April 2012

Feature Articles

Making Lithium-Ion Abuse Tests Meaningful
E.J. Spek, Chief Engineer, TÜV SÜD Canada, Inc.

Customers of car companies have come to expect vehicles that are considered safe, according to a catalog of standards. Hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles are and will be subject to the same expectations. The standards that have been developed for more than 100 years for combustion-engine vehicles have been effective in ensuring that the vehicles are indeed considered safe. These same standards need to be augmented to account for ...read more

A Comparison of Lead Acid to Lithium-Ion in Stationary Storage Applications
Greg Albright, Jake Edie, Said Al-Hallaj, AllCell Technologies LLC

A wide variety of energy storage options are available today for the stationary power market; capacitors, compressed air, pumped hydro, flywheels and rechargeable batteries are all vying for a stake in the emerging role of energy storage. Each technology has its own merits based on ...read more

The Most Important Battery Event You Will Attend This Year

Now in its 10th year, Battery Power will feature more than 40 presentations on portable, stationary and EV battery technology, as well as battery manufacturing, materials and research & development.

Battery Power is the best opportunity for OEM design engineers, system engineers, technical and management professionals to stay up-to-date on new developments and technologies in the battery and power management market.

Battery Power 2012 will provide you with the most up-to-date developments and technologies in the battery and power management market. If you are involved in the battery industry or if your products and systems run on batteries, this is a must attend event.

Anton/Bauer Launches Hot Swappable Power Systems for Mobile Computing
Anton/Bauer’s Dionic-LiFe is the medical industry’s first lithium-iron (LiFe) phosphate hot swappable battery. Dionic-270 offers high capacity, hot swappable battery for mobile computing to deliver long run-times that keep workstations on the go.

Hot swappable power systems are increasingly popular because they eliminate the need to log off to change batteries as required with conventional swappable systems. Because workstations never need to be plugged into a wall, Anton/Bauer’s HotSwap product line reduces hallway clutter and ensures compliance with Joint Commission standards.

The LiFe chemistry is a popular choice for mobile computing because its long cycle life translates to low cost of ownership. Anton/Bauer’s Dionic-LiFe delivers long-term performance while maintaining high levels of capacity to provide a lifetime battery for workstations.

The new power systems offer the flexibility to power workstations with one or two batteries to further extend run-times. The Dionic-LiFe and Dionic-270 feature a secure locking battery interface that is easy to clean. 

Like all Anton/Bauer batteries, the new products work with the Interactive Charging System that enables users to re-charge many different battery types with one device. This smart technology ensures compatibility with future cell chemistries by adjusting requirements with a software upgrade. Every Anton/Bauer battery is compatible with all Anton/Bauer chargers. The advanced system ensures compatibility as battery technology continues to advance.

Universal SMBUS Battery Charger from RRC Power Solutions
RRC has developed a new universal battery charger for SMBus batteries, called the RRC-SMB-UBC. With an output of 65 watts, it works with RRC’s standard batteries, such as the RRC2020, 2024, 2040 and with other smart batteries with similar footprints as well. The charger is designed for worldwide use with the appropriate agency approvals. It has automatic recognition and calibration of smart battery learned capacity The RRC-SMB-UBC uses an optimized charging process, which leads to higher charge cycles and allows faster charging. It is also suitable for charging batteries from other manufacturers.

2 kW/600 VDC Industrial Grade PFC-Input Battery Charger
Absolpulse Electronics’ BCP 2K-E/600 series of rugged, industrial grade battery chargers with PFC-input provide 2 kW continuous power for charging a 600 V external battery bank.  These chargers are suitable for installation on electric vehicles.

The units are available with input ranges of either 190 V to 264 VAC or 90 V to 264 VAC (47 to 63 Hz), versions of this design capable of charging battery banks from power outlets in almost any country in the world are therefore available. Several BCP 2K-E/600 units may be parallel connected to achieve higher output power and reduce the time required to recharge the battery bank. The 600 VDC output is adjustable 520 V to 630 V by user accessible trimming potentiometers.

The chargers have full ruggedizing and conformal coating for immunity to shock, vibration, humidity, moisture and airborne contaminants, essential for demanding road conditions. They meet EN/IEC61373 Cat 1 A&B shock and vibration standards. The modules comply with EN/UL60950 and equivalent industrial safety standards as well as the EN61000-3-2 and EN61000-3-12 directives for low input harmonic distortion. They are filtered to meet EN55022-A EMI standards with large margins, minimizing impact on on-board electrical systems.

The BCP 2K-E/600 is housed in a ruggedly constructed 187 mm by 132 mm by 407 mm chassis-mount enclosure. High grade internal fans provide sufficient airflow for operation over a 0°C to 50°C temperature range for full specification; wider temperature ranges are available.

The output is also protected against accidental reverse battery connection by a crossbar diode with a user accessible 600 VDC safety fuse. Other protection features include 4,300 VDC input to output isolation, rectangular current limiting with short circuit protection and thermal shutdown with automatic recovery. Efficiency at full load is a minimum of 80 percent. Generous design headroom and the use of designed-in components with established reliability contribute to high MTBF and ultimately, low life cycle costs of the module. Standard versions of the BCP 2K-E/600 are priced in the $1,180 range at quantities of 100.

Miniature Power MOSFETs for Improved Power Efficiency, Smaller Form Factor in Portable Devices
Renesas Electronics Corp. has announced the availability of eight new low-loss P- and N-channel power metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect-transistor (MOSFET) products optimized for use in portable electronics including smartphones and tablets. Featuring low loss (low on-resistance), the new devices include the 20 V (VDSS) µPA2600 and the 30 V µPA2601, equipped in  2 mm by 2 mm packages to deliver increased power efficiency and miniaturization within smaller mobile device form factors.

With the increasing popularity of high-functionality smartphones and user expectations for seamless experiences with these devices, demand is increasing for smaller, thinner form factor devices with lower power consumption that enable longer battery life between charges. To meet these demands, designers are turning to power MOSFETs that feature lower on-resistance for use in charge/discharge control, RF power amplifier on/off control, and overcurrent cutoff switches, while supporting large currents.

The new µPA2600 and µPA2601 MOSFETs achieve these demands for further miniaturization and low on-resistance in portable devices while reducing mounting areas in a wide variety of applications, including load switches (which turn power applied to ICs on or off) and charge/discharge control in portable devices and on/off control and overcurrent cutoff switches in RF power amplifiers.

IntelliBatt Rolls Out an Intelligent Battery Cabinet
IntelliBatt has released an intelligent battery enclosure, the IntelliBatt cabinet, which features a built-in battery monitoring system that is visible via integrated in-door viewing panels, and includes the ability to accommodate different battery sizes and terminal configurations as well as an active heat dissipation system to maintain optimum temperature, all designed to further increase battery life.

IntelliBatt customers have benefited from 100 percent up-time. This is achieved because the continuous flow of data, gathered by the IntelliBatt monitoring nodes, synchronizes with a cloud-based NOC and is backed by 7x24 support and operator analysis. This, combined with access to data history from more than 1 million batteries, allows IntelliBatt to deliver predictive trending for reliability management along with asset management for critical power systems. This combination provides security and peace of mind, allowing data center operators to know about problems before they occur and act to preempt outages.

Inadequately designed cabinets can get hot and end up shortening battery asset life. IntelliBatt added thermostatic control and an active heat dissipation system that relies on dual fans to create a chimney effect by drawing air up and out of the cabinet, thus maintaining optimum temperature and increasing battery life.

Through the integrated in-door viewing panels, operators can easily check the key indicators on the controller, the status of every battery and even inspect the terminals. Likewise, the cabinet features an in-door access panel that allows for the safe and easy operation of the breaker without opening the doors. The IntelliBatt Cabinet comes complete with batteries, breaker and monitoring system, and can be completely pre-commissioned to IEEE standards as an integrated system.

Protect Critical Power Equipment with Alpha’s Internal Security Solutions
Alpha Technologies, Inc. has expanded its power system security solutions to help secure and protect critical hardware from theft, vandalism and other demanding environmental conditions. Alpha’s internal security solutions now include both the AlphaSecure Battery Security Device and the AlphaSecure XM2 Security Wrap.

The AlphaSecure Battery Security Device is a custom-fitted framework that secures the batteries to the equipment enclosure. This device offers enhanced security and functionality due to its dual custody (separate keys) for the main enclosure door and battery tray, ensuring that only designated personnel can unlock the device. The battery locking mechanism is hinged to allow the bracket to remain attached to the battery tray for easy accessibility and maintenance.

The AlphaSecure XM2 Security Wrap is a steel-constructed, powdercoated framework wrap that secures the power supply to the equipment shelf. Its fitted, wrap-around design locks the power supply in place and the framework bolts to the enclosure shelf with enhanced security screws. Securing the power supply directly to the enclosure provides increased protection against theft, vandalism and movement of the power supply caused from natural disasters or other extreme conditions.

Fujitsu Announces Web-Based Easy DesignSim for Power Management ICs
Fujitsu Semiconductor America (FSA) has launched Easy DesignSim, a Web-based design simulator for power management ICs (PMIC). Easy DesignSim offers comprehensive online design simulation and support for design engineers working with Fujitsu's line of power ICs, such as converters, switches, power supplies and charge control devices.

Easy DesignSim provides an effective way for engineers to select the best PMIC and substantially shorten their development time. The tool simplifies the process of designing circuit diagrams for power supplies. It automatically calculates key power parameters, such as input/output voltages, load currents, efficiency and switching frequency, and then simulates the operation of the power supply online. Users can easily check the simulation results in the generated circuit diagram when they change operating conditions and the parameters of external components.

After selecting a power management solution, engineers can use Easy DesignSim to generate a BOM (Bill of Materials) from the databases of electronics parts vendors based on the project requirements and circuit diagram. The design engineer can directly export the BOM list as an Excel-formatted file.

IBM, Honda and PG&E Enable Smarter Charging for Electric Vehicles
IBM has teamed with American Honda Motor Co., Inc. and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) on a new pilot project that will allow communication between electric vehicles (EVs) and the power grid. This project will demonstrate and test an electric vehicle's ability to receive and respond to charge instructions based on the grid condition and the vehicle's battery state. With visibility into charging patterns, energy providers will have the ability to more effectively manage charging during peak hours and create consumer-friendly programs to encourage electric vehicle adoption.

The energy requirements for electric vehicles will challenge the current power grid as plug-in vehicle counts continue to grow to an expected 2.9 million worldwide by 2017. This project has the potential to ease the infrastructure and consumer concerns associated with the mass adoption of EVs, by adding another layer of agility to the EV charging process. This level of intelligence will help make charging seamless for consumers, while ensuring the electricity source is reliable and the infrastructure is stable.
This demonstration combines grid and vehicle data to create an individualized charging plan for Honda's Fit EV battery electric vehicles (BEV), using IBM's cloud based software platform. By utilizing the existing in-vehicle communications system in the Honda Fit EV, the electric vehicle can interact with utilities and the grid, creating a direct channel for sending and receiving usage information that could improve local grid management.

"This pilot project with IBM and Honda will help us demonstrate that third-party providers have the systems and capabilities to help meet some of the challenges that electric vehicles could place on the power grid as their adoption increases in the coming years," said Saul Zambrano, senior director for consumer products for PG&E. "With updated charging patterns for EVs, we have the ability if needed, to shift demand to non-peak times to ensure the reliability of the grid so that we can continue to deliver safe, reliable and affordable energy to our customers."

Once plugged into a charge post, the Honda Fit EV initiates a charge request via the vehicles telematics system, an integrated telecommunication application that is often used for navigation. This request is sent to IBM's Electric Vehicle Enablement Platform where vehicle data such as battery state and grid data received from PG&E, is combined to create an optimized charge schedule, which is then communicated back to the vehicle in seconds. Using this aggregated data, the vehicle has the intelligence to charge to the level that is needed while factoring any current grid constraints.

Using real time and simulated data, the system will test and demonstrate the ability to alter, as well as adapt charging patterns based on grid conditions. This smart charging capability will enable energy providers to manage the power used by EVs during peak times by instructing vehicles to delay or adjust charging if required.

Additionally, the IBM EV platform can collate historical EV charging data and create a profile that can be used to forecast the location and duration of EV charge loads. For example, the program can determine how many EVs are plugged in one neighborhood and the time it will take for each to reach a full charge. This level of insight will allow utilities to optimize grid operations and help reduce the chance of outages, a possible concern as the number of EVs increase.

By communicating information directly to the vehicle, this project has the potential to significantly improve driver services. For example, the IBM's cloud based platform could provide charge post location information and availability directly to the EV, using the telematics and Satellite-Linked Navigation to guide the driver to the most convenient place to charge.

C&D Technologies VR Solar Product Selected for Demand Response Application
C&D Technologies, Inc. has released that the VR Solar (VRS) product line, a valve regulated lead acid (VRLA) battery has been chosen for a demand response application in New York City.

Glenwood Management’s Barclay Tower in New York City is using an energy storage solution provided by Demand Energy Networks, Inc. The solution, which incorporates the C&D VR Solar battery, permits compliance to demand response requirements while providing Barclay Tower with normal operational functionality.

 “The solution provided by Demand Energy, utilizing C&D Technologies’ VR Solar batteries, recharges during lower-cost off-peak hours while providing power during peak hours.  The solution allows for efficient use of the available grid while providing the end-customer with desired building performance that meets demand response guidelines,” commented Scott Kleinle, C&D Technologies CMO and vice president of Global Product Management.

The VR Solar product employs a proprietary grid alloy for reduced gas emissions and ease of recycling.  The battery features absorbent glass mat (AGM) technology for efficient gas recombination of up to 99 percent and freedom from electrolyte maintenance.

Chrysler Group LLC Introduces In-Vehicle Wireless Charging
Chrysler Group LLC, through its Mopar division, will be the first to eliminate dangling power cords in its vehicles by offering in-vehicle wireless charging. The company will first make the technology available on the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart that arrives in dealerships in the second quarter of this year.

For easy access, a seamlessly integrated power bin, measuring 8.27 inches by 9.5 inches by 3.25 inches, is installed just below the center stack and in front of the center console. The bin has a built-in charging grid that is activated when customers place in their battery-powered device. The unit begins to charge when the vehicle is started. A phone case, specifically designed for a variety of smartphones, is required and included with the feature.

Corvus Energy’s Marine Lithium Polymer Battery Used in Europe’s First Hybrid Tugboat
Corvus Energy's battery packs were recently installed in Europe’s first hybrid tugboat, the RotorTug RT Adriaan of KOTUG, an international maritime service provider headquartered in The Netherlands. This diesel-to-hybrid retrofit represents Europe's first low emissions hybrid tugboat.

The conversion features Corvus’ AT6500 48 volt lithium polymer battery packs. Corvus’ lithium polymer batteries last up to 10 times longer and have up to 10 times more power and energy storage than lead acid batteries. This translates to improved fuel economy, maintenance savings, increased usable battery power, a significant reduction in harmful emissions and less weight on the vessel.

Completed on March 6, 2012, the converted RT Adriaan, now renamed E-KOTUG RT Adriaan, has rejoined the KOTUG fleet. The tugboat is located in Port of Rotterdam, one of the largest ports in the world, where it is fully operational and is optimizing its hybrid modes.

“Since the conversion, we are very pleased with the initial results of the E-KOTUG and look forward to monitoring the tug's progress after it has cycled through a full month,” said Daan Merkelbach, KOTUG International’s Nautical & QHSE Manager. “After which time, we plan to officially unveil our converted tug in April/May to further demonstrate our commitment to hybrid technology.”

Event Listings

SAE 2012 Powertrain Electric Motors Symposium for Electric & Hybrid Vehicles

April 23

Detroit, Mich.

Join technology leaders at the SAE 2012 Powertrain Electric Motors Symposium for Electric & Hybrid Vehicles, on April 23 in Detroit, Michigan. This one-day symposium promises to provide a comprehensive overview on the latest global innovations in the vehicle powertrain electric traction motor industry. It will give insight on how fast the major players are moving and how this affects the world marketplace. The program will address market growth projections, requirements, and cost structures for three varieties of electric traction motors: permanent magnet motors, induction motors, and switch reluctance motors. This year's symposium will feature expanded coverage of rare earth metals, and, for the first time, presentations on testing and simulation.

SAE 2012 WORLD CONGRESS
April 24-26

Detroit, Mich.

The SAE 2012 World Congress theme, Get Connected, represents the new and diverse connections that will drive significant advancements in the auto industry of tomorrow. Not only does the theme symbolize literal connections, such as those between vehicles, infrastructure, the Internet, and the nation's electrical grid, but also demonstrates the most fundamental of connections; the connections and relationships between engineers who are developing the next generation vehicle technology. A must-attend for the automotive engineering community, this event represents an unparalleled opportunity to explore new technology through both technical sessions and the Innovators Only Exhibition.

International CTIA WIRELESS 2012 Conference & Exposition
May 7 & 8-10, 2012
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center | New Orleans, Louisiana

There is no doubt the world is mobile – but how you embrace this movement to uncover new opportunities, connect with existing customers and partners, and explore new markets, can make all the difference to your business and your bottom-line.
CTIA is All Things Mobile. Now with new dates in May, International CTIA WIRELESS® is even better positioned to meet the needs of the global wireless marketplace. This bold move is more than a change of dates. It is the best opportunity to create a more personalized, powerful experience at the one place for carrier services, enterprise, communications, apps, content and social networking.
Register Now! www.ctiashows.com

EDS 2012
May 7-10

Las Vegas, Nev.

EDS is the premier annual event for the main players in the international electronics industry.
Every year, the manufacturers of electronic components, instruments and accessories, as well as distributors and manufacturer's representatives, come together to meet, make contacts and build their businesses. Suppliers of industry goods and services also are on hand to market their products. The emphasis at EDS is on forging and maintaining business relationships through scheduled, one-on-one meetings, but the event is also filled with important product exhibits educational, educational programs and networking opportunities.

Battcon Stationary Battery Conference

May 15-17
Hollywood, Fla.

The 16th Annual Battcon Stationary Battery Conference and Trade Show is a three day, technically oriented event where battery professionals learn more about batteries, trends, and technology at the Westin South Florida. Noncommercial presentations address battery applications, advances, and industry concerns. Battcon offers presentations, discussions, workshops, and a trade show.

Visit www.battcon.com

Next Generation Batteries 2012
July 19-20
Boston, Mass.

Next Generation Batteries 2012 on July 19-20, 2012 in Boston, MA will focus on breakthroughs in new battery chemistries, novel electrode and electrolyte materials, system integration for a vast array of mobile, portable and stationary applications, from micro medical devices to high-energy/high-power automotive, have paved the roadmap for an emerging market with unlimited potential. Will lithium-ion batteries deliver on the promises of power, energy, cost and safety in commercially available systems or does the future lay somewhere beyond lithium-based chemistries? Our panel of leading experts in the fields of battery materials, systems design and integration, manufacturing and commercial applications will look into emerging issues underlining this pivotal time in the battery industry segment.

INTELEC 2012, Call for Papers
INTELEC 2012 , the International Telecommunications Energy Conference, will be held between September 30 and October 4, 2012 at the Talking Stick Resort and Conference Center in Sunny Scottsdale, Arizona. The conference theme is “Star gazing in the desert: What keeps power people up at night?”
For more information on INTELEC please see www.intelec.org

Accepted papers will be included in the conference program and proceedings.

Please submit your 500 word to 1500 word digest on line by March 16, 2012 at http://submissions.miracd.com/intelec2012 on the following topics:

• Power systems for Communications and Data Centers  
• Power Electronics circuits
• Energy Storage systems
• Power Sources
• Communications equipment Environment
• Powering broadband, 4G, WIMAX and wireless power transfer

 

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