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Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) has been awarded a research contract from the US Air Force Research Lab to develop an algorithm that uses electro¬chemical data to identify defects in lithium-ion cells throughout their entire lifetime.

PSI’s algorithm will be capable of detecting defect traces in electrochemical data results that are normally imperceptible. The algorithm will rely on a suite of tests that PSI is developing to characterize defects in electrochemical data. PSI, in partnership with the University of California Irvine (UCI), will perform 3D-tomogrophy imaging on Li-ion cells with micron level resolution and use corresponding electrochemical data to confirm the algorithms effectiveness.

Li-ion cell defects can result from manufacturing issues, such as electrode folding or tearing, as well as from cycling or abuse, which can produce dendrites and gas formation. When these defects pass undetected through cell formation and deployment, negative results can vary from shortened lifetimes to catastrophic failure. PSI’s algorithm will provide an unprecedented ability to monitor cell health immediately after manufacturing and during the full lifetime of the cell. This will have major impacts on how Li-ion batteries are used, tested and help guide missions involving Li-ion cells.

For more information, contact:

Dr. Christopher Lang
Area Manager, Energy Technologies
lang@psicorp.com
Physical Sciences Inc.
Telephone: (978) 689-0003