BHEL to Develop Space Grade Lithium-ion Cells using ISRO Technology

This transfer of technology will enable BHEL to manufacture Lithium-ion cells in-house for ISRO and other suitable applications.

As part of its diversification strategy, power equipment maker Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) has entered into a Technology Transfer Agreement (TTA) with Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for the manufacturing of space-grade Lithium-ion cells of various capacities.

The technology was developed by ISRO at its Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC).

The agreement was signed at ISRO Headquarters, Bengaluru in the presence of Dr. K. Sivan, Chairman, ISRO and Atul Sobti, Chairman & Managing Director, BHEL.

ISRO uses Li-ion batteries as power sources for satellite and launch vehicle applications due to their high energy density, reliability and long cycle life.

So far, ISRO has been sourcing space-grade Lithium-ion cells from foreign vendors and BHEL has been assembling and testing space-grade Lithium-ion batteries with such imported cells, for satellites and launch vehicles of ISRO.

BHEL said that this transfer of technology will enable it to manufacture Lithium-ion cells in-house for ISRO and other suitable applications.

This Lithium-ion technology can also be further extended for use in the emerging areas of energy storage and e-mobility.

The company said it will set up a state-of-the-art facility for manufacturing these cells at its Bengaluru unit.