E-Report

October 2007

Maxell Debuts Two New LiMnO2 Hybrid Cells

Fulfilling the quest for safer, higher capacity and longer lasting Lithium Manganese Dioxide cylindrical hybrid cells for automatic meter readers, security devices and RF applications, Maxell Corp. of America has introduced its next generation of advanced hybrid cells that operate for more than 10 years and offer 8 to 9 percent higher capacity.

Models CR17450 and CR17335, designed to industry standard sizes, have an 8 to 9 percent higher capacity compared to similar cells currently available. These next generation cells are laser sealed with improved rate capability, wider temperature range and longer operational life expectancy ideal for today's advanced automatic meter reader, security and RF applications. The cells exhibit low self-discharge making them well suited for long-term extended life applications of 10-plus years.

The operational temperature range of -40°C to 80°C with an improved heatproof temperature of +90°C to 100°C and internal minute short-circuit prevention, enabled by proprietary technology that prevents internal short circuits, making these next generation cells intrinsically safe.

The CR17450 has a typical capacity of 2,600 mAh, while the CR17335 has a typical capacity of 1,750 mAh. The new next generation cells have a voltage of 3.0 volts and feature a stable sloping discharge curve at various depths of discharge, allowing for accurate prediction of end of life.

Physical dimensions for the CR17450 are 17 mm in diameter, 45 mm in length with a weight of 22 g. CR17335 has a diameter of 17 mm, a 33.5 mm length and weighs 16 g.

Sony has developed a bio battery that generates electricity from carbohydrates (sugar) utilizing enzymes as its catalyst, through the application of power generation principles found in living organisms. Test cells of this bio battery have achieved power output of 50 mW. The output of these test cells is sufficient to power music play back on a memory-type Walkman.

In order to realize the world's highest power output, Sony developed a system of breaking down sugar to generate electricity that involves efficiently immobilizing enzymes and the mediator (electronic conduction materials) while retaining the activity of the enzymes at the anode. Sony also developed a new cathode structure which efficiently supplies oxygen to the electrode while ensuring that the appropriate water content is maintained. Optimizing the electrolyte for these two technologies has enabled these power output levels to be reached.

Sony will continue its development of immobilization systems, electrode composition and other technologies in order to further enhance power output and durability, with the aim of realizing practical applications for these bio batteries in the future.

The newly developed bio battery incorporates an anode consisting of sugar-digesting enzymes and mediator, and a cathode comprising oxygen-reducing enzymes and mediator, either side of a cellophane separator. The anode extracts electrons and hydrogen ions from the sugar (glucose) through enzymatic oxidation. The hydrogen ion migrates to the cathode through the separator. Once at the cathode, the hydrogen ions and electrons absorb oxygen from the air to produce water. Through this process of electrochemical reaction, the electrons pass through the outer circuit to generate electricity.

The test cells of these high-power, compact bio batteries have been fabricated using these three technologies. The bio battery does not require mixing, or the convection of glucose solution or air; as it is a passive-type battery, it works simply by supplying sugar solution into the battery unit. The cubic (39 mm along each edge) cell produces 50 mW, representing the world's highest power output among passive-type bio batteries of comparable volume. By connecting four cubic cells, it is possible to power a memory-type Walkman together with a pair of passive-type speakers. The bio battery casing is made of vegetable-based plastic, and designed in the image of a biological cell.

Intersil Corp. has released the ISL8009, a high-efficiency, 1.5A synchronous buck integrated FET regulator ideal for point-of-load regulation for datacom/telecom, battery powered systems, medical instrumentation and several industrial applications.

The ISL8009 is designed to utilize a special multi-operation capability, allowing selection between forced PWM mode and automatic PWM/PFM mode. This ability to switch between modes enables the regulator to maintain up to 95 percent efficiency in both full load and light load conditions. Additionally, when the device is in PFM mode, the quiescent current drops to 17µA and makes the ISL8009 well suited for battery powered applications.

The ISL8009 includes features like high 1.6 MHz switching frequency, allowing the use of smaller external components. The device also has internal current mode compensation to eliminate the need for external components while contributing to fast transient response in over current conditions.

Other important features of the ISL8009 include Power-On-Reset (POR) and Enable (EN) to provide output voltage monitoring and power sequencing capabilities, further eliminating the need for additional discrete ICs.

With high integration in a 2 mm by 3 mm 8-ld DFN package, the ISL8009 offers customers a high-efficiency solution in a tiny footprint that occupies less than one square centimeter in area.

The ISL8009 is available now in an 8-lead DFN package and is priced at $1.52 in 1,000-unit quantities.

Battery Power 2008 Call for Presentations
The Battery Power 2008 Conference committee is currently accepting abstracts. Being held September 4-5 in New Orleans, La, the 2008 event will explore the important topics impacting the battery industry from design issues in battery packs and emerging charging technologies to predicting battery failure and battery hybrid technologies.

Speaking slots are already filling up, so it is imperative that you submit the abstract before the deadline on February 8th, 2008 .
New topics this year include:
Upcoming and Emerging Technologies
Understanding Industry Roadblocks
• Current and Future Battery Cost and Performance
• Battery Hybrid Technology
• Energy Harvesting
• Developing Batteries of Next Generation Wireless Applications
• Nanomaterials/Nanotechnology in Batteries
• Raw Material Supplies
Visit http://www.batterypoweronline.com/bp08_callforpresentations.htm
for details.

Nokia and Matsushita Battery Industrial Co., Ltd. of Japan are in agreement that Matsushita will cover the direct costs related to the August 14, 2007 product advisory on Nokia-branded BL-5C batteries. "Nokia and Matsushita have a long business relationship and the two companies are cooperating closely together in this situation," said Masatsugu Kondo, president of Matsushita Battery. "Matsushita Battery has agreed to cover the direct costs associated with the product advisory, including, among other things, logistics costs, call center costs, and replacement battery costs."

"The safety of our customers and the reliability and quality of our products are our top priorities," said Robert Andersson, head of Nokia Customer and Market Operations. "We are pleased with the good cooperation between Nokia and Matsushita. Together we aim to serve consumers in the best possible manner and minimize the inconvenience this issue could cause them."
Any Nokia consumer who is currently using a Nokia product containing a BL-5C battery subject to the product advisory can request a replacement battery free of charge.

Trojan Battery Company was recently awarded the International Organization for Standards (ISO) 9001:2000 certification for the company's Quality Management System by Det Norske Veritas (DNV).

"This achievement was a direct result of the entire organization working together effectively to develop and maintain the excellent quality standards we have to achieve customer satisfaction, standardization, and continuous improvement of our internal processes," said Rick Godber, president and CEO of Trojan Battery. "With ISO 9001:2000 certification, we have established our Quality Management System with global recognition that will enable us to achieve long-term operational excellence and success. Trojan's customers expect nothing less-and we'll meet their expectations."

Trojan Battery first embarked on the "Road to ISO" in 2005 by means of streamlining the Quality Management System across all of their US facilities. The effort was driven by Gilbert Alba, quality director, which led to the first successful certification for the company's manufacturing plant in Lithonia, Georgia in January of 2006, followed by two of their plants located in Santa Fe Springs, California in December of 2006.

Construction of their fourth and largest plant is currently underway in Sandersville, Georgia, due for completion in October 2007.

The US Department of Energy (DOE) awarded Ener1's EnerDel subsidiary a $2.5 million contract over two years for plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) research. The award is for the development of cells for 10- and 40-mile range PHEVs using nano-phase lithium titanate coupled with a high voltage Nickel-Manganese cathode material. The total DOE/industry cost share will be $2.5 million and the DOE will fund its share of $1.25 million.

DOE Assistant Secretary for Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability Kevin M. Kolevar announced DOE will invest nearly $20 million in PHEV research. Five projects have been selected for negotiation of awards under DOE's collaboration with the United States Advanced Battery Consortium (USABC) for $17.2 million in DOE funding for PHEV battery development projects. DOE will also provide nearly $2 million to the University of Michigan (U-M) to spearhead a study exploring the future

Bush's Twenty in Ten Plan, which aims to displace twenty percent of gasoline usage by 2017 through greater use of clean, renewable fuels of PHEVs. DOE funding announced today will help advance President and increased vehicle efficiency. PHEVs have the potential to displace a large amount of gasoline by delivering up to 40 miles of electric range without recharging, a distance that would include most daily roundtrip commutes.

The five projects selected for negotiation of awards of up to $17.2 million from DOE aim to address critical barriers to the commercialization of PHEVs, specifically battery cost and battery life. Combined with cost-share from the United States Advanced Battery Consortium (USABC), these projects will allow up to $38 million in battery research and development. DOE funding is subject to negotiation of final contract terms and Congressional appropriations. Projects are expected to begin this year and continue through 2009; funding will come from DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (fiscal years '07-'09). USABC will negotiate final contract terms with five lithium ion battery developers. Companies selected for negotiation of awards include 3M, A123Systems, Compact Power Inc., EnerDel, Inc. and Johnson Controls - Saft Advanced Power Solutions.

Onsite Power 2007 - Offgrid, Standby and Back-up Power for Mission Critical Operations, will be held November 6-7 in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Presentations include:

• Guidelines for High Reliability Remote Power System Design, Solarcraft, Inc.
• Sustainable Fuel Cell Solutions to Provide Extended Run Times of Backup Power, IdaTech, LLC
• Advances in Lithium-Ion Batteries for UPS and Portable Solar System Applications, Southwest Electronic Energy Group
• Power Source Considerations for Remote EFM / SCADA Applications, PGI International
• CHG Emission Reductions Using VRB Energy Storage Systems, VRB Power Systems Inc.
• Ensuring Optimum Backup Power for Business Continuity, Triton Power
• Utilizing new Technology to Solve a Problem in the Telecommunications Market, Marathon Engine Systems
• Advancements in Generator Paralleling Technology and the Resulting Impact to System Reliability, Serviceability and Monitoring, Generac Power Systems

Visit http://www.remotemagazine.com/rem07_index.htm for more information on the program or to register.

October
7-12 - The Electrochemical Society Meeting, Washington, D.C. Contact ECS via email.

November
5-9 - AEST 2007 , Cologne, Germany

6-7- Onsite Power 2007, Scottsdale, Ariz. Contact Webcom Communications at 720-528-3770 or via email.

26-30 - MRS Fall, Boston, Mass.

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