eNewsletter

July 2010

High Voltage 2A Battery Charger Matches Solar Cell Peak Power Tracking with Simple Control Loop
Linear Technology Corp. has introduced the LT3652HV, a higher voltage version of the LT3652 monolithic buck battery charger for modern battery chemistries. The LT3652HV offers a wider battery float voltage range than the LT3652, up to 18 V, and features the same input voltage regulation loop that controls charge current to hold the input voltage at a programmed level. The LT3652HV has the flexibility to charge many different battery configurations from various input supplies, and when it is connected to a solar panel, the input regulation loop maintains the panel at peak output power.

The LT3652HV accepts a wide range of inputs from 4.95 V to 34 V with a 40 V absolute maximum rating for added system margin. The input voltage regulation loop also allows optimized charging from poorly regulated sources where the input can collapse under overcurrent conditions. It charges a variety of battery pack configurations, including 1 to 4 Li-Ion / Polymer cells in series, 1 to 5 LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) cells in series and sealed lead acid (SLA) batteries up to 18 V. Applications include solar-powered systems, 12 V to 24 V automotive equipment and battery chargers.               

The LT3652HV’s charge current is programmable up to 2 A. This stand-alone battery charger requires no external microcontroller and features user-selectable termination, including C/10 or an onboard timer.The device’s 1 MHz fixed switching frequency enables small solution sizes. Float voltage feedback accuracy is specified at ±0.5 percent, charge current accuracy is ±5 percent and C/10 detection accuracy is ±2.5 percent. Once charging is terminated, the LT3652HV automatically enters a low current standby mode, which reduces the input supply current to 85 uA.  In shutdown, the input bias current is reduced to 15 uA.  For autonomous charge control, an auto-recharge feature starts a new charging cycle if the battery voltage falls 2.5 percent below the programmed float voltage.

The LT3652HV is available in thermally enhanced packages: a low-profile (0.75 mm)
12-pin 3 mm by 3 mm DFN package, and a 12-lead MSOP package. Both are available in E- and I- grade versions, guaranteed from –40°C to 125°C. Pricing starts at $3.40 and $3.70 each, respectively in 1,000-piece quantities.

Hydrogen Gas Detector
Neodym Technologies, Inc. has announced the availability of HydroKnowz, the company’s new line of hydrogen gas sensing products. HydroKnowz sensors are intended for hydrogen gas safety monitoring in power generation and storage equipment such as fuel cells and battery charging systems. 

The development of HydroKnowz coincides with the recent introduction of cost-reduced catalytic sensing elements that provide the linearity and stability associated with catalytic sensing technology while lowering existing price points for cost-sensitive applications.

HydroKnowz monitors perform linear sensing of hydrogen in air from 0 to 25,000 parts-per-million (2.5 percent volume in air) with 100-ppm resolution and fast start-up/response time. The environmental operating range is –40°C to 80°C and relative humidity of 0 to 99 percent. Product options include dry relay contacts (NO or NC), alarm beeper, and a wide input power range of 5 VDC to 60 VDC. Power consumption is less than 1 Watt. Output signal options include 0 to 3 VDC or 4 to 20 mA (proportional), or TTL (binary). The devices are compatible with Neodym’s PK-Port single-wire digital signaling protocol for PC-based real time monitoring and data logging.

Kathabar Dehumidification Systems Deliver Temperature, Humidity and Microbial Control for Battery Manufacturing
Kathabar liquid and dry desiccant dehumidification systems deliver precise, reliable energy efficient temperature and humidity control for lithium, sodium based, and sealed lead acid battery manufacturing.  These systems can provide dry room and clean room conditions for battery manufacturing processes such as stacking, roll drying, staging, injection rooms, degassing (gas lamination), electrode coating and cell assembly.  Kathabar systems supply dry air with the required critical low dew points.  These dehumidifiers can also prevent contamination by providing bacterial control through capturing airborne bacteria, viruses and mold. 

All Kathabar equipment is made of Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) with industrial grade construction to provide less maintenance and long equipment life.  Kathabar liquid desiccant systems, most efficient when cool or cold dry air is desired, can handle airflows from 750 to 84,000 CFM. Kathabar dry desiccant systems, most effective when less cooling is required, can handle capacities up to 60,000 CFM.

Microsoft Unveils InstaLoad Battery Installation Technology That Allows Batteries to Be Inserted in Either Direction
Microsoft Corp. has released a new technology aimed at improving the battery installation process called InstaLoad battery installation technology, which allows users to easily install a battery without regard to positive and negative polarity. InstaLoad is a patented battery contact design now available for license by third-party device suppliers, with companies like Duracell already lining up to endorse the technology for use in their own products.

InstaLoad technology can be incorporated into devices that require frequent battery swap-outs, are used in less-than-ideal environments or use several batteries. Industries that could greatly benefit from this type of timesaving technology based on their environments include law enforcement, military, construction, outdoor sporting and camping. In addition, users of devices with multiple batteries and frequent battery swap-out, including battery chargers, digital cameras, camera flash units and toys, could also benefit.

Unlike existing electronic solutions designed to address battery-polarity installation, InstaLoad is a mechanical invention that does not drain battery power or require expensive electronic circuitry. InstaLoad battery contacts can be cost-effectively designed into most battery compartments, as it usually requires replacing existing battery contacts with the patented InstaLoad contact design. The technology is compatible with popular off-the-shelf batteries used in products such as flashlights, toys, battery chargers, lighting and most other battery-operated consumer electronic devices that use CR123, AA, AAA, C or D size batteries (disposable or rechargeable) or similar barrel-type battery form factors.

International Battery Lithium Ion Cells Pass Rigorous UN Testing
International Battery, a US manufacturer and developer of large-format lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, continues to have its large-format cells successfully pass thorough and rigorous abuse testing in accordance with UN Transportation Testing (UN/DOT 38.3). The cells include the 60 Ah and 160 Ah iron phosphate as well as the 90 Ah and 200 Ah nickel cobalt manganese cells.

US Department of Transportation (DOT) and its international counterparts responsible for regulations that govern the transportation of hazardous materials base their regulations on the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods Model Regulation and UN Manual of Tests and Criteria. The testing consisted of eight procedures that simulate the different environments and situations that exist during transport of lithium cells or batteries from the manufacturing facility to the customer.  The specific procedures are altitude simulation, thermal test, vibration, shock, external short circuit, impact, overcharge and forced discharge.

“Continuing to pass UN Transportation Testing requirements is a testament not only to the quality and safety of our lithium-ion battery cells, but also to our validated water-based manufacturing process,” said Dr Ake Almgren, President and CEO of International Battery.

C&D Technologies Awarded $5 Million Contract for Development of Advanced Lead-Carbon Energy Storage System for Renewable Energy Applications
C&D Technologies, Inc. has been awarded a contract by the US Army for the development of an advanced energy storage system for renewable energy applications incorporating advanced lead carbon batteries. The new contract will span an estimated three year period from June 15, 2010, with the objective of developing an energy storage system for use in grid connected systems, off-grid applications, and micro-grid environments in conjunction with the Army Renewable Energy Generation Systems (REGS). The technologies developed under the program will also be utilized in meeting the needs of C&D's commercial customers with potential application to large-scale grid-energy storage, community energy storage, and renewable energy applications, in addition to broader application in other branches of the military. The result will be a domestic  US source for a modular, highly reliable energy storage system with the potential for achieving economies of scale to ensure affordability for a range of military and commercial renewable energy applications. This new advanced energy storage system will be developed and produced in C&D's Blue Bell and Leola, Pennsylvania facilities.

With power demands growing in the many global deployments, the US Army is working to increase the use of renewable energy to reduce dependence on fossil fuel resources and to achieve 'net zero energy' (NZE) for their base grid and micro-grid systems. Achieving NZE requires modular electrical energy storage systems to both store and dispense energy to maximize the renewable energy generation now being deployed. The market for NZE systems is expected to grow as more military systems utilize renewable energy to provide grid power, backup power and supplemental power to the many deployed electronic systems supporting US soldiers and their equipment in the field. These systems provide basic living needs and also support equipment supplying vital information and support for the military infrastructure deployed in foreign lands.

A central focus of the program is the development of a new generation of energy storage batteries that incorporate carbon nano-phase technologies. These batteries will have exceptional cycling properties that are required for effective wind and solar application, and yet will be highly cost effective, reliable and fully recyclable at the end of product life.

EaglePicher Supplies Nickel Hydrogen Batteries to GPS IIF SV-1 Global Positioning Satellite
EaglePicher Technologies, LLC has supplied two nickel hydrogen batteries to Boeing in support of the GPS IIF Space Vehicle 1 (SV-1) satellite. The SV-1 satellite launched from Cape Canaveral on May 27, 2010 is the first in a series of 12 next-generation GPS Block IIF satellites, and EaglePicher is contracted to supply batteries for all of the series.

EaglePicher’s 16-cell, 75 ampere-hour batteries will power the satellite during eclipse. The environmentally-friendly battery chemistry includes excellent overcharge capability, as well as available strain gages and associated electronics that provide the customer with accurate state-of-charge monitoring. 

The GPS IIF program is an upgrade of the original GPS, which is a worldwide timing and navigation system that utilizes 24 satellites positioned in orbit approximately 12,000 miles above the Earth's surface. These satellites continuously transmit digital radio signals pertaining to the exact time using atomic clocks and exact location of the satellites. By referring to signals transmitted by four satellites, the GPS can be used to calculate longitude, latitude, and altitude.

The Department of Defense originally developed the GPS for all-weather military applications, but the system is available at no additional charge for civilians and commerce.

“EaglePicher is thrilled to be a part of the GPS IIF SV-1 satellite,” said Randy Moore, president of EaglePicher Technologies. “This multi-satellite operation confirms the reliability of our proven nickel hydrogen battery technology, and we look forward to continued service to the GPS IIF program.”

EaglePicher’s nickel hydrogen batteries and cells have successfully powered more than 450 space missions, including the Hubble Space Telescope where the batteries have lasted four times longer than the projected lifespan. In addition to Hubble, EaglePicher batteries and cells have supported the International Space Station, Lunar Rover, Apollo, Gemini and Mercury. In all, EaglePicher nickel hydrogen products have logged, more than 1.4 billion hours in space without a single mission failure.

Click Here to Download a PDF version of the Brochure

Battery Power 2010 • October 19-20 • Dallas, Texas
Battery Power 2010, October 19-20, in Dallas Texas, is the industry leading conference designed specifically for battery manufacturers, distributors, OEMs, design engineers and power integrators. This is a once-a-year opportunity to learn and discuss the latest capabilities, design issues, trends and market forecasts in batteries and battery-powered products and systems. The conference program evolves every year to feature the latest advancements in the industry.

Use these two days to network with peers, professionals and potential business partners involved in technology solutions serving a variety of applications. Expand your skill set by attending a pre-conference workhop and learn about the latest products, services and technologies available in the exhibit hall.

Register by August 19th for a Discounted Rate

More than 30 sessions including:

• The Cost of Safety, Designing for Safety and the Changing Li-Ion Battery Pack Regulatory Requirements
  
• Overcoming Battery Pack Design Issues
• Using Lithium Polymer Batteries in Commercial Devices
  
• Design Advantages and Comparisons of Large Format Li-Ion Batteries
• Li-Ion Myth-Buster
• Nanotechnology Manufacturing Techniques for More Efficient Lithium Ion Batteries
• High Temperature Li-Ion and Li-Thionlyl-Chloride Cells
• Changing Global Regulatory Requirements for Battery Powered Consumer Electronics
• Battery Projects and Developments in Government Laboratories Panel
• Designing Li-Ion Batteries into Your Application: The Critical Issues You Need to Know
• New Advances in Li-Ion Battery Monitoring
  
• Energy Policy in a Battery Charger World
• Battery System Integration, Energy Management and Testing
• The Evolution of Li-Ion Safety Testing Since the Laptop Battery Recalls of 2006
  
• Notebook Battery Standardization Challenges
• Your Product’s Battery Failed – What Now?
  

August

1-4 - APCO 2010, Houston, Texas

September

1-3 - SAE International Vehicle Battery Summit, Shanghai, China

21-22 - EV Battery Tech USA, Detroit, Mich.

21-24 - 12th European Lead Battery Conference, Istanbul, Turkey

29-1 - Batteries 2010, French Riviera

October

6-8 - CTIA Enterprise & Applications 2010 Conference and Exposition, San Francisco, Calif.

12-14 - Advanced Energy Storage 2010, San Diego, Calif.

19-20 - Battery Power 2010, Dallas, Texas

November

3 - Battery Safety 2010, Boston, Mass.

4-5 - Lithium Mobile Power, Boston, Mass

EV Battery Tech USA
Troy, Mich.
September 21-22

The EV Battery Tech: Global Cost Reduction Initiative is the only event where senior executives from vehicle manufacturers (including Nissan, GM, Chrysler, Toyota, Ford) gather to explain how their latest technical research on EV batteries will help drive down the cost of the battery in order to accelerate the commercialization of mass market EVs.

OEMs from the U.S.A, Europe and Asia will be delivering practical solutions for reducing the cost of EV batteries at every level of production and integration whilst improving their safety, lifecycle and energy density.

Building on the success of the sell-out European version of the event, the EV Battery Tech: Global Cost Reduction Initiative is the only truly business-focused EV battery summit where vehicle manufacturers and their EV supply-chain meet to form partnerships on translating technical innovations into commercial opportunities.

For a full program and speaker details see www.ev-battery-tech.com

CTIA Enterprise & Applications 2010 Conference and Exposition
San Francisco, Calif.
October 6–8, 2010     

Fifteen years ago, CTIA launched Wireless I.T. to educate and drive wireless data deployments within the enterprise. Along the way, the show has nurtured every piece of the ecosystem and has been a proud contributor to the fulfillment of the Mobile Business vision. As we enter the Mobile Decade, this event becomes more relevant, more vital than ever. CTIA Enterprise & Applications 2010 is focused on the integration and usage of wireless technology in any business or vertical industry such as enterprise, media, content, health, energy, retail and transportation. We invite you to join the Mobile Business revolution. Come learn, network and succeed with CTIA Enterprise & Applications!  Register Now! 

Battery Japan
Tokyo, Japan
March 2-4, 2011

Battery Japan is the world's largest business platform for manufacturing and R&D of rechargeable battery.
This is the right place to be to expand your business with professionals of Rechargeable Battery Manufacturers, Next Generation Automobile Companies, Electronics Manufacturers, Renewable Energy Companies and all other players related to now and the future of energy storage!

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