eNewsletter

July 2009

New White Papers Posted on the Battery Power Knowledge Center:

The Economic Benefits of Long Cycle Life

What Does it Mean to be Green?

Pressurex Pressure Indicating Sensor Film Minimizes Defects and Improves Quality in Battery Lamination
Pressurex film, from Sensor Products, Inc., is an economical, accurate and easy-to-use tool that reveals the distribution and magnitude of surface contact pressure in battery lamination and calendaring presses. Difficult to detect pressure variations across the surface of battery laminators and calendar presses can be easily detected and corrected through use of the sensor film.
When placed between lamination platens or calendar rolls, Pressurex instantaneously and permanently changes color directly proportional to the actual pressure applied. Precise pressure magnitude is then determined by comparing the resultant color intensity to a standardized color correlation chart.

Pressurex  helps to ensure uniform alignment of mating rollers and lamination platens.  If the contacting rollers and platens are not parallel, uneven compression could result in delamination during battery discharge or poor contact between the electrodes and their current collectors.  Electrodes could also have uneven thicknesses reducing contact area, which is a major problem for cylindrical Li-ion and Li/MnO2 cells and prismatic cells. In addition, uneven contact in heat seal presses could cause leakages in pouch cells.
“Snapshot” imaging results of the film can be used as a control to compare processes and tools, making it well suited for Six Sigma and other closely monitored high performance manufacturing operations.   The spatial resolution of the film is very fine (dense) revealing minute surface defects and other imperfections. 

EaglePicher Medical Power Announces New Li/CFx Battery Technology
EaglePicher Medical Power, LLC has introduced its enhanced Lithium Carbon Monofluoride (Li/CFx) battery technology with enhanced end-of-life capability. The technology includes a proprietary new Elective Replacement Indicator (ERI) / End of Life (EOL) Indicator to accurately predict battery depletion six months in advance, potentially requiring fewer replacement surgeries over time.

The enhanced Li/CFx battery chemistry provides higher energy density for use in a variety of implantable applications including telemetry-capable pacemakers and ICDs, neurostimulation devices, drug pumps, body fluid pumps and monitors.  The new technology will be available in a number of configurations ranging from under 350 mAh to 10 Ah.

New 32 Volt Monolithic Li-Ion/Polymer Battery Chargers Deliver up to 2 Amps in a Compact  Package
Linear Technology Corp. has introduced the LT3650-4.1 and LT3650-4.2, compact, monolithic high-voltage battery chargers for single-cell Li-Ion/Polymer batteries. The device's switchmode architecture minimizes power dissipation without compromising board space. The LT3650-4.1/4.2 operates from 4.75 V to 32 V and has a 40 V absolute maximum rating for added system margin. User selectable timer or C/10 termination requires no external microcontroller and simplifies the design. Charge current is programmable and dynamically adjustable up to 2 A; the power device is integrated on chip to save board space. The LT3650-4.1/4.2 does not require external high-precision resistors to set the float voltage, further saving cost and space. Applications include industrial handheld instruments, 12 V to 24 V automotive and heavy equipment, desktop cradle chargers and small notebook or tablet computers. The LT3650-4.1 offers a 4.1 V battery float voltage, allowing high temperature safety margin, while the LT3650-4.2 features a 4.2 V final charge voltage for optimized battery run time.

The LT3650-4.1/4.2's high operating frequency of 1 MHz and current mode architecture allow the use of small inductors and capacitors, minimizing noise and filtering needs. Final float voltage accuracy is specified at ±0.5 percent, charge current accuracy is ±5 percent and C/10 detection accuracy is ±2.5 percent. Once charging is terminated, the LT3650-4.1/4.2 automatically enters a low current standby mode that reduces the input supply current to 85uA. In shutdown, the input bias current is reduced to 15 uA. The LT3650-4.1/4.2 maximizes battery life during all non-charging periods, draining less than 1 uA from the battery. For safety and autonomous charge control, the LT3650-4.1/4.2 includes features such as automatic restart and preconditioning, a thermistor input for temperature-qualified charging, programmable input current limit, bad battery detection and binary coded status output pins.
The LT3650-4.1 and LT3650-4.2 are housed in a compact, low-profile (0.75 mm) 12-pin 3 mm by 3 mm DFN package, and are offered in both E and I grade versions, both operating from -40°C to 85°C.

International Battery Submits Proposal to Department of Energy Highlighting  a Unique, Environmentally-Friendly Manufacturing Process
International Battery (IB), a US manufacturer, designer and developer of large-format lithium-ion rechargeable cells and batteries, has submitted an application for a grant from the US Department of Energy (DOE) under the Recovery Act – Electric Drive Vehicle Battery and Component Manufacturing Initiative.  International Battery’s proposal, entitled ‘Project American Lithium’, provides comprehensive details on how it plans to significantly expand its existing, US-based manufacturing capability.
“DOE is looking to stimulate an American manufacturing renaissance to supply next generation lithium batteries for emerging electric and plug-in-hybrid vehicles.  International Battery has already built a unique small factory in America and is shovel ready for expansion,” said International Battery Chairman, Mark Mills. “The company’s expansion plans can create hundreds of jobs and world-class large lithium batteries.”

The company’s unique manufacturing process is inherently green.  IB batteries are fabricated using a water-based process instead of the common use of large quantities of organic solvent chemicals.  IB’s aqueous process is not only environmentally friendly, and worker-friendly, but also permits lower costs.

According to International Battery’s CEO, Ake Almgren, “International Battery is one of a handful of lithium battery manufacturers able to fabricate truly large-format lithium battery cells.  The company’s individual cells are ten to fifty times larger than those commonly labeled “large format” today.  Storing vehicle-vehicle scale and even more utility-scale quantities of electricity requires thousands of typical “large” lithium cells,  but radically fewer of our battery cells.  Employing fewer cells to store the same quantity of energy lowers the cost of integrated battery systems and improves reliability and performance.”

Argonne’s Lithium-Ion Battery Technology to be Commercialized by BASF
The US Department of Energy's (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory and BASF have signed a world-wide licensing agreement to mass produce and market Argonne's patented composite cathode materials to manufacturers of advanced lithium-ion batteries. BASF will conduct further lithium-ion battery material application development in its current Beachwood, Ohio facility. Contingent upon winning a DOE grant under Recovery Act,  Electric Drive Vehicle Battery and Component Manufacturing Initiative (DE-FOA-0000026), BASF plans to build one of North America’s largest cathode material production facilities in Elyria, Ohio.

The patented cathode materials licensed to BASF are part of a large and diverse suite of lithium-ion battery inventions and patents developed at Argonne with funding from DOE's Vehicle Technologies Program. The further development and commercialization of the cathode materials will result in advanced batteries that are higher-performing, longer-lasting and safer when compared to the existing technology that has dominated the market for nearly two decades.

"This licensing agreement has the potential to put the United States several steps closer to reaching President Obama's goal of having one million Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles on the road by 2015," said Argonne director Eric Isaacs. "The transfer of Argonne developed battery technology to BASF provides a stellar example of why DOE invests taxpayer dollars into scientific research and development. When federally-funded R&D is commercialized, it enhances our economic competitiveness, energy security and quality of life through innovations in science and technology."

When completed, the proposed BASF facility in Elyria, Ohio is expected to be the largest cathode material production facility in North America. The cathode material licensed from the DOE has been shown to be a material of choice among the largest North American and Asian cell manufacturers that are actively engaged in providing lithium-ion battery solutions to the automotive and other commercial marketplaces. The impact of such a facility is anticipated to be significant as the facility construction and staffing will have a positive economic impact for Ohio and will attract further businesses to North America.

Argonne's composite cathode material employs a unique combination of lithium and manganese rich mixed metal oxides in a revolutionary materials-design approach to extend the operating time between charges, increase the calendar life and improve the inherent safety of lithium-ion cells. Moreover, the enhanced stability of the composite material permits battery systems to charge at higher voltages, which leads to a substantially higher energy storage capacity than currently available materials through both the higher voltage and higher capacity per unit weight of active material. BASF intends to commercialize these cathode materials for transportation and other applications.

Nissan's Plan for Zero-Emissions Vehicles Advances with US Department of Energy Loan
Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) has been conditionally approved by the US Department of Energy for a $1.6 billion loan to modify its Smyrna, Tenn., manufacturing plant to produce zero-emissions vehicles and state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery packs to power them.
The loan, announced by the US Department of Energy, is among the first three loans under the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program (ATVMLP), a $25-billion program authorized by Congress under Section 136 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. The loan will help Nissan produce electric vehicles, which emit no gases and are powered only by electricity.
The ATVMLP is designed to accelerate the development of vehicles and technologies that increase US energy independence, create cleaner means of transportation and stimulate the American economy. Companies receiving the loans go through a rigorous financial and technical qualification process and must put collateral in place before approval.

Construction at Smyrna is scheduled to begin by the end of this year, after an environmental assessment is completed. Production is planned to start in late 2012.

The modifications of the Smyrna manufacturing plant include a new battery plant and changes in the existing structure for electric-vehicle assembly. When fully operational, the vehicle assembly plant will have the capacity to build 150,000 zero-emissions vehicles a year and the new plant will have an annual capacity of 200,000 batteries.

The ELFA Hybrid drive range is already in use in buses, cranes and boats with over 8 million hours recorded on systems from leading bus manufacturers as well as selected boat manufacturers.

Robert L Kanode, CEO and President, Valence Technology, said “Valence energy storage solutions have been in operation with Siemens hybrid drive trains for over three years in Wrightbus buses, who have multiple hybrid double deck buses operating in London. I was delighted when we were approached to formalize an agreement to develop battery solutions compatible with Siemens hybrid systems for marine applications. Siemens is a world class brand and this agreement is a testament to Valence’s capabilities. It further reinforces our position as a leading global supplier of energy storage solutions.”

As the industry follows the global trend toward greener propulsion systems with significant reduction of CO2 and noise, Siemens intends to strengthen the development of its ELFA Hybrid drive range. The company understands the increased market requirements for efficiency, maneuverability control and innovations in propulsion systems not only in the bus market but also in the pleasure and workboat market.

As an appropriate battery system becomes a necessity for a true hybrid propulsion system and boatyards are increasingly demanding drive solutions for zero emission propulsion modes, it is important to have a leading energy storage manufacturer such as Valence link up their batteries to the Siemens hybrid drive system via a standard interface.

New Sessions from Industry Leaders Announced for Battery Power 2009

Battery Power 2009, October 20-21 in Denver, has added new sessions to its stellar lineup:

Battery Performance and Thermal Management: Cell, Module, Pack Calorimetry Testing
Martyn Ottaway, Managing Director • Thermal Hazard Technology

Challenges to Bringing New Li-Ion Paradigms to High Reliability Markets
Chris Pearson • ABSL Space Products

Next Generation Li-Ion Technology: Untethered and Environmentally Sustainable
Eric Carlson, Director of Technical Sales • Boston-Power

Modular LFP Batteries for Electric Vehicle Applications
James D. Hodge, Ph.D, Chief Technical Officer, K2 Energy Solutions, Inc.

Battery Power 2009 will feature more than 30 presentations from industry-leading companies. Make plans today to attend. Register and book your hotel by August 20th and save up to $700!  

www.batterypoweronline.com/bppt-conf09/bp09_index.php

July
13-16 - Power Storage Week, San Diego, Calif.

August
16-20 - APCO, Las Vegas, Nev.

September
30-Oct 2 - Batteries 2009, Cannes Mandelieu, France

October
20-21 - Battery Power 2009, Denver, Colo.

20-21 - Thermal Management & Technology Symposium (co-located with Battery Power 2009), Denver, Colo.

BATTERIES 2009
September 30th – October 2nd
CANNES – Mandelieu, France

BATTERIES is the preferred meeting venue between raw materials suppliers, electronic devices suppliers, battery manufacturers, environment and recycling specialists and battery users. BATTERIES 2009 includes good blend of keynote sessions, panel discussions and case studies with different workshops. You will be able to catch in depth and targeted information on fuel cells, new products & development and power management. BATTERIES 2009 will dedicate 3 days to analysing: “How to bridge the gap between power needs and what the market offers today while still providing safe solutions.”

Come and meet your customers, your suppliers, your competitors and your partners at BATTERIES 2009.

For more information contact Richard Veyrac or visit www.batteriesevent.info.

INTERNATIONAL CTIA WIRELESS I.T. & ENTERTAINMENT 2009
October 7-9, 2009
San Diego Convention Center San Diego, Calif.

No matter what your business is - healthcare, entertainment, fleet management or financial planning - wireless can transform how you do business. International CTIA WIRELESS I.T. & Entertainment brings this possibility to life.

With a focus on applications, network architecture and technologies such as LBS, machine-to-machine and WiMAX (just to name a few), this international event brings a community of users, carriers, developers and manufacturers together to generate dialogue, share ideas and debate the economics of MOBILE BUSINESS.

Register now at www.CTIAShow.com!

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