On Optimizing Cylindrical Battery Cell Dimensions for Large-Scale Energy Storage Systems on Naval Combatants

摘要

Large-scale energy storage systems may be installed on future naval combatants to enable fuel saving strategies, such as single-generator operations, or the use of advanced weapons, such as the electromagnetic rail gun. Lithium-ion batteries are unique energy storage devices in their ability to source energy at high rate while also delivering more energy over time than nickel-metal hydride or lead-acid batteries. Additionally, Li-ion cells offer smaller and more lightweight system designs than their counterparts. What remains unclear, however, is the optimal cell format (large, medium, or small cells) for large-scale, shipboard power. This work performs a simple scaling analysis to determine, from a system-level perspective, what range of cell formats should be considered for large-scale systems to be used on a navy ship. It was found that medium format cells, between 8 and 20 Ah, deliver a well-balanced system design.