eNewsletter

June 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 1MHz 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 µA. In shutdown, the input bias current is reduced to 15 µA. 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 –40ºC to 125ºC. Pricing starts at $3.40 and $3.70 each, respectively in 1,000-piece quantities.

Quick Cable Introduces QuickBox Battery Boxes Safety and Instructional Videos Online
Quick Cable Corp. has released a new battery box catalog featuring the new QuickBox brand. Redesigned and engineered by Quick Cable, the QuickBox line supersedes the StrongBox line with more sizes, more features and a new Sportsman’s Series Battery Box for the outdoors. The QuickBox catalog features 24 pages of product descriptions, photos and a unique, easy-to use application guide to help choose the right size battery box.

The QuickBox line has been completely redesigned starting with a new polypropylene copolymer that is tough in cold weather and impervious to acid, gasoline, oil and solvents. The new QuickLock cover is easy-on and easy-off. Wider, larger cable ports allow for better cable access. The QuickBox also comes with safety warnings that are molded into the cover in three languages. Newly designed mounting holes in the handles provide more mounting options.

The QuickBox line of battery boxes is compatible with more battery group sizes and styles than any other brand on the market. Also new is the Sportsman’s Series, available in Group 24 or adjustable size for Groups 24, 27 and 31.

Zeon Introduces New High-Performance Binders for Li-Ion Batteries
Zeon has introduced new grades of anode and cathode binders for Li-ion batteries, which  offer higher capacity, longer life and several other improvements over conventional polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) binders.  The binders allow a wide range of improvements versus PVDF including higher capacity due to higher density cells, higher rate as a result of reduced electrode resistance and improved safety over PVDF resulting from higher thermal stability.

Electrochemical evaluations comparing Zeon's new binders to PVDF have shown a capacity retention increase of ten percent using the new cathode binder and discharge capacity improvement by ten percent, at 10C and 20C discharge rates. Testing at -20°C shows that the new anode binders improve capacity at cold temperatures by two times over BM-400B. Safety is improved over PVDF due to the higher decomposition temperature. Cathode and anode binders from Zeon are available in aqueous and NMP-based solvent forms.

Chroma's 8000 ATS is Turnkey for EV/PHEV Testing
Chroma has introduced versatility in Automated Test Systems by providing a full range hardware devices and software architecture for EV/PHEV related applications such as battery storage system, EVSE charger station, DC/DC converter unit and motor traction drivers. The power conversion areas of electric vehicles and charging stations are composed of several power electronic units. Chroma's Automated Test Systems test the power electronics during the development phase as well as the production phase.

The Chroma 8000 ATS is a standard test platform that resolves problems brought on by conventional self-designed systems for power electronics testing. Designed with an open architecture, the Chroma 8000 ATS includes a wide range of hardware choices such as AC/DC power supplies, electronic loads, power analyzers, oscilloscopes, digital multi-meters, as well as various digital/analog I/O cards. This flexibility combined with an open architecture gives the user a powerful and cost effective test system for EV/HEV power electronics.

The Chroma 8000 test system includes a sophisticated test executive, which includes pre-written test items. The Test Item Editor function provides the ability to create and expand test libraries without limits. The Chroma 8000 ATS's ability to satisfy the test requirements for multiple power electronic units maintains consistency and reduces costs during the transition between R&D and production. The system will not only perform the tests and report it to an isolated PC, but it will also network to the shop-floor (MES) system for production line data logging, analysis and monitoring.

Additional benefits of implementing Chroma's ATS include the ability to reallocate resources, reduced risk of errors and improved efficiencies. Advanced features included such as automatic test data recording and creation of statistical analytical reports are very useful during design review and decision-making for product improvements.

Cymbet Launches EnerChip Energy Processor
Cymbet Corp. has launched the EnerChip Energy Processor, a universal energy harvesting power management unit for ultra-low power energy harvesting-based systems. The EnerChip EP CBC915 is the first device to work universally across all energy harvesting transducer technologies including photovoltaic, thermoelectric, piezoelectric and electromagnetic.

The EnerChip EP uses Maximum Peak Power Tracking technology that constantly matches any energy harvesting transducer input impedance. It is designed to provide optimal power management for EnerChip CBC050 rechargeable energy storage devices. The EnerChip EP has user selectable modes and communicates with microcontrollers to create “energy aware” products. It is the first true end-to-end system-level approach to implementing energy harvesting-based designs.

There are many new applications that could use energy harvesting techniques for powering systems. Unfortunately, utilizing “free” ambient energy in ultra low power systems is a very complex design challenge. The EnerChip EP solves these issues by implementing an intelligent integrated approach to energy harvesting power management. The EnerChip EP coupled with EnerChip rechargeable energy storage devices are a key enabler for “zero power” devices.

“Our customers will benefit from the many new energy harvesting power management features included in the EnerChip EP,” said Bill Priesmeyer, CEO of Cymbet. “Designers can use any type of energy harvesting transducer, measure input power, manage EnerChip energy storage devices, and create a highly efficient ‘energy aware’ system while utilizing an ultra low quiescent current power management solution.”

“The Obama administration is making a concerted effort to prevent the failure of the US auto industry, and that will bolster development of the US battery industry through 2012,” says senior analyst John Gartner. “But political shifts and market realities could remove that safety net.”

Pike Research anticipates that improved manufacturing efficiencies and expanded access to lithium will halve the installed cost of Li-ion vehicle batteries between 2010 and 2015, to $470 per kWh (kilowatt hour). The Li-ion transportation battery industry will grow more than eight-fold in the next five years, the cleantech market intelligence firm forecasts, with nearly $8 billion in sales worldwide by 2015, up from $878 million in 2010. Total electrified vehicle sales in the Asia Pacific region will reach almost 1.1 million in 2015, more than the US and Western Europe combined. And the Asian Li-ion battery market will surpass $4 billion, representing 53 percent of total worldwide sales, in the same timeframe.

Even though vehicles powered at least part-time by battery power only will make up less than 2.5 percent of the world's fleet in 2015, Pike Research believes that the development of safe, reliable, and less costly Li-ion batteries will slowly reshape the automotive industry as it moves towards electrification and away from fossil fuels.

Pike Research’s report, “Electric Vehicle Batteries”, examines the key market dynamics for Lithium Ion batteries in hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles. Analysis includes industry and government drivers for the electrification of vehicles, and the role of advanced battery technologies in the development of this new sector. The report includes profiles of key players and market forecasts through 2015.

Underwriters Laboratories Introduces Safety Requirements for Battery Separators, Aiming to Further Battery Safety and Integrity
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) has announced the establishment of revised requirements addressing the safety of lithium batteries. The requirements, issued in December 2009 as UL Subject 2591, are designed specifically for separators, the porous film that keeps the anode and cathode components of batteries apart while still allowing ions to flow between them.

Evaluation to Subject 2591 will assist separator manufacturers, and manufacturers of lithium batteries who use separators, to control critical separator parameters in order to reduce the potential for product failure and enhance consumer confidence in their products.
“The importance of battery integrity and safety has grown as the capabilities and demands we place upon our portable electronic devices increase,” said Carlos Correia, vice president, UL High-Tech Division. “UL has worked closely with members of the battery and IT industry to introduce separator requirements focused on reliability and, first and foremost, safety.”

UL now offers testing and certification services pursuant to the new requirements. UL also provides manufacturers with the technical information and guidance they need to maintain compliance with the requirements.

Axion Power to Work With Norfolk Southern on Battery-Driven Locomotive Project
Axion Power International, Inc., a developer of advanced PbC batteries, will launch a development program with Norfolk Southern Corp., one of the nation's largest railways, to develop a battery management system that would allow rail locomotives to operate on battery power and recharge their batteries through regenerative braking.

Axion Power Chairman & CEO Thomas Granville said, "Railways are the most fuel-efficient method of transporting freight, moving a ton of freight 457 miles on a single gallon of fuel. The ability to run locomotives on electricity is well-established, although the standard means of doing so to date has either been a third rail or an overhead connection, both of which require extensive and expensive infrastructure apparatus. Most locomotives currently operate by burning fossil fuels. Utilizing Axion's unique PbC batteries with their high level of charge acceptance and high cycle life will allow selected locomotives to operate free from diesel generator sets, and will help make Norfolk Southern trains the cleanest in North America.”

"The key will be developing a battery management system that is robust, safe, dependable and easy to maintain," Granville said. "We are highly confident, based on our ongoing work, that this system can be successfully demonstrated in a fairly short time frame."

Porous Power Announces Cooperative Agreement with Chisso to Develop New Separators for the Japanese Lithium-Ion Battery Market
US-based Porous Power Technologies, LLC and Japan-based Chisso Corp are teaming to produce new variants of SYMMETRIX battery separators for use in automotive batteries.

“Our companies share a mutual goal of dramatically improving the safety, durability, performance and price of lithium-ion batteries for electric and hybrid-electric vehicles,” says Chisso’s Yozo Shimomura, general manager, Precise Fabricated Products Department.
Tim Feaver, CEO of Porous Power, explains, “Automotive battery manufacturers want a safer alternative to traditional polyolefin separators, which can melt and cause thermal runaway, and potentially fire, at relatively low temperatures. Undesirable voltage and temperature fluctuations occur much less frequently in cells using SYMMETRIX separators, even under conditions of abusive overcharge and overheating.”

SYMMETRIX, which at first glance looks like a roll of thin medical tape, iIncreases the life and high-power capacity of lithium-ion batteries and minimizes waste heat in batteries, effectively increasing a cell’s capacity and allowing it to operate at safer temperatures with fewer external cooling requirements.

Ultralife Corp. Receives $2.5 Million Order for Land Warrior Batteries and Chargers
Ultralife Corp. has received an order valued at approximately $2.5 million for its Land Warrior batteries and chargers from the US Defense Department. The contract is for lithium ion rechargeable batteries as well as vehicle, bulk and individual soldier-based chargers. Deliveries are expected to begin this quarter and be completed by the third quarter of 2010.

The Land Warrior product suite was originally developed as a man-portable power system to support an integrated, modular fighting system that uses technology to enhance individual soldier’s close combat tactical awareness, lethality and survivability. It is part of the company’s SmartCircuit family of products delivering power solutions to customers who require advanced functionality and performance.

Separately, Ultralife has been awarded an indefinite quantity contract (IDIQ) by the US Defense Logistics Agency with a total value of up to $26.9 million over five years. The contract calls for a one year base and four option years to meet demand from the US military for three battery types. The batteries are used in applications such as night vision goggles, SINCGARS radios and thermal weapons sights, among others.

Battery Power 2010 – June Registration Special
Battery Power 2010, an international conference highlighting the latest developments and technologies in the battery industry, will be held October 19-20 in Dallas, Texas. This eighth annual event will feature presentations on portable, stationary and automotive battery technology, as well as battery manufacturing, materials and research & development. Topics will include new battery designs, emerging technologies, battery materials, power management, charging and testing systems, battery health, as well as the latest market trends affecting the industry.

The conference is designed for OEM design engineers, system engineers, technical and management professionals involved in battery powered products and systems, battery manufacturing, battery technology research and development and power management technology.

Register by June 15th for as low as $395 plus receive a complementary 2010 Battery Industry Directory or a free upgrade to the co-located Antenna Systems 2010, Remote 2010 or Thermal Management & Technology Symposium.

To take advantage of this special offer, you must enter one of the codes below.
One attendee, $595: Use coupon code: BPPT100
Two attendees, $495: Use coupon code: BPPT200
Three attendees, $395: Use coupon code: BPPT300
Four attendees or more: contact us

Register Today

Sessions include:

The Battery Industry’s Role in US Economic Recovery Panel • EnerG2 • Additional Panelists to be Announced

US Battery Manufacturing Update Panel • Sakti3 • Additional Panelists to be Announced

Battery Projects and Developments in Government Laboratories Panel • Argonne National Lab • Oak Ridge National Lab • Additional Panelists to be Announced

Changing Global Regulatory Requirements for Battery Powered Consumer Electronics • TÜV SÜD America, Inc.

The Cost of Safety, Designing for Safety and the Changing Li-Ion Battery Pack Regulatory Requirements • Palladium Energy

Making the Transition to Li-Ion and Qualifying the Right Li-Ion Cell Technology for Your Large Format Battery Application • Nexergy

Battery Performance and Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles and Other Electric Vehicle Adoption • Navigant Consulting, Inc.

Using Lithium Polymer Batteries in Commercial Devices • Micro Power Electronics, Inc.

Overcoming Battery Pack Design Issues • Boston-Power

Design Advantages and Comparisons of Large Format Li-Ion Batteries • International Battery, Inc.     

High Efficiency and High Safety LiFePO4 Battery Charger System for Industrial and Medical Applications • Texas Instruments, Inc.

A Simple Topology for Solar-Charged Battery Systems • Microchip Technology Inc.

Commercial Applications of Lithium Titanate Batteries for Mass Transit • Altairnano

Deciphering Cell Variations in Battery Manufacturing • Hawaii Natural Energy Institute

Nanotechnology Manufacturing Techniques for More Efficient Lithium Ion Batteries  • NETZSCH-CONDUX

New Advances in Li-Ion Battery Monitoring • Cadex Electronics, Inc.

Ready for the Grid: How Battery Storage will Support Renewable Energy and the Smart Grid • Electric Power Research Institute

Upscaling New Battery Technologies from Lab to Fab • Coatema Coating Machinery GmbH

Datacenter Trends Creates Sweetspot for Entry of New Materials • Dell, Inc.

Embedded Energy for Pure Power Solutions • Cymbet Corp.

Safer Li-Ion Battery Design and Development Using Thermal Analysis and Adiabatic Calorimetry • Netzsch Instruments North America LLC

Analyzing the Role of New Battery Technologies in Hybrid Power Systems with High Penetrations of Renewable Power • HOMER Energy, LLC

Battery System Integration, Energy Management and Testing • Ricardo, Inc.

Li-Ion Myth-Buster • Elithion

Advancement of Ultrasonic Metal Weld Tooling for Battery Applications • Edison Welding Institute

Sodium Metal Halide Batteries for Stationary Applications • General Electric

The Evolution of Li-Ion Safety Testing Since the Laptop Battery Recalls of 2006 • Underwriters Laboratories

Energy Policy in a Battery Charger World • Ecos

September

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

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

• 29-1 - Batteries 2010, French Riviera

October

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

• 19-20 - Battery Power 2010, Dallas Texas

November

• 3 - Battery Safety 2010, Boston, Mass.

Storage Week
July 12-15
San Diego, Calif

Infocast will hold their 3rd Annual Edition of Storage Week  at the Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego, July 12-15, 2010.  This popular event provides four separate meetings in one, featuring more than  85 key leaders from across the energy storage spectrum led by Keynote Speakers, Terry Boston, the CEO of PJM Interconnection and Phillip Harris, the CEO of Tres Amigas, LLC.  The four integrated meetings of Storage Week 2010 consist of:

Community Energy Storage (July 12 – AM Session)
Making the Business Case for Grid-Scale Storage Projects (July 12 – PM Session)
The Energy Storage Summit – Policy, Opportunities & Economics (July 13 & 14)
The Technology & Investment Showcase (July 15)

The 3rd Annual STORAGE WEEK promises to be the Business Event of the Year for the Energy Storage Community.  For more information or to register, please visit www.infocastinc.com/storage10

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