Battery Power Online | Articles

The Lithium Ion Inflection Point

Josh Johnson October 9, 2013

Sam Jaffe, Navigant Research

Rechargeable lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries were first developed as a commercial product by Sony in 1991, to solve a specific problem with the company’s video cameras. The typical video camera of the time had evolved from a professional beast that sat on the videographer’s shoulder to something that could fit into the palm of the hand, but the nickel cadmium batteries that were available were so large that the devices had an unsightly and hard-to-hold bulge thanks to the bulky battery pack. Read more about The Lithium Ion Inflection Point …

Fulfilling the Automotive Promise of EV and Hybrid Battery Technology

Josh Johnson September 26, 2013

Del Williams, Technical Writer

With the federal government nearly doubling car and light-duty truck fuel economy standards to the equivalent of 54.5 MPG by 2025, electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid electric vehicle technology is set to play a vital role, if lingering battery life and overheating issues can be resolved. Read more about Fulfilling the Automotive Promise of EV and Hybrid Battery Technology …

Resolving the Hidden Vulnerability in Security Systems

Josh Johnson March 10, 2015

SmartPower Systems

A serious threat is putting many surveillance and access control systems at risk. But this threat doesn’t come from viruses, cyber criminals or stealth intruders. Instead, it comes from the wall socket where small power fluctuations can take high definition cameras, surveillance equipment, access controls systems and other security equipment temporarily offline and even create gaps in digital recordings. Read more about Resolving the Hidden Vulnerability in Security Systems …

Highly Accurate Li-Ion Battery Simulation

Josh Johnson September 26, 2013

Mikael Cugnet
French Atomic and Alernative Energy Commission (CEA)

Whether in cell phones, hybrid/electric vehicles or airplanes, batteries have become virtually indispensable to modern life. Traditional means of evaluating battery performance with advanced chemistries such as lithium-ion don’t provide sufficient information to allow researchers to better optimize them. Thus, they are turning to simulation software to get a deeper understanding of what is going on inside the cells, information they can use in the design of batteries that are more reliable and safe. Read more about Highly Accurate Li-Ion Battery Simulation …

A Novel Single-Compartment Concentration Cell Driven by Natural Evaporation for Green Energy Harvesting

Josh Johnson September 26, 2013

Andrew A.Yang
Corr Instruments, LLC

Utilizing the difference in salt concentration of rivers and seas for green energy production has been the subject of many studies since the 1970s.[1] Pressure-retarded osmosis (PRO) is one of the methods utilized for harvesting this type of energy and relies on the use of ion-exchange membranes.[2] Another method is an electrochemical concentration cell, which relies on differing salt concentrations.[3,4] Solar evaporation has been used to maintain the concentration difference in some concentration cells.[5] Read more about A Novel Single-Compartment Concentration Cell Driven by Natural Evaporation for Green Energy Harvesting …

New Battery Technologies – Added Value Electronics Can Turn Normal Batteries into Smart Battery Packs

Josh Johnson September 26, 2013

Anton Beck, Battery Project Manager
Epec

Batteries have come a long way since their invention, from Volta’s voltic pile of zinc and copper plates to today’s high tech lithium ion batteries. The energy density (both volumetric and gravimetric) of battery cells has steadily increased over the years with new battery chemistries. Read more about New Battery Technologies – Added Value Electronics Can Turn Normal Batteries into Smart Battery Packs …

Extending Battery Life: A Routine Maintenance Schedule Can Dramatically Improve the Life of Flooded Lead-Acid Batteries

Josh Johnson February 27, 2015

Fred Wehmeyer, Senior Vice President of Engineering
US Battery Manufacturing

Businesses that use flooded lead-acid batteries for a variety of applications already know the importance of charging and adding water for optimum performance. Flooded lead-acid batteries are still the most cost effective means to power a variety of vehicles such as golf cars, platforms, cranes and more, but are also great for storing power used in off-grid and partial grid applications. Although these batteries are cost effective, anyone who has had to purchase a new set of them knows how expensive that can be. By making the batteries last longer, users can save a significant amount of money and reduce annual operating costs. Read more about Extending Battery Life: A Routine Maintenance Schedule Can Dramatically Improve the Life of Flooded Lead-Acid Batteries …