BHEL to make space grade lithium-ion cells based on ISRO technology

State-run power equipment maker BHEL today entered into a technology transfer agreement with Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for the manufacturing of space-grade lithium-ion cells of various capacities.

BHEL will utilise technology developed by ISRO at its Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), a BHEL statement said.

In the presence of Dr. K. Sivan, Secretary, Department of Space & Chairman, ISRO and Atul Sobti, Chairman and Managing Director, BHEL, the technology transfer agreement was signed by S. Biswas, Director (Engg, R&D), BHEL and S Somanath, Director, VSSC.

The ISRO has so far 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.

This transfer of technology will enable BHEL to manufacture lithium-ion cells in-house for ISRO and other suitable applications. The lithium-ion technology can also be further extended for use in the emerging areas of energy storage and e-mobility. BHEL will set up a state-of-the-art facility for manufacturing these cells at its Bengaluru unit, it added.