E-Report

August 2007

Nominate a Product for an Innova Award

Battery Power Products & Technology is pleased to announce the first annual Innova Awards. These awards are designed to recognize companies that are striving for excellence and are achieving technology breakthroughs.

Industry Leadership - This award will be given to the company that has shown a commitment to excellence and is a leading innovator in the battery industry.

Product Development Excellence - This award will be given to the product that shows the most innovation and cutting-edge technology.

Best Technology  - This award will be given to the technology that has the most promise of impacting/improving the power industry.

Outstanding Application - This award will be given to the battery that has shown the most successfully integrated and performance in an end-product.

Submission Guidelines
The total length of each nomination should be a maximum of 1,000 words. It should include:
• Award category for which it should be considered
• A detailed description on company or product/technology and why it should be considered for an Innova Award. You may want to include:
   - why is this advancement important and how is it different
     than what is currently available
   - who will benefit
   - what impact will it have on the industry
• Contact information: name, title, company, address, phone, email address and web site.

All nominations must be received by September 28th, 2007. Winners will be featured in the November/December 2007 issue of Battery Power Products & Technology magazine.

Nominations will be accepted only by email. Send your nomination in the body of your email letter and include supporting material as attachments. Submit to Shannon Given: Shannong@infowebcom.com.

“There is an increasing demand in the neuromodulation market for implantable medical devices to manage and treat various health problems,” said Susan Campbell, senior vice president, Greatbatch. “Our rechargeable batteries offer the enhanced performance and reliability demanded by our customer’s and can significantly reduce device development timelines since their basic design is available for general distribution.”

Over the last few years, Greatbatch’s implantable medical division has invested heavily in research, and state-of-the-art machinery and materials to enable the new generation of secondary batteries to offer improved cycle, greater calendar life and higher energy density. The series is also composed of low-ferrous content materials and is therefore more ‘MRI friendly’ than traditional batteries.

ON Semiconductor Introduces New Integrated Charging and Power Switching Solution for Portable Electronic Charging Circuit

The NUS3116 is an integration of main power switch, -12 V, -6.2 A, µCool single P-channel MOSFET to handle the main battery switch function and two internal low saturation  PNP transistors to handle dual channel charging elements. With 40 mW maximum RDS(ON), the main switch MOSFET minimizes power loss during battery operation of portable electronics. The dual low-Vce(sat) transistors provide good thermal performance for charge currents up to 2 A, and have a Vce voltage drop of less than 240 mili volts (mV) at the end of the charging.

Offered in a DFN-8 package that requires only 9 mm2 of board space, the NUS3116 provides a board savings of more then 20 mm2 versus typical solutions using three TSOP-6 packages with interconnect space. The package’s low profile of 0.8 mm allows the device to be used in small form factor designs. Use of the NUS3116 integrated device also reduces the complexity of circuit board layout. The NUS3116 is available in a Pb-free DFN-8 package, and is priced at $0.80 per unit in 3,000 unit quantities.

“Our goal with the Xtreme Charge product family is to commercialize many years of R&D for the US Military into a unique product that addresses many of the feature and usage challenges facing both battery distributors and end users,” said Pete Smith, president of PulseTech Products Corp. “Finally with Xtreme Charge, the consumer has a battery charger that will charge any 12-volt lead acid battery, safely and simply, and through the application of our patented PULSE Technology will increase average battery life by two to three times,” he said.

A unique charge algorithm built into Xtreme Charge coupled with advanced battery evaluation capabilities eliminates the need for users to identify battery type or chemistry, to select and set any specific charge criteria prior to charging or worry about charging in an improper or potentially unsafe manner.

Battery Power Online Knowledge Center Launching September 1st

Battery Power Products & Technology magazine is pleased to announce the Knowledge Center! Available September 1st at www.BatteryPowerOnline.com, the Knowledge Center will provide the most comprehensive resource of information on the battery industry, including White Papers, Application Profiles, Market Reports, Web Seminars, Training Courses, Literature/Text, Feature Articles, Standards and Regulations and Industry Resources. For more information on the Knowledge Center or to have information posted, please contact Shannon Given at shannong@infowebcom.com

The $4.7 million, five-year IDIQ contract calls for several development tasks designed to improve the efficiency and flight duration of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Other tasks under the contract include improvement of electric motor efficiency, integration of solar cells into aircraft wings, and the exploration of hydrogen storage technologies. For this flight demonstration, AV worked with Protonex Technology Corp. to develop the fuel cell battery hybrid energy storage system, which included hydrogen generation technology licensed from Millennium Cell, Inc.

Puma’s standard propulsion system comes equipped with rechargeable batteries with a listed flight time of 2.5 hours. The nearly five-hour duration of the Puma flight using fuel cell battery hybrid power surpassed the longest previous Puma flight achieved by AV using any technology. Looking forward, AV and Protonex expect Puma flight durations to increase further through optimization and continued development of the hybrid system.
Each of AV’s small UAS can be transported and set up with minimal logistical footprint, and launched and operated by one person. Each is powered by a replaceable and rechargeable battery pack. Using standard propulsion systems, Wasp, Raven and Puma can fly for up to 30, 90 and 150 minutes, respectively, while wirelessly transmitting live video and other information generated by electro-optical or infrared sensor payloads, enabling their operators to view and capture images on a hand-held ground control unit.

“This is the most successful generator of its kind and generates energy much more efficiently than any similar device of its size,” said Dr Beeby.

The generator, which is less than 1 cubic cm in size, was developed as part of the EU-funded VIBES (Vibration Energy Scavenging) project. It has been designed to power wireless sensors that monitor the condition of industrial plant and is intended to be installed within an air compressor unit supplying several laboratories within a building.
It could also be used in wireless, self-powered tyre sensors and if developed further, could even form the basis of technology for self-powered pace makers. The technology offers the potential to replace or augment batteries. The periodic replacement of batteries is not feasible for embedded applications and is highly unattractive in wireless sensor networks containing hundreds of sensor nodes.

“Vibration energy harvesting is receiving a considerable amount of interest as a means for powering wireless sensor nodes,” said Dr Beeby. “The big advantage of wireless sensor systems is that by removing wires and batteries, there is the potential for embedding sensors in previously inaccessible locations.”

According to Dr Beeby, over the years, there has been a growing interest in the field of low power miniature sensors and wireless sensor networks, but an area that has received comparatively little attention is how to supply the required electrical power to such sensors, particularly if the sensor is completely embedded in the structure with no physical connection to the outside world. He believes that the VIBES generator could hold the solution.

Dr Beeby and his team plan to exploit this application further through Perpetuum, the world-leading vibration energy-harvesting company which was formed in 2004 as a spin out from the University of Southampton.

EaglePicher Technologies Achieves AS9100 Certification

EaglePicher Technologies, LLC, an EaglePicher company has received AS9100 certification at its US locations in Joplin and Seneca, Mo., and Pittsburg, Kan. In order receive this certification, all systems and processes at these locations were audited by an accredited third party for compliance to the standards set out in AS9100. EaglePicher Technologies certification to ISO 9001:2000 was renewed along with the achievement of the new certification.

"The AS9100 certification solidifies that EaglePicher's systems are at the highest level of performance for the Aerospace and Defense industries," said John Bennett, vice president and general manager, EaglePicher Technologies. "This accomplishment is a tribute to the culture of excellence promoted by all EaglePicher employees. The certification team worked especially hard and was successful in driving process accountability to all levels of the organization. This achievement truly demonstrates EaglePicher's continuing commitment to delivering quality products and services to all our customers."

The AS9100 standard was established by the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG) for the purpose of achieving significant industry improvements in quality and safety, and reductions in cost throughout the value stream. The IAQG includes representatives from aerospace companies in America, Asia/Pacific and Europe. Globally recognized, the AS9100 standard defines the quality system requirements for suppliers in the aerospace industry.

Zinc Matrix Power Changes Name to ZPower, Inc.

Zinc Matrix Power, a provider and developer of advanced silver-zinc, rechargeable battery technology, announced that the company name is now ZPower, Inc. The name change reflects one of several key elements in the company’s go-to-market strategy as they move from pilot production to high-volume battery manufacturing in 2008.

The name ZPower represents the contemporary solution offered by their silver-zinc battery technology. It more readily promotes brand recognition as it serves the dual purpose of overall company name and a product name.  Under the new name, ZPower, will continue to develop its rechargeable silver-zinc battery which provides a 30 percent increase in energy density over traditional lithium-ion batteries. This value proposition has recently attracted the attention of several Tier One electronics manufacturers. These companies will continue working with ZPower to incorporate its batteries in their future products, beginning in 2008. The batteries will be called ZPower batteries.

ZPower, Inc. also announced the launch of its new company website, www.zpowerbattery.com. The new site provides visitors with access to information about ZPower’s technology and its many benefits for manufacturers, consumers and the environment. An interactive slideshow built into the website offers a step-by-step overview into the technology. Website visitors will also be able to register for Dr. Dueber’s Better Battery Blog. Subscribers to the blog will be advised of recent silver-zinc battery developments and receive new customer announcements and tips on how to incorporate silver-zinc battery technology into portable product designs.

Under its new name, ZPower, Inc. will continue to operate from its new headquarters and pilot production facility which opened earlier this spring. ZPower is carrying out early manufacturing runs, pilot scale production and process development in its new Camarillo, California facility. Volume production will be launched in China in 2008 through ZPower’s contract manufacturing partner, Tyco Electronics Corp.

Battery Power 2008

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. Visit the Battery Power 2008 web site for details.

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
• Supercaps – Time to Challenge Battery Short-Term Bridging Power, Mission Critical Power Systems

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

September
4-7 - 12th Asian Battery Conference, Shanghai, China

26-28 - Batteries 2007, Nice, France

30 - Oct 4 - Intelec 2007, Rome, Italy.

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.

CTIA WIRELESS I.T. & Entertainment 2007(r)
October 23-25, 2007
San Francisco, CA USA
 
CTIA WIRELESS I.T. & Entertainment(r) focuses on integrating wireless data technologies into the enterprise and vertical business markets such as healthcare, government, automotive, retail etc. Additionally, the show reflects the explosive growth in wireless entertainment-encompassing everything from music downloads to digital cameras to interactive games. One Show. Two Personalities. This is wireless redefined. Register now at www.ctia.org/wirelessIT!

Recent significant innovations in lithium-ion batteries have propelled this technology to a position in the marketplace far exceeding market survey expectations. From a vast array of portable applications, to micro medical devices, to high-power automotive, these breakthroughs have paved the way for an emerging market with unlimited potential.

Unlike other conferences which only review new materials for use in certain parts of the lithium power generating device or device-specific battery applications, Lithium Mobile Power will guide you from technology and materials development through device packaging and integration to applications in a mobile power marketplace.

Power Electronics Technology Exhibition & Conference
October 30 – November 1
Dallas, TX

New Directions
New Partnerships
More Effective Results for You!

The Power Electronics Technology Exhibition & Conference will now be the exclusive exhibition in the Hilton Anatole this October.  What does this change mean to you?
• It enables you to meet exhibitors who focus exclusively on power electronics products, equipment, components and systems.
• It provides an educational program of special interest seminars, technical sessions and in-depth professional advancement courses to make it the power electronics industry’s leading information event.
• It offers more knowledge-building special features and events, including a new Digital Power Pavilion, Q&A sessions with industry leaders, “Ask the Experts” roundtables and Solution Theater presentations by leading suppliers—all in the Exhibit Hall.
The Power Electronics Technology Exhibition & Conference is brought to you by Penton Media, the largest independent business-to-business media company in the U.S.  Penton’s broad array of electronics and design engineering resources gives Power Electronics Technology the opportunity to bring you even more industry-leading presentations by the most knowledgeable authorities in the field!

Advanced Energy Storage Technologies Symposium – AEST 2007
November 5-8, 2007
Cologne, Germany

Two Conferences
Three Workshops
Only ONE European Symposium devoted to advanced battery and capacitor technologies

AEST 2007 will feature more than 30 expert presentations over four days. The Advanced Batteries conference will kick off the symposium on Monday, November 5, with 10 speakers offering strategic insight into market dynamics, emerging applications, and new methods to reduce manufacturing and deployment costs. This will be followed on Tuesday, November 6, by intensive workshops covering the fundamentals of electrochemical capacitors, present and future electric and hybrid electric vehicle systems, and the market for ultracapacitors. Euro Capacitors 2007 will conclude the week with 20 speakers and one panel discussion on November 7-8.

Materials developers, manufacturers, and implementers of advanced battery and capacitor technologies – DO NOT MISS this event!

Contact Khaney Muyderman (+1-207-781-9616, khaney@intertechusa.com) or visit us online: www.intertechusa.com/batteries.html, www.intertechusa.com/esworkshops.html, www.intertechusa.com/eurocaps.html.

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