High Safety, Wide-operation-temperature, Low-cost All Solid-state Li-ion Battery Energy Storage Systems
Solid Energies Inc.
Recipient
Anaheim, CA
Recipient Location
34th
Senate District
67th
Assembly District
$1,678,638
Amount Spent
Active
Project Status
Project Update
In 2022, the Solid Energies Team set up the initial foundation for process development for the proposed all solid-state Li-ion batteries (ASSBs). This included the initial formulation for the ASSB focusing on solid electrolyte, and initial optimizations in process parameters and steps.
In 2023, the Solid Energies Team continued optimization in formulation and process parameters/steps for the all solid-state battery prototypes in the pouch cell format. The team also started the processing scale-up of the pouch cell prototypes and began to design and set up the pilot production line for producing pouch cell prototypes.
In 2024, the Solid Energies Team continued development of the ASSB by varying formulation of the cathodes, including NCM811 and LMNO; development of the Si anode; and integration of the company's proprietary solid-state electrolyte into the pouch cell. In late 2024, the Solid Energies Team finished the design of the pilot production line for various ASSB cells in different configurations, including but not limited to 3.7V to 5V cells, up to 12Ah to 15Ah.
In 2025, Solid Energies brought online two clean rooms and one dry room at their Anaheim, CA facility for the light pilot production run of solid-state and semi-solid-state cells. Significant upgrades were made to the facility including venting systems, line production equipment, slot-die coaters, ultrasonic welders, and sealing machines. The pilot production line included development of small, medium, and large format solid-state cells from 5Ah up to 50Ah capacities. Various sizes were fabricated including single-layer, 5-layer, 30-layer, and 50-layer cells. Work also included process optimization for light pilot production. Chemistries explored included NCM/Gr, NCM/Si, LNMO/Gr, and LNMO/Si. The target chemistries were narrowed down to NCM811 for the cathode with a combination of Si/Gr for the anode that achieved the best results. The team also made progress on the first version of the BESS demonstration at 48V, 5 kWh.
In 2026, Solid Energies will finalize the solid-state battery cell prototypes. Solid Energies will work with San Diego State University to focus on integration and characterization of the BESS including incorporating the solid-state cells and combining the BMS, hybrid solar inverter, and solar panels for the prototype system. Testing and data collection will also be conducted. All interim and final reports will be provided to conclude the project.
The Issue
The first issue that this project aims to resolve includes validating the applications of all solid-state batteries for eventual use in energy storage for commercial buildings as well as electric vehicle drive applications. The second issue that this project aims to resolve is identifying manufacturing processes to scale solid-state batteries from small pouch cells to large pouch cells, and eventually into larger battery pack systems. By doing so, this will further confirm that indeed solid-state batteries can be easily scaled up for mass manufacturing, at low costs.
Project Innovation
The purpose of this agreement is to develop and integrate a new class of all-solid-state Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery (ASSLiB) cells with higher power density, better manufacturability, and longer cycle life. These batteries will be designed for use in commercial buildings and other applications such as electrical vehicle solutions. The battery uses a novel solid-state electrolyte with high conductivity that is compatible with roll to roll manufacturing. The battery technology also uses a Si-based anode to reduce anode cost and address dendrite formation.
Project Goals
Project Benefits
Benefits of this project include: (1) development and manufacturing of a polymer nanocomposite-based electrolyte for use in solid-state batteries; (2) development and manufacturing of the entire solid-state battery including selection of the cathode, anode, and electrolyte; (3) scale-up of the batteries from small pouch cells to large pouch cells and eventual large battery modules and packs; and (4) further scale-up of larger solid-state battery systems that can ultimately offer enhanced cycle life, calendar life, performance, safety, wide temperature operation, and minimal thermal management. The benefits will help transform the solid-state battery industry by incorporating Solid Energies Inc. know-how to move this technology to the next level.
Affordability
Increasing energy density of batteries can reduce costs and improve performance of end-use applications such as consumer electronics or electric vehicles.
Safety
This project advances grid reliability by deploying inherently safe, non-flammable battery chemistry that eliminates thermal runaway risks. The technology operates across an exceptional -40°C to +90°C range, ensuring stable performance in diverse California climates without complex thermal management. Furthermore, ASSLiB cells demonstrate superior longevity, targeting over 2,000 cycles at 80% retention to balance wind and solar on the grid.
Key Project Members
Timothy Lin Ph.D.
Subrecipients
San Diego State University
Match Partners
San Diego State University
Solid Energies Inc.
