FEATURED ARTICLES
The Role of Power Electronics and Energy Harvesting in the Future of Batteries
Contributed Commentary by Brian Zahnstecher, Sr. Member of the IEEE, and the Principal of PowerRox
In just about any application in the world of electronics, energy storage plays an important factor. Whether it be a battery that limits charge time or life of portable electronics, a Telecom’s capacity to sustain hold-up in a catastrophic situation, a data center’s ability to reduce the power bill, or a sensor’s ability to capture, analyze and transmit key telemetry data from a very harsh, potentially inaccessible environment.
Battery Rapid-Test Methods
Contributed Commentary by Isidor Buchmann, CEO & Founder, Cadex Electronics, Inc.
A battery resembles a living organism that cannot be measured; only estimated by diagnostics similar to a doctor examining a patient. The accuracy of rapid-testing varies according to symptoms that change with state-of-charge (SoC), agitation after charge and discharge, temperature and storage. A rapid-test must distinguish between a good battery that is partially charged and a weak pack that is fully charged. Both will deliver similar runtimes in the hands of the user but have different performance levels.
NEW PRODUCTS
XALT Energy Introduces Second-Generation Battery Cell with 223 Wh/kg Specific Energy
XALT Energy has announced the second-generation (Gen II) battery cell to its portfolio of lithium-ion cells. The 65 Ah ultra-high energy (UHE) cell uses Gen II technology, delivers 223 watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/kg) of high-energy, maintains a high cycle life and delivers 47 percent more energy density compared to the first-generation (Gen I) technology.
Toshiba Develops Next-Generation Lithium-Ion Battery with New Anode Material
Toshiba Corp. has announced the development of its next-generation SCiB, which uses a new material to double the capacity of the battery anode. The new battery offers high- energy density and the ultra-rapid recharging required for automotive applications, and will give a compact electric vehicle (EV) with a drive range of 320km*1 after six minutes of ultra-rapid recharging, three times the distance possible with current lithium-ion batteries.
Intersil Unveils USB-C Buck-Boost Voltage Regulator
Intersil has announced a buck-boost voltage regulator for tablets, ultrabooks, power banks, and other mobile devices using the reversible USB Type-C connector.
Microvast Launches Next-Generation Batteries for E-Mobility Applications
Microvast, an advanced electric vehicle power solution provider, has announced the North American availability of its next-generation fast-charging MpCO lithium-ion batteries for e-mobility applications, such as electric buses.
See More New Products Online
Batteries | Charging | ICs & Semiconductors | Components
Testing, Monitoring & Safety | Manufacturing & Materials
INDUSTRY NEWS
Silicon Labs Reference Design Simplifies Development of USB Type-C Rechargeable Battery Packs
Silicon Labs has introduced a comprehensive reference design to simplify the development of USB Type-C rechargeable lithium ion battery packs used to power smartphones, tablets, laptops, headphones, and other portable devices. The reference design includes everything developers need to create dual-role port (DRP) applications with USB Type-C power delivery (PD), accelerating the development of new USB Type-C battery packs or migrating existing USB Type-A battery pack designs to USB Type-C.
Ultralife Corp. Receives $49.8 Million IDIQ Award for CFx Military Batteries
Ultralife Corp. has received a firm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for purchases not to exceed $49.8 million from the US Government’s Defense Logistic Agency (DLA) for its hybrid lithium manganese dioxide/carbon monofluoride (CFx) non-rechargeable BA-5790 and BA-5795 batteries. The award is for five years with the amounts and timing of deliveries at the discretion of the DLA.
Duracell PowerForward Deploys to Puerto Rico with More Than 30 Tons of Batteries
When natural disasters hit and power is lost, Duracell PowerForward powers back communities by delivering free batteries where they are needed most. Right now, that’s in Puerto Rico. That’s why Duracell PowerForward is deploying to Puerto Rico to distribute more than $1 million worth of batteries, making this the program’s largest deployment since the initiative began in 2011.
INDUSTRY EVENTS
13th Annual Lithium Battery Materials & Chemistries
October 31 - November 1 | Arlington, VA
The Lithium Battery Materials & Chemistries 2017 conference will provide in-depth coverage on the chemistries, both current and next-generation, that are shaping the future of energy storage. From novel electrode/electrolyte materials to higher-capacity cathode/anode structures, this conference will explore how to economically increase battery energy density.
8th Annual Battery Safety Conference
November 2-3 | Arlington, VA
Higher energy and higher use lead to higher risk. While research continues to boost the energy storage capability of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and leads to expanding applications and consumer use, the task of implementing effective safety strategies falls on regulatory authorities, cell manufacturers, R&D engineers and forensic scientists. Accurate tests and models are critical for predicting and controlling the complex electrochemical, thermal and mechanical behavior of LIBs while forensic investigations and regulations are required for safe transport. The Battery Safety 2017 conference continues this vital dialogue to integrate and implement LIB safety to meet ever-increasing energy demands.
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