Dow Kokam and the Department of Energy’s Oak
Ridge National Laboratory are working together to enhance the Michigan-based
company’s capabilities to develop and commercialize advanced lithium ion
batteries.
The relationship, formalized with the
signing of an agreement worth up to $5.5 million over six years, supplements
Dow Kokam’s overall research and development strategy by providing specialized
technical and research management expertise to the company. Many of the
specialized battery development capabilities that are part of this effort are
exclusive to ORNL.
“Our partnership with ORNL reinforces
Dow Kokam’s commitment to focus its R&D efforts directly on performance
improving advancements that have rapid commercial utility for our customers and
their end users, primarily in the highly demanding transportation, utility, and
defense markets,” says Ravi Shanker, president and chief executive officer
of Dow Kokam. “By augmenting our direct R&D capabilities and
investments with access to the most state-of-the-art resources and expertise in
the industry, Dow Kokam aims to set the new standard for advanced battery
performance.”
This agreement builds on a successful
partnership stemming from a collaborative research and development agreement
funded by the Energy Department’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable
Energy and Dow Kokam.
A team of a dozen ORNL researchers will
provide support in the areas of electrochemical and microstructural analysis,
in-line quality control process development, raw material characterization, and
processing battery components. Other aspects of the effort will focus on new
technology evaluation and technical strategic advice designed to optimize Dow
Kokam’s materials and manufacturing processes. This work builds on a
cooperative research and development agreement that began in February 2010.
The project also aligns directly
with goals outlined in the recent report titled “Ensuring American
Leadership in Advanced Manufacturing.” The report was prepared by the
President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology and the President’s
Innovation and Technology Advisory Committee.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory, www.ornl.gov