Revolutionizing Battery Tech: SES Lithium Metal Batteries

Revolutionizing Battery Tech: SES Lithium Metal Batteries

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Origins of SES Battery
3. The Early Applications of High Temperature Lithium Metal Batteries
4. Expansion into AI and Testing
5. The World's First 100 ENpower Lithium Metal Cell
6. Manufacturing Locations of SES Battery
7. The Evolution of SES Battery's Applications
8. Impressive Advancements in Battery Technology
9. The Importance of Safety and Data Collection
10. Future Predictions for SES Battery and the Battery Industry

Introduction

SES Battery, located in Wilburn, Massachusetts, is a leading manufacturer of lithium metal batteries. With a focus on high temperature applications, SES Battery has made significant advancements in battery technology. In this article, we will explore the origins of SES Battery, their early applications in the oil drilling industry, their expansion into AI and testing, and their future predictions for the battery industry. We will also discuss the impressive advancements in battery technology made by SES Battery and the importance of safety and data collection in their manufacturing processes. Join us as we Delve into the world of SES Battery and the future of battery technology.

The Origins of SES Battery

SES Battery began as a project funded by the Department of Energy in 2007. The project aimed to develop high temperature lithium metal batteries for down-hole drilling in the oil industry. By using rechargeable batteries that could be recharged with the heat generated from the environment, SES Battery aimed to eliminate the need for frequent changes of primary batteries during down-hole drilling operations. This initial project laid the foundation for SES Battery's expertise in high temperature lithium metal batteries.

The Early Applications of High Temperature Lithium Metal Batteries

In the early stages, SES Battery focused on developing coin cells for high temperature applications in oil drilling. These coin cells were used to power sensors that collected data on rock formations deep underground. The goal was to develop rechargeable batteries that could be recharged using the heat generated from the environment or motion during down-hole drilling operations. Through partnerships with companies like Weatherford, Halliburton, and Baker Hughes, SES Battery successfully developed high temperature lithium metal batteries for oil drilling applications.

Expansion into AI and Testing

As SES Battery continued to grow, they began to incorporate AI (Artificial Intelligence) into their battery testing processes. They observed that high energy density batteries like lithium metal and silicon-Based batteries had different testing requirements compared to lower energy density lithium-ion cells. SES Battery started collecting data on electrochemical, thermal, and mechanical parameters for all their cells during testing and storage. This comprehensive data collection approach allowed them to ensure the safety and performance of their batteries, especially in high energy density applications.

The World's First 100 ENpower Lithium Metal Cell

In 2021, SES Battery made a groundbreaking achievement by building the world's first 100 ENpower lithium metal cell. This cell, manufactured by their equipment vendor in Korea, showcased the tremendous progress that SES Battery had made in developing high energy density lithium metal batteries. Since then, they have continued to improve their cell technology, reaching energy capacity levels of up to 450-480 watts per EKG.

Manufacturing Locations of SES Battery

Currently, SES Battery manufactures their batteries in Korea and Shanghai for their three OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers): Honda, GM, and Hyundai. However, they have plans to establish manufacturing plants in the US to further Scale up their production. For A sample and B sample production, they are considering building a plant in Michigan, while for C sample production, they plan to build a larger plant in the US to cater to the needs of their three OEMs.

The Evolution of SES Battery's Applications

SES Battery initially started with high altitude applications such as solar power, then expanded to drones, land-based EVs, and EV tools. Each application required specific battery designs to meet the demands of different environments and performance requirements. For example, the batteries used in flying cars and aerospace applications prioritized lightweight designs, while land-based EVs focused on a balance between energy density and safety.

Impressive Advancements in Battery Technology

SES Battery's research and development efforts have resulted in impressive advancements in battery technology. By designing and synthesizing new molecules for the electrolyte, they have improved the performance and safety of their batteries. They have also explored dry cell approaches, reducing the need for solvents and improving overall manufacturing efficiency. Additionally, SES Battery has made significant progress in optimizing the design and construction of electrodes to enhance battery performance.

The Importance of Safety and Data Collection

Safety is a top priority for SES Battery. They have implemented rigorous testing processes and introduced additional parameters, such as monitoring mechanical data, to ensure safe operations of high energy density lithium metal batteries. By collecting comprehensive data on electrochemical, thermal, and mechanical parameters throughout the manufacturing and testing process, SES Battery can make informed decisions and continuously improve the safety and performance of their batteries.

Future Predictions for SES Battery and the Battery Industry

SES Battery anticipates large-scale production of their batteries for drones as early as 2023. As for land-based EVs and EV tools, they expect larger-scale production to begin in 2026, potentially with additional certification processes. They remain committed to developing lithium metal batteries for various applications, including flying cars and EV tools. Ultimately, SES Battery believes that lithium metal batteries will enable the growth of new industries and revolutionize battery technology.

Highlights

• SES Battery is a leading manufacturer of high temperature lithium metal batteries.
• The company started with a project funded by the Department of Energy for oil drilling applications.
• SES Battery has made significant advancements in AI-driven testing and data collection.
• They built the world's first 100 ENpower lithium metal cell and Continue to improve their technology.
• Manufacturing locations include Korea and Shanghai, with plans to establish plants in the US.
• SES Battery's applications have evolved from high altitude to drones, land-based EVs, and EV tools.
• They prioritize safety and Collect comprehensive data to ensure the performance of their batteries.
• Future predictions include large-scale production for drones by 2023 and land-based EVs by 2026.
• SES Battery believes that lithium metal batteries will revolutionize battery technology and enable new industries.