal short circuit.

Nail penetration is one of a suite of safety tests that are scheduled to be undertaken as Li-S’s $10 Million Phase 3 production facility is commissioned.

CEO of V-TOL Aerospace Mark Xavier, an Li-S Energy technology partner, said that these results will have a major impact on the civilian and military drone industry.

Xavier said: “The ability to safely and reliably operate and transport drone technology is heavily reliant on battery stability. T

“he Li-S Energy GEN3 cell nail penetration test results indicate a far better risk profile than current battery technology.

“We are looking forward to trialling the GEN3 cells in the coming months as part of our collaboration program with Li-S Energy.”

Picture: Li-S Energy