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Batteries Avoid Thermal Runaway Even After Being Shot

June 12, 2016 by Jeff Shepard

Kokam Co., Ltd. today announced that it has conducted ballistic tests on battery cells using its unique Lithium-ion NANO battery technology and determined that even when these cells are shot they do not experience thermal runaway. This test helps demonstrate how Kokam's NANO battery technology provides the defense industry with extremely safe and reliable battery solutions, able to withstand temperatures ranging from -40 to 60 degrees Celsius, for unmanned systems, armed fighting vehicles, support vehicles, submarines and other demanding military applications.

Kokam created the exceptionally stable NANO battery technology by integrating three different lithium-ion battery chemistries, Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC), Lithium Titanate Oxide (LTO) and Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP), into a single battery. By combining the advantages of these three battery chemistries, NANO battery solutions are able to deliver industry-leading levels of reliability in highly volatile environments, while also discharging at a 10 C-rate (Continuous) / 15 C-rate (Pulse) and charging at a 5 C-rate (Continuous) / 14 C-rate (Pulse).

In addition to supporting or supplementing diesel and other engines, the NANO battery can also replace or be used instead of these engines, providing a silent energy source for sensitive defense missions.

"For military applications, battery safety and reliability is essential -- on the battlefield, you can't just pull your armed fighting vehicle into the local gas station and ask them to replace the battery if it fails," said Ike Hong, vice president of Kokam's Power Solutions Division. "With our NANO technology Kokam meets this need, providing the defense industry with an exceptionally stable, rugged and long-lasting battery solution that can withstand extreme environmental conditions."

In particular, many customers are considering Kokam's NANO battery solutions for submarine applications, where stealth and combat maneuverability are essential. In addition to using Kokam's NANO batteries for new submarines, customers could replace old batteries in their submarines with Kokam NANO batteries, improving the reliability, life and performance of these submarines' batteries.