eNewsletter

March 2009

IXYS Introduces Solar Power Battery Charger Evaluation Boards
IXYS Corp. has introduced of five evaluation boards designed to demonstrate both standard and innovative uses of the IXYS Solar Cells, IXOLAR ‘Solar Bit’, as surface mountable solar cells. These evaluation boards show how the ‘Solar Bit’ can be used to increase battery life, help design solar cell based products, provide customer convenience and reduce the disposal of batteries. The boards are designed to assist customers in understanding the features of the IXYS Solar Cells in the form of Solar Bits.

EVIX-CX3AA – Showcases three different IXYS components which are used to create a battery charger. This demonstrates an entirely ‘off-grid’ design which automatically disconnects the battery from the solar cells in low or no-light conditions thereby preventing inadvertent discharging with no additional circuitry required.

EVIX-10 – This configurable evaluation board provides 10 ‘Solar Bits’ which can be individually set to series or parallel configuration with the other cells. In addition, several EVIX-10 boards can be connected together, also in either parallel or series. This allows users to customize the configuration precisely to a specific need. Changes to the configuration take only seconds and are made via simple jumpers.

EVIX-USB – As USB devices become more prevalent, the use of the USB connection to charge batteries while away from a computer increases in value. The EVIX-USB demonstrates how the innovative design of the ‘Solar Bit’ can be used to create a simple USB charger. By utilizing the IXYS ‘Solar Bit’ in this application users can develop products that substantially extend the usable time for USB charged products while away from a computer and utilizing the power of the sun rather than an AC power source.

EVIX-LED – With the advent of several emerging technologies we are now able to provide completely battery-less power sources for remote applications. The EVIX-LED demonstrates how the IXYS ‘Solar Bit’, combined with super-capacitor technology, can be used to provide a burst of energy for a short period with a rapid recharge time. This solution is completely off-grid and does not require a battery. In this case it powers a bright LED for over one full second and recharges in full sun in just a few minutes. Designers now have the capability of using the IXYS ‘Solar Bit’ to provide battery-less solar power sources for applications requiring an intermittent burst of energy.

EVXOB17-12X1 – This simple evaluation board connects 10 IXOLAR ‘Solar Bits’ in series for general experimentation and use in a small footprint, as a Solar Panel to charge batteries, for portable devices, like MP3 players, cell phones, PDA’s, test instruments and portable medical devices.

New Minuteman Extreme Runtime Battery Packs Extend Business-Critical Continuity During Power Outages
Offering companies up to a five time increase in battery runtime for their uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), Para Systems, manufacturer of the comprehensive line of Minuteman power protection solutions, has released its EXL series of extreme runtime battery packs for mission critical applications. The new products are compatible with Minuteman’s Endeavor online and EnterprisePlus line interactive UPS solutions for enterprise IT, security and voice over IP (VoIP) phone systems.

IT managers at small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are seeking longer battery back-up times for servers, networking devices, data storage, telephone and security systems according to a Frost & Sullivan survey. “Having a longer time to react when power outages occur has moved from a luxury to a requirement as IT managers handle an increasing number of mission-critical systems and applications,” said Vishal Sapru, energy and power industry analyst for Frost and Sullivan. “SMBs continue to tell us that they want UPS solutions that offer more battery backup time.”

“When the power fails, businesses are in a vulnerable position that can have a widespread effect across every operational function,” stated Bill Allen, director of marketing for Para Systems. “When power fails, the phone system goes down and the life-line to customers is cut off. When networks go down, companies cannot perform vital operational functions. If a security system goes down, there is no security. The more reliant businesses become on these systems, the more important it is to keep them up and running during an extended power outage.”

RPS Power Systems Expands its VRLA Range of Long-Duration Front Terminal Batteries for Telecom Power Back-Up Applications
RPS Power Systems has expanded its line of valve-regulated-lead-acid (VRLA) batteries by introducing the LDT12-190FT battery (12 V / 190 Ah Front Terminal) which, through grid and plate optimization, offers an increased capacity to 190 Ah in the same footprint as the 170 Ah and 180 Ah front-terminal batteries while providing Network Equipment Building Systems (NEBS) and Telcordia compliance.

The LDT12-190FT is optimized for long-duration (12-year design life) standby power requirements for telecommunication applications that include fixed wireline, wireless, PBX systems, microwave, mobile switching systems, broadband headend, fiber optic distribution, electric utility/switchgear, data centers and alternative energy.

As a complement to RPS’ existing line of long-duration telecom batteries that offer ample coverage for most cabinet sizes and application demands, the LDT12-190FT is available in both modular, four-post and standard 19-inch and 23-inch rack power systems meeting NEBS and UBC Seismic Zone 4 requirements.

Global Market for Nano-Enabled Batteries to Surpass $1 billion by 2013
Nanostructured or nano-enabled batteries are a new generation of lithium-ion batteries and battery systems to serve applications and markets outside the historical domain of lithium-ion. Nanotechnology innovations are driving advances in battery technology where nanomaterials are finding use as new battery materials. Enormous leverage can result from advances in cathodes, anodes and electrolytes used in the batteries. Lithium-ion cells represent the basic building blocks of batteries proposed for the next generation of advanced hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), electrical vehicles and specialty vehicles.

According to the new iRAP report, “Nano-Enabled Batteries for Portable and Rechargeable Applications: Types, Applications, New Developments, Industry Structure and Global Markets”, the global market for nano-enabled batteries is estimated to have reached $169 million in 2008. With an AAGR (average annual growth rate) of 46.3 percent, this market is expected to reach $1.13 billion by 2013.

The next generation of lithium-ion batteries has improved safety characteristics, in part through the use of alternative nano-sized materials, in particular, nano-phosphate materials. Traditional lithium-ion technology uses active materials with particles that range in size between 5 and 20 microns. The use of phosphates, in lieu of oxides, for the nanomaterials is one reason for these increased power rates and temperature ranges. Both phosphates and oxides are naturally occurring substances that are used in battery cathodes.

Among the three types of nano-enabled batteries, customized batteries for power tools had the highest market share of 59.2 percent in 2008, followed by large format modules with 37.8 percent, and a small 3 percent share for fast charging customized nano-safe battery for laptops. By 2013, large format modules for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), electric vehicles (EVs) and specialty vehicles will have 84.7 percent of the global market, with an AAGR of 71.8 percent from 2008 to 2013.

The global nano-enabled battery industry is characterized by more than a dozen companies involved in the industry as manufacturers and developers. The iRAP study identified more than a dozen manufacturers and developers of nano-enabled batteries. These include A123 Systems, Toshiba, Altairnano, Valence, mPhase, Nanoener, and nGimt. These companies are driving the technology to meet market needs. There are also more than 20 suppliers of nanomaterials used in nano-enabled batteries.

The report provides separate comprehensive analyses for the US, Japan, Western Europe, China, Korea, and the rest of the world. Forecasts are provided for each region for the period 2008 through 2013. Cost analysis of nanostructured batteries, analysis of global patents activity and market competition and dynamics in the new technology are also analyzed.

EaglePicher Supplies Lithium-Ion Battery to NSS-9 Telecommunications Satellite
EaglePicher Technologies, LLC has supplied two nine-cell Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries to Orbital Science Corp. in support of SES NEW SKIES NSS-9 telecommunications satellite. The satellite launched from Kourou, French Guiana, on February 13.

EaglePicher’s 100AH GS Yuasa cell batteries will power the satellite during eclipse with an operational mission life of 15 years. The NSS-9 carries 28 active C-band transponders and features three beams that can be interconnected on a transponder-by-transponder basis. It will be positioned at the orbital location of 183° East Longitude.

Lithium-ion cells provide energy storage at a third of the weight of traditional nickel based systems with improved cycle life. EaglePicher’s Li-ion batteries use a unique combination of light weight aluminum components and adhesive RTV, an elastomer sealant, which minimize battery weight even further.

Texas Instruments Acquires CICLON Semiconductor
Texas Instruments, Inc. (TI) has acquired CICLON Semiconductor Device Corp., a designer of high-frequency, high-efficiency power management semiconductors. The acquisition expands TI’s capability to improve energy efficiency in today’s end-equipment designs, including high-power computing and server systems.

Designers who incorporate CICLON’s power management technology can double a power system’s operating frequency and achieve greater than 90 percent power efficiency in a footprint up to 20 percent smaller than today’s power supply. The company’s metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) technology, known as NexFET technology, attains these performance and size improvements by delivering a dramatic reduction in gate charge.

“Combining CICLON’s technology and expertise with TI’s industry-leading power management semiconductor portfolio gives us a tremendous advantage when solving customers’ complex power design requirements,” said Steve Anderson, senior vice president for TI’s Power Management business unit. “The acquisition also opens doors for us to engage in the high-current power MOSFET space, viewed by industry analysts as a multi-billion dollar market opportunity.”

East Penn Manufacturing and Nuvera Fuel Cells Provide 20 ReadyPower Units for Forklift Demonstration
East Penn Manufacturing and Nuvera Fuel Cells have released the supply and successful deployment of 20 ReadyPower units to the Susquehanna Defense Distribution Supply Depot (DDSP) in New Cumberland, Penn. The fuel cell/battery hybrid units have been installed into 20 Yale forklift trucks as part of a two-year demonstration project run by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). The ReadyPower units will be run at the DDSP in regular operation consisting of two shifts a day, five days a week, and will be compared to the performance that would have been attained using standard motive batteries.

DLA provides logistical support for the Department of Defense (DOD), and has committed to being an early adopter and principal demonstrator of fuel cell technologies with the goals of exercising the supply chain, testing the units in real world conditions and providing feedback to fuel cell providers.

ReadyPower is a hybrid pack consisting of a fuel cell power module, AGM batteries and a compressed hydrogen fuel storage system. ReadyPower is completely interchangeable with standard lead-acid forklift batteries, and is a high-powered, time-saving, cost-effective alternative for the right motive power application.

Battery Power 2009  - Call for Presentations
The Battery Power 2009 Conference committee is currently accepting abstracts. Being held October 20-21 in Denver, Colorado, the 2009 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.

The conference provides an excellent forum to discuss new developments in technology, market conditions and end-user requirements that are driving innovation, capabilities and features, application trends and performance improvements today and in the future. Attendees will include top executives, technical managers and engineering professionals from original equipment manufacturers, system developers and integrators, dealers and component providers.

There are a limited number of speaking slots in each track, so it is imperative that you submit an abstract before the deadline on March 14th, 2009.

Battery Power 2009 is also accepting proposals for half- and full day pre-conference workshops.For more information on submitting an abstract, please visit www.batterypoweronline.com/bppt-conf09/bp09_papers.php or contact Shannon Given, program manager, at 800 803 9488, ext. 104 or shannong@infowebcom.com.

Remote 2009 Conference & Expo
The Remote 2009 conference and expo will be held October 29-30, 2009 in San Antonio, Texas. This technology-driven and solution oriented event brings together the innovators and users from multiple industries, including utilities, power, oil & gas, telecom, industrial, water & public utilities, agriculture and facilities management.

Remote 2009 Conference and Expo will focus on the leading advancements for the monitoring and management of distributed equipment and facilities, remote assets, automated process & system controls and device networks. Large-scale users and industry experts will speak on SCADA, remote networking technology, security (cyber and physical), control, automation, onsite and back-up power, M2M, emerging wireless technology, telemetry and condition monitoring.  

www.remoteexpo.com

March

10-12 - Aviation Industry Expo , Las Vegas, Nev.

16-19 - 26th International Battery Seminar & Exhibit, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

18-20 - IWCE, Las Vegas, Nev.

31-April 2 - Advanced Capacitor World Summit

The International CTIA WIRELESS 2009 Convention
April 1-3, 2009
Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV

The International CTIA WIRELESS 2009 event is where over 1,200 exhibiting companies and 40,000+ attendees from 125 countries will converge to do business, discuss innovation and exchange ideas.  Join us for four days to learn more about the emerging technologies that enable us to work toward the common goal of taking wireless and broadband communications to yet another level. Register now to be part of the Mobile Life! 

For more information, visit www.ctiashow.com.

Advanced Battery Manufacturing Summit
April 15-17, 2009
Washington, D.C.

Join the key stakeholders in the advanced battery value chain at the “Advanced Battery Manufacturing” Summit, April 15-17, 2009 in Washington, DC, as they layout the path for building a successful advanced mobile energy storage industry and Smart Grid infrastructure for the new North American clean energy economy. On top of the $25 Billion DOE re-tooling ans for auto makers and supply chain vendors, the latest U.S. Congressional stimulus bill adds $2 Billion in loan guarantees for advanced battery manufacturing, and $200 Million to encourage electric vehicle technologies. Key players of the value chain will discuss the opportunities and challenges in developing the North American manufacturing capacity, and they type of partnerships they are looking for. For more information, visit www.infocastinc.com/battery09.

Battcon 2009 International Stationary Battery Conference
April 27-29
Orlando, Fla.

The Battcon Stationary Battery Conference is a three day, noncommercial, technical event for storage battery users from the power, telecom, UPS and other industries.

This well-established event brings over 450 end-users, engineers, battery and battery test equipment manufacturers, installers, and standards and safety experts together to discuss storage battery innovations and solutions for existing systems.

Presentations by users and manufacturers address everyday battery applications, technical advances, and industry concerns. A two evening trade show featuring storage power related vendors is also part of the conference.

Jennifer Stryker, Albercorp, 3103 N. Andrews Ave. Ext., Pompano Beach, FL 33064. (954) 623-6660 ext 31206, or visit www.battcon.com.

ENTELEC Conference & Exposition
April 29 – May 1, 2009
Houston, Texas

Join us for the 81st annual ENTELEC Conference & Exposition, April 29 – May 1, 2009 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas.  This year’s event features over 30 hours of technical training sessions, 225 exhibiting companies and free breakfast and lunch both days of the exhibits.  Join us for a networking social on Tuesday, April 28 at the Hilton Hotel and then on the evenings of Wednesday & Thursday at the Convention Center.  Col. Mike Mullane, former NASA astronaut will kick-off the conference on Wednesday, April 29th at 9:00am. Using real-life experiences from his Air Force and NASA careers, Colonel Mullane will motivate the ENTELEC audience on the practice of responsibility and accountability, on leadership and trust building, on setting lofty goals and overcoming obstacles to achieve those goals. To register for the show or for more information on our sessions, exhibiting companies or hotel/travel visit us online at www.entelec.org.

EDS
May 12- May 14
Las Vegas

EDS is the premier BtoB event that focuses on the electronics distribution supply chain and is the single most important annual conference, show and networking event for manufacturers, distributors, and manufacturers’ representatives.

At EDS 2009, May 12- May 14 at the Paris/Bally’s Hotel complex in Las Vegas, a number of new programs will increase the value of your participation in the electronic industry’s most connected conference. EDS will also feature a Solid-State Lighting Technology Conference to spotlight this emerging technology.

EDS allows companies to do business in their own style and at their own pace, with meetings occurring both in personal suites and at the traditional show floor conference units. Business gets done at EDS. 

For more information visit www.edsc.org.

ECS Meeting
May 24-29
San Francisco, Calif.

Founded in 1902, ECS has become the leading society for solid-state and electrochemical science and technology. ECS has 8,000 scientists, engineers and students in over 75 countries worldwide that hold individual membership, as well as over 90 corporations and laboratories who hold corporate membership.

ECS is engaged in a broad range of solid-state and electrochemical topics broken into technical interest areas, of which the Dielectric and Semiconductor Materials, Devices, and Processing category is one of our largest and most active segments.

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