E-Report

September 2007

Battery Power Online Knowledge Center Now Available

Visit the Battery Power Online Knowledge Center today for the best resource in the industry. View white papers, articles, application stories, safety and regulation standards, market reports, text books and literature, Web seminars, training courses and much more!
http://www.batterypoweronline.com/bppt_knowledge_center.htm

The CommScope 30EC Modular Battery Cabinet, with dimensions of 31 inches wide by 30 inches deep by 31.5 inches high can be stacked two cabinets high to double the capacity. This stacking offers a "pay as you grow" approach, keeping initial installation costs to a minimum. The cabinet is designed to accommodate batteries from leading suppliers of lead acid or nickel cadmium telecom batteries.

Maxim Integrated Products has introduced the DS2784, the industry's first 1-cell, stand-alone fuel gauge to integrate a 1-cell Li+ protector and SHA-1 authentication in a 3 mm by mm TDFN package. Previously, three separate ICs would have been required to give the same functionality that the DS2784 provides. Small enough to fit on the side of a prismatic battery cell, the DS2784 is ideal for space-sensitive portable applications that use 1-cell Li+ battery packs, including mid-/high-end phones, smartphones, PDAs, portable navigation/GPS devices, digital still and video cameras and VoIP phones.

The DS2784's fuel gauge estimates available capacity based on coulomb count, discharge rate, temperature and cell characteristics. To reduce development effort and time-to-market, it combines a precision, analog front-end for measuring current and voltage with a proven, embedded fuel-gauge algorithm. On-chip temperature measurements eliminate the need for a thermistor in the battery pack. Additionally, the DS2784 can use temperature data to enable gain and temperature-coefficient compensation in the current measurement, thereby allowing the use of a low-cost current-sense resistor.

The 1-cell Li+ protector monitors for cell overvoltage, undervoltage, overcurrent and short-circuit conditions. Thresholds are user-programmable and can be locked to prevent accidental overwrites. The DS2784's built-in charge pump enables cell protection to be implemented with high-side n-channel FETs. This configuration maximizes battery life by reducing the Rdson of the protection FET as the cell voltage decreases. It also allows the host system to communicate with the battery pack, even during a fault condition.

Models CR17450 and CR17335, designed to industry standard sizes, have an 8 percent 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 wide 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 are CR17450, 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.

Virtually Unlimited Parallel Capability

Schaefer, Inc. has introduced the REX series of feature packed, pure sine wave inverters with power ratings of 1,500 W or 3,000 W, which can be paralleled for up to a total of 45 kVA of clean, utility grade power suitable for worldwide use in industrial, residential, shore, generator or other backup power applications.

The REX Series’ compact, ultralight, yet robust design operates as either an inverter or a four stage adaptive battery charger. The inverters also include a UPS function. Unique, intelligent Power Control and Power Assist features address the concerns of limited power sources or boost the capacity of shore or generator power.

Additional features include a high speed AC transfer switch, three phase capability, easy to read diagnostic displays, programmable relays, and comprehensive protection circuitry. REX series inverter options include a solar charger for independent battery charging when utility power is not available, remote control capability, and a battery temperature sensor.

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 8, 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.

The Portable Rechargeable Battery Association (PRBA) has applauded the Department of Transportation for issuing a final rule on the shipment and transport of lithium ion batteries that addresses key concerns of small businesses, cell manufacturers, electronic equipment manufacturers, and the public.

The rule issued August 9 by DOT’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration allow passengers to carry on notebook computers, mobile phones and cameras powered by lithium ion batteries as well spare batteries aboard the aircraft, and urges that spare batteries be placed in plastic bags or otherwise protected from inadvertent shorting. The rule also prohibits spare batteries from being placed in checked baggage.  These provisions are consistent with international regulations. Under the final PHMSA rule, testing of small lithium ion cells and batteries pursuant to the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria will be mandatory on Oct.1, 2009. The rule also confirms requirements for shipments of lithium ion batteries for recycling. Battery recycling has become a major environmental success story over the last decade. 

 “PRBA and its members have long supported regulations that are backed by the best science and sound research and are consistent with the international regulations. PHMSA’s regulations achieve those goals,” said PRBA executive director George Kerchner. “Process determines policy. PHMSA took the time to consider the input from all stakeholders, including international regulatory organizations and small businesses. The agency’s diligence is reflected in this rulemaking,” Kerchner added.

The batteries (called ‘staves’ by the oil drilling industry), built with LSH 20 HTS cells, power the MWD tools as they measure critical parameters such as tilt, vibration, temperature, pressure and rock formation. The data is reported back to the surface for analysis. It is critical to maintain full power throughout this entire process so that the drilling can be adjusted for maximum effectiveness.

The LSH 20 HTS cell is a mechanically enhanced version of Saft’s LSH 20 cell, already capable of operating in temperatures from -60°C to 85°C. High levels of shock, vibration, pressure and extreme temperatures are typical of the harsh conditions found in oil and gas well drilling and monitoring, as exploration projects drill deeper to access additional oil reserves. Saft batteries made of LSH 20 HTS cells are also being used in many types of downhole monitoring in addition to MWD, such as LWD (logging while drilling), well intervention and pipeline inspection. The batteries are also ideal for military applications with high vibration levels such as ejector seat beacons.

"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. Customers who would like to check if their BL-5C battery is subject to the advisory should visit the website http://www.nokia.com/batteryreplacement or contact their local Nokia call center.

These batteries will feature advanced electrode materials based on new types of TiO2 used by FiFe Batteries, as well as high conductivity/high tap density MnO2 and low cost modified natural graphite developed by Enerize Corporation. In combination, these new materials have the potential to deliver significantly improved durability, reduced self discharge and lower cost than conventional Li-ion batteries.

The new materials will be complemented by other proprietary Li-ion technologies developed by Enerize Corp. and FiFe Batteries, including electrolyte additives for increased cycling stability and new electrode coating process that will allow the batteries to deliver more power on demand. During manufacture, new nondestructive test systems from Enerize will be used for quality control. Enerize nondestructive methods and systems can also be applied for real-time in-line quality control at the facilities of other battery manufacturers.

Dr. Elena Shembel, CEO and co-founder of Enerize Corp., said, "Development of safe, low cost, high efficiency Li-ion batteries is critical for new electronic devices and next generation hybrid electric vehicles. We believe that our partnership will address these requirements, and we are excited to work with FiFe Batteries in this endeavor. Rob Neat has an impressive track record of successful exploitation of IP and technology-based products, including successful management of Li-ion cell manufacturing businesses. We are also looking forward to working with auto manufacturers on the in-vehicle integration and testing of the new Li-ion batteries."

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.

• 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.

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.

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