Mechanical balance of plant design of lithium-air batteries for electric vehicles

Lithium-air batteries are regarded as promising next-generation batteries for their exceptionally high theoretical energy density. However, the mechanical balance of plant (mBoP) system, which affects the overall efficiency and battery's durability, has not been thoroughly studied. This study explores mBoP systems for portable lithium-air batteries, focusing on optimizing energy consumption and battery durability. The results indicate that a flow-through fuel supply approach provides a longer lifespan of 15 charge-discharge cycles than fuel pressurization or recirculation. By controlling the airflow during charge and discharge, the electrolyte evaporation was effectively reduced, extending the battery life to 28 cycles. Also, a dew point below -13.6 degrees C was identified as the minimum dehumidification level for the longevity of our aprotic lithium-air battery. This study presents the conceptualization of two mBoP systems, one for electric motorcycles and the other for electric vehicles, with energy consumption rates of 3.5 % and 5.4 %, respectively. These findings provide valuable insight into the design of mBoP systems for various sizes of lithium-air batteries.