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East Penn Introduces Front Access High Rate Battery 
East Penn Manufacturing has released the Unigy HR5500ET High Rate battery with a 10-year design life for UPS service. Unique to batteries designed for high rate applications, the HR5500ET has front access terminals for easier installation and maintenance. Front access maximizes cabinet space reducing the additional clearance needed for top cable connections and extra cable lengths. Installation and maintenance is safer and simpler eliminating the need to reach over the batteries for first-time hookup or routine service. In addition, a reduction in cabinet space also allows for more power in less space.
Unigy High Rate batteries use the latest AGM (absorbed glass mat) technology to lower internal resistance for improved high-rate, short-term discharges delivering critical power when needed. For extended long-term performance, the Unigy High Rate batteries feature recessed posts with epoxy post seals that act as a secure barrier to keep in acid and critical pressure. Special puncture resistant glass mat separators lowers internal resistance for increased high-rate power while protecting against failures and shorts. Tank-formed plates also extend life by optimizing cell voltage balance and performance. In addition, heavier, thicker positive plates are pasted from both sides for added durability and extended service life. The Unigy HR5500ET has a ten-year design life with a warranty of three-year free replacement.
Specifically designed for high-rate uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), these batteries are housed in reinforced cases constructed of polypropylene or flame-retardant plastic (rated 28 LOI), 12-volt monoblocks. Low pressure self-sealing valves prevent premature dry-out and minimize gassing. Flame arrestors are installed on all flame-retardant batteries for added safety. Utilizing state-of-the-art computer-aided design and manufacturing, Unigy High Rate batteries meet the highest quality standards in the industry.
Oak Ridge Micro-Energy Reports on Development of a Low-Voltage Thin-Film Battery
Oak Ridge Micro-Energy, a developer and manufacturer of thin film rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, has announced success in the initial development of a new low-voltage prototype battery.
“In addition to the demand for the company’s presently manufactured batteries that operate between 4 V and 3 V, we have identified a growing segment of the microelectronics industry requiring thin film batteries that operate below 3 V,” stated OKME’s president and CEO Mark Meriwether.
Several inquiries from the micro-device industry prompted Oak Ridge Micro-Energy to launch a project late in the 4Q of 2006 to develop a low-voltage rechargeable thin film battery. Earlier this month, OKME reported test results of a prototype battery that delivers 74 percent of its capacity between 2 V and 1 V.
“We are very pleased that such encouraging results were obtained early in the project and believe that a significant improvement in the capacity delivered between 2 V and 1 V can be achieved in the near future,” continued Meriwether.
Matsushita Establishes Mass-Production System for Safer Lithium-Ion Batteries with High Capacity
Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. has released that one of its subsidiaries, Matsushita Battery Industrial Co., Ltd. (MBI) has established a mass production system for a lithium-ion battery that incorporates new technology to ensure safety. The company began shipping the industry's first 2.9 Ah high capacity batteries in April 2006 and is now ready to mass produce the product.
As a power source for mobile and digital equipment essential for a ubiquitous networking society, demand for lithium-ion batteries has grown fast. As equipment such as notebook PCs, mobile phones and digital still cameras become more powerful, sophisticated and feature-laden, they require more robust and safer batteries. Increasing energy-density, however, raises the risk of overheating and igniting due to short-circuiting.
MBI has succeeded in improving the safety by forming a heat resistance layer (HRL) consisting of an insulating metal oxide on the surface of the electrodes. Lithium-ion batteries contain a thin polyolefin separator to insulate the cathode from the anode. When a separator is pierced by an electrically conductive material such as a metal particle, a short circuit develops, leading to the battery to overheat and, in the worst case, catch fire. The HRL used in the Panasonic battery, however, has better insulating and heat-resistant characteristics than polyolefin. Even if a short-circuit occurs, it will cease without causing the battery to overheat. The HRL technology has enabled MBI to increase energy density and mass-produce safer lithium-ion batteries.
MBI has taken measures to prevent lithium-ion batteries from becoming contaminated with electrically conductive materials by eliminating foreign substances from battery materials and creating a clean environment in the battery factory. Considering contamination with such substances, the company has adopted stronger separators and thermally stable materials. Demand for higher safety and capacity, however, called for the development of a new technology. HRL is a product of MBI's research and development of battery technology and its focus on safety as a first priority.
MBI plans to continue developing lithium-ion batteries with even higher levels of capacity and safety to make contributions to the progress towards the ubiquitous networking society. Matsushita holds 119 patents including pending patent applications with regard to the system.
Microchip Technology Announces Simple, Single-Cell Li-Ion/Li-Polymer Chargers in SOT-23 Packages
Microchip Technology, Inc. has unveiled the MCP73811 and MCP73812 (MCP7381X) Li-Ion/Li-Polymer charge-management controllers. These simple, single-cell devices provide fully integrated charge-management functions, and selectable or programmable charge currents up to 500 mA in a 5-pin SOT-23 package. They are USB compatible and come with integrated current sense, pass transistor and reverse battery protection onboard to enable smaller, more cost-effective designs.
Because they conform to USB output-power specifications, the MCP7381X charge-management controllers can be powered via the USB ports on most PCs. This eliminates the need for an external power adapter, and saves end users the trouble of finding an electrical outlet to charge their portable device. Additionally, the devices feature on-chip thermal regulation, which decreases charge current if the temperature rises above safe levels. The remaining feature set of the family is minimized, in order to provide a very cost-effective charging solution.
With their charge-enable input, the MCP7381X charge-management controllers provide a simple interface for designers to use. The MCP73811 has a digital input and selectable USB charge currents of either 85 mA or 450 mA, meaning it provides charge currents without intervention from external components. The MCP73812 offers a user-programmable charge current via an external resistor, enabling designers to optimize charge currents for their particular application.
Saft to Provide Li-Ion Batteries for General Dynamics’ Advanced Ground Mobility Vehicle Demonstrator 
Saft will provide a Li-ion battery for the General Dynamics Land Systems’ Advanced Ground Mobility Vehicle (AGMV). The AGMV is an advanced technology demonstration vehicle housing innovative technologies that could be used to meet the requirements for the next generation of tactical wheeled vehicles.
The custom battery was designed to use stored energy to provide supplemental power to the electric drive system and enable operation of the vehicle with the engine turned off. Saft supplied a 220-volt Li-ion battery for the hybrid electric drive system, supporting vehicle acceleration and regenerative braking. Additionally, the battery provides power for on-board electronic systems for Silent Watch, exported power and mobile applications.
General Dynamics stated that Saft has a strong reputation for providing high-quality and durable batteries for defense applications. To remain competitive, every component in military vehicles is chosen through the process of a strong systems engineering trade analysis to meet customer needs.
“Saft is proud to participate with an industry leader in light armored vehicles on the AGMV project,” said Jim Miller, general manager for Saft’s Space and Defense Division. “We look forward to more collaboration with GDLS serving the growing hybrid market and providing advanced battery solutions.”
Saft’s recent advances in combining high power cell technology with enhanced control electronics have allowed development of an integrated battery system in a sealed, water tight enclosure. The combination of Saft’s very low cell impedance and innovative passive cooling technology allows the battery to provide a continuous discharge power of 30 kW. The high power 7.2 kWh battery is capable of pulse discharges up to 85 kW.
The Saft battery pack is configured with five modules and a high voltage control unit. Each of the five modules has 12 VL34P cells and a CanPROBE board for voltage monitoring. CANProbe boards provide telemetry, protection, and balancing for each cell, while a central BPC manages the main contactors, monitoring pre-charge, ground fault and battery current. Communication to the vehicle is handled by a separate CAN bus interface.
Saft’s high-power Li-ion batteries are currently used to power several of the military’s hybrid electric armored demonstrator vehicles, including BAE Systems (formerly United Defense’s) Non Line of Sight Cannon (NLOS-C), Carnegie Mellon National Robotics Engineering Center’s Crusher Robotic Vehicle, General Dynamic Land Systems’ Reconnaissance Surveillance Targeting Vehicle (RST-V and 8x8 AHED vehicle) and TACOM’s XM-1124 hybrid electric version of the High-Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV).
Cobasys Confirms Production Contract for 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid Sedan
Cobasys has confirmed that they have been chosen to provide their NiMHax Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery system for General Motors' redesigned 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid Sedan unveiled at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
The Chevrolet Malibu arrives in showrooms in fall, 2007 and will feature the same hybrid system that powers the Saturn Vue Green Line SUV and 2007 Saturn Aura Green Line mid-size sedan. The Malibu hybrid combines sophisticated controls and a unique electric motor / generator mated to their 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder engine and the Cobasys NiMHax battery system, leading to substantial fuel economy gains.
Both Saturn Green Line vehicles and the Malibu hybrid system provide: an electric power assist during acceleration; increased fuel economy through engine shut-off at idle; fuel cut-off during deceleration; and the capability to capture electrical energy through regenerative braking.
Cobasys' complete "plug-and-play" NiMHax 36-volt system, which includes its high power advanced NiMH battery modules and electronics in a small, lightweight package, was designed specifically for GM's hybrid applications. The NiMHax 36 volt systems will be manufactured at the Cobasys facility in Springboro, Ohio.
Erik Hansen, Cobasys general manager of Sales commented, "Cobasys is chemistry flexible because no single technology is right for all vehicle and stationary applications. In 2007, we will be investing over $30 million in plant and equipment to meet the ever growing demand for Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery systems at our Springboro, Ohio module manufacturing and system assembly plant. Cobasys has contracted for the majority of its capacity through 2010."
Cobasys designs, manufactures and integrates advanced battery system solutions featuring Nickel Metal Hydride for transportation markets, including Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV), Electric Vehicles (EV) and 36/42 volt applications and to stationary markets, including back-up power supply systems for uninterruptible power supply (UPS), telecom and distributed generation markets.
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