Lithium is the lightest and metal known to mankind. Its density has also been identified as the least of all metals making it nearly half dense as water, thereby a non-reactive lithium would float on water. Lithium also has a great electrochemical potential and lithium ions are considered to provide high energy densities, long life cycle and high storage characteristics keeping voltage and current at a secure levels as per standards. This has made Lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries as one of the top choices as a power source for hybrid electric vehicles.
Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), ISRO – has designed, developed, tested and perfected the Li-ion batteries ranging from 1.5Ah to 100Ah has been used in various indigenously developed satellites and launch vehicles. Having done that, ISRO now wants to transfer this technology to private sector to establish manufacturing facilities to get Li-ion into production line.
Following the RFQ back in June, VSSC has reported that it had received great response from manufacturing companies and hence it had conducted a pre-application conference last month. Dr.Somnath, Director, VSSC who gave the inaugural address, spoke about the vital role played by Li-ion batteries in indigenously developed satellites and launch vehicles. VSSC also wants the private sector to build on the base Li-ion technology to come up with innovative products that would serve market needs.
As part of the conference, a short film on VSSC Li-ion batteries was screened and a live question and answer session was conducted. Towards the end of the conference, the attendees were taken to the VSSC Li-ion production facility.
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