ISRO confirms successful flight demonstration of VSSC/ISRO Si-Gr anode based High Energy Density Li-ion Cells

ISRO in its recent updates confirmed about the successful flight demonstration of Si-Gr anode-based High Energy Density Li-ion Cells on board the POEM-3 platform of PSLV-C58. Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) along with ISRO presented 10 Ah Silicon-Graphite anode-based high energy density Li-ion cells as a low-weight and low-cost alternative to cells that are used currently.

ISRO took to the social media platform X and updated about the same.

POEM-3 on PSLV-C58:
ISRO successfully demonstrates the flight of Si-Graphite anode based High Energy Density Li-ion Cells on PSLV-C58's POEM-3 platform. https://t.co/nME3kc0nGg
With 35-40% battery mass savings, these cells are set to make future space and ground applications… pic.twitter.com/ShAtriqnAP

— ISRO (@isro) January 5, 2024

The cells powered a resistive load on board the POEM-3. The cells were assessed by their on-obit voltage, current, and temperature values with the use of telemetry. The results matched well with the predictions.

The PSLV-C58/XPoSat was launched on 1 January 2024. 

2024 lifted off majestically. 📸

XPoSat health is normal.
Power generation has commenced. pic.twitter.com/v9ut0hh2ib

— ISRO (@isro) January 1, 2024

The successful demonstrations of these cells pave a new way for future space and ground applications to be lighter and more efficient. These cells are capable of 35-40% battery mass savings.

The discussed cells make use of Si-Graphite composite as anode material. Conventional Li-ion cells on the other hand use pure graphite as anode material.

With the use of Si-Graphite composite, accommodating more Lithium ions for a given unit mass of anode material is possible. This in turn enhances the energy density of a cell.

These cells also use cost-effective hardware and design, with easily available materials.

The cells demonstrated promising capabilities regarding surviving harsh space environments in the POEM experiment.

Check out more about these cells here. https://www.isro.gov.in/FlightDemonstration_Si-Gr_anode.html