On the technical reliability of lithium-ion batteries in a zero emission polar expedition

Abstract

This contribution presents a technical analysis of the Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) used in the WindSled project. In this project, an expedition has been carried out by means of a 0-emission vehicle that have covered more than 2500 kilometers in Antarctica Eastern Plateau pulled by kites. This adventure allowed the performance of 10 scientific experiments with a minimal disturbance of the polar environment. The required electricity for the survival and the scientific experimentation was delivered by flexible PV panels installed on the sled and commercial LIBs. The study performed in this contribution aims at the quantification of the LIBs degradation after the expedition. The results show a capacity fade of 5 % and an internal resistance increase of 30 %. Based on these results, it can be claimed that the LIBs used in the WindSled Project can successfully operate under -40°C. Moreover, these batteries can be used in upcoming expeditions, entailing an improvement from an economical and environmental point of view compared to primary batteries.