Lithium-ion Batteries: An Analysis of Commercial Viability and an Application in an Off-Grid Solar-Battery System

Abstract

In this report, we discuss the current energy storage climate, and present an application of lithium-ion technology in a solar-battery system used to power a load modeled after a cellular tower. After initial background on the need for storage and the current state of lithium-ion technology, case studies of battery companies are presented. Through this case study analysis, we find that the development of battery technology in a startup setting presents unique challenges. Given the need for increased capital in order to succeed, it is found that successful storage companies have attacked niche markets, built up a constant revenue stream to ease dependence on venture capital funding, and then expanded from there. Lithium-ion batteries, though the most prevalent, have their own sets of challenges as well, and like most batteries, this includes performance in high and low temperatures. To illustrate this point, we include analysis of a solar panel and lithium-ion battery system, designed with two 100 watt solar panels and two batteries: one held in an insulated container at room temperature while the other is exposed to uctuations in the outdoor ambient temperature. Through initial data analysis, very little difference is seen between the temperature-regulated Battery A and the non-temperature-regulated Battery B, and continued data collection will be necessary to draw conclusions regarding the aging of and differences in battery performance between Battery A and Battery B over time.