A new project by University of Wollongong (UOW) researchers to develop battery systems that can withstand extremely cold temperatures, including in outer space, has been awarded a national grant.
Professor Jung Ho Kim (pictured) and Professor Konstantin Konstantinov of the Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences received a National Intelligence and Security Discovery Research Grant from the Office of National Intelligence.
UOW is among only 10 teams nationwide to receive the funding.
The project will see the design and advancement of an innovative battery device able to operate in temperatures below -40℃.
Professor Kim said: “As space exploration progresses, developing compact, lightweight batteries with high-energy output for cold environments remains a key challenge.
“Through our efforts, we aim to revolutionise exploration in uncharted realms.”
The goal is to explore new battery configurations using solid electrolytes, as opposed to the liquids or pastes used in existing batteries, and eliminating carbon-based graphite used in traditional anodes.
Using advanced manufacturing techniques, the project will work to produce state-of-the-art all-solid-state batteries, designed not to be compromised by or fail in extreme conditions.
Currently, traditional batteries don’t perform well in icy conditions – their speed and ability to supply power can be significantly hindered as the temperature drops in cold regions of earth, or in the extremes of space.
Picture: Professor Jung Ho Kim