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Zinc-Air Battery System Surpasses Industry Benchmark for Off-Grid Energy Source
 QuantumSphere, Inc. (QSI), a provider of portable power systems, has released its MetAir Ranger series for on-demand back-up power in off-grid and emergency applications. While already offering the highest energy density of any commercially available primary battery at the lowest cost per kilowatt hour, QSI’s MetAir Ranger portable power system has received independent validation that it surpasses the industry’s 72-hour emergency preparedness benchmark. The system achieved 108 hours, four and a half days, of instantly accessible emergency power.
The MetAir Ranger, a 3.2 kilowatt hour battery system weighing less than 25 pounds, yields energy densities of 352 Wh / Kg and costs per kilowatt hour of less than $200. The MetAir portable power systems utilize QSI’s proprietary cathode technology that results in industry leading performance. While one MetAir Ranger system is about the size of a single deep cycle lead acid battery, it is roughly half the weight and has 11 times the equivalent energy per kilogram. It is also designed to easily accept replaceable power cartridges once the initial system is “air” activated and used. The MetAir Ranger series is essentially a “plug and play” box of portable energy and requires no external energy sources to stay charged. The MetAir Ranger has an optional 150 watt 110 volt AC inverter with two outlets and a USB charging port. The MetAir Ranger contains no hazardous materials or combustible fuels and, unlike large format lithium batteries, is approved for transport by the Department of Transportation as non-hazardous material.
In comparison to the commonly available battery types used today, such as lithium-ion, nickel metal hydride and lead acid, QSI's technology is based on a safe and proven zinc-air battery chemistry that is cost effective to manufacture and easy to use. Zinc-air batteries are electro-chemical batteries powered by oxidizing zinc metal powder (a non-combustible, non-toxic and abundant domestic material) with oxygen from the air to generate an electrical current. In addition, Zinc-air batteries have very high energy densities and an unprecedented shelf life of up to 10 years before initial use. Sizes range from very small button cells for hearing aids, mid-size for remote portable power applications, to very large systems used for electric vehicle propulsion.
New RRC Standard Smart Batteries with Optimized Energy Density
 RRC has announced three new standard Li-Ion SMBus battery packs RRC2040, RRC2024 and RRC2040. These new battery packs will have highest energy density of smart compatible batteries in the market.
The energy content for two of the battery packs: the RRC2020 and RRC2024, are now optimally rated close to the 100 watt limit that exists in terms of the Dangerous Goods Ordinance. The batteries are SMBus v1.1 compliant and meet the JEITA standards. The temperature-dependent load profiles of the batteries increase safety and also lead to a maximized cycle life of the batteries. Used in combination with RRC's battery chargers, they can be optimized and accelerate charging. By using the Impedance Track technology, you will no longer need to manually calibrate the battery. The use of Cell Balancing leads to maximum available capacity and to longer life. The battery packs have comprehensive charge/discharge safety systems as well as passive safety electronics, and worldwide agency certification approvals, and international recycling support.
Midtronics Develops New GRX-5100 Hybrid/EV Battery Service Tool
Midtronics, Inc. has completed the initial field testing for the GRX-5100 Hybrid/EV Battery Station, a high-voltage Hybrid/EV vehicle battery service and de-power tool for various hybrid and electric vehicles. The GRX-5100 safely de-powers high-voltage batteries and also enables service for the battery system at the module level, reducing manufacturer warranty costs and repair time and expense for customers.
Currently completing field testing at General Motors, the GRX-5100 was developed to perform full battery pack service including balancing, charging in no-start situations and full de-powering. The de-power capability enables packs in vehicles that have been involved in severe collisions to be de-powered to a safe level for storage, recycling or shipment. Beyond service providers, the GRX-5100 is also targeted for reclamation yards where it can be used to perform critical safety checks and de-powering with the battery pack either in or out of the vehicle.
The GRX-5100 features a versatile electrical harness between vehicle batteries and communication systems via unique adapters for each vehicle model. Simple menu prompts guide verification that the battery and communication systems are properly connected and balancing or de-powering operations can safely begin. The station also utilizes USB-based memory, which will support system updates for future vehicle battery systems without a hardware upgrade.
Polarized CR2 and CR123A Lithium Battery Holders
 A broad, new selection of polarized SMT and THM CR2 and CR123A lithium battery holders has joined the Keystone Electronics roster of battery holders. With polarized contacts, a principal design feature, the holders accommodate all CR2 or CR123A batteries from major manufacturers.
Equipped with heat resistant Nylon housings, the entries are suited for traditional soldering and reflow processing. Surface Mount types feature Gold-plated Phosphor Bronze contacts assuring low contact resistance and superior solder joints where lead-free soldering or reflow processes are employed. Thru-Hole Mount versions are equipped with Tin-plated Phosphor Bronze contacts.
Advancements Made to Millennium Plus+
 Flow-Rite has announced advancements to the Millennium Plus+ single point battery watering system. The latest features include a debris resistant shroud, lower shut off level, improved versatility and a new ergonomic installation tool.
Large pass through holes on the sides and bottom of the new shroud allow debris to freely flow through the shroud. This minimizes the chance of large debris being caught between the shroud and displacer, while still protecting the internal components from impact. Improved shroud and displacer designs achieve a 0.20 inch lower shut off level while maintaining the same overall valve length. This provides more room for electrolyte expansion inside the cell.
The non-mechanical optical level indicator allows the operator to verify that each cell has been properly filled after watering. Millennium Plus+ features the only built-in indicator on the market that is independent from the valve function, giving a true reading even if the valve is damaged. The indicator simply signals the presence of liquid, with black for “full” and white for “water needed”.
Flip tops are now color coded to match valves for quick valve length identification. These user-friendly access ports eliminate drilling cell covers and removing the watering system to check specific gravity levels.
A 24 Volt Power Converter/Battery Charger
 Progressive Dynamics, Inc. has introduced the 24 volt power converter/battery charger in 25 amp and 40 amp configurations with built-in, patented four-stage charging system. This power converter is suited for specialty vehicles and stationary applications including battery charging for buses, shuttle buses, local refrigeration delivery trucks, display vans, emergency vehicles, communication trucks, over-the-road trucks with sleeper cabs and solar energy.
Features include the built-in Charge Wizard, a patented four-stage charging system which constantly monitors the battery and automatically adjusts the converter output voltage based on the charge status. The 24 volt power converter/battery charger is made in America and offers reverse battery protection, electronic current limiting and a two year limited warranty.
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10th International Energy Conversion Engineering Conference