Development of 1 kWh sodium nickel chloride battery system and associated manufacturing processes

In this project, the consortium will demonstrate an innovative sodium-nickel-chloride (NaNiCl2) prototype system to TRL6 in representative automotive-sector conditions.

The Consortium is led by LiNa Energy who develop the batteries at the heart of this project.

The other partners are:

* Centre for Process Innovation -- who will research the challenges and opportunities in recycling/re-use LiNa's technology and will support the scale-up.
* Helical Technology Ltd -- will lead design of the end-user specification for the prototype, and contribute to scale-up and compliance with H&S and quality standards required by the automotive industry.
* Imperial College London -- who will use modern analytical techniques on the cells as development progresses
* Lancaster University -- who will contribute advanced engineering simulations to improve cell performance
* MEP Technologies Ltd -- will be responsible for the reconfigurable battery assembly including the BMS, and will support activities around cell and battery thermals.
* University of Warwick -- who will advise on automation and process design.

LiNa's design lends itself to lean, low-cost mass-manufacture, using mature, continuous processes. C-ratings, volumetric and gravimetric energy densities will exceed state-of-the-art LiB platforms. Cost models validated by E4Tech confirm that LiNa's solution will undercut LiB processing costs.

By project-end, the partners will have improved cell performance to meet product targets. Manufacturing will be optimised for scale-up, decarbonisation and recycling. Exploitation and manufacturing strategies will be complete.

The prototype will be constructed and operated to demonstrate TRL6\. Performance will be independently validated by a third-party expert. Potential end users and investors will have the data they advised they require to support the final development phases.