Emerging/Evolving Applications
Current research is focused
on improving conventional battery technology as well as towards advanced
battery technologies exhibiting characteristics such as high energy,
high power density, low cost, high
degree of safety, long-life, and low maintenance/repairs. Emerging
(evolving) applications include (but are not limited to) the following:
-
Electric Vehicles
-
Benefits include positive impact on environment via a
reduced dependence on fossil fuels.
-
Desired properties include high specific energy/density to
provide adequate vehicle driving range, high power density to provide
acceleration, and low cost/low maintenance.
-
Research primarily centered around Sony’s (Japan)
Lithium-ion and Avestor’s (Canada) Lithium-polymer battery systems.
-
Electric Hybrid Vehicles
-
Benefits include less fuel consumption per mile, and a
subsequent reduction in pollution.
-
Desired properties include high specific power and power
density for acceleration, the ability to accept high power repetitive
charges stemming from regenerative braking, and a moderate cost.
-
Research is centered around SAFT’s (France) Nickel Metal
Hydride battery system.
-
Electric Utility Energy Storage
-
Benefits are primarily centered around the cost-savings
derived from additional energy availability during peak usage.
-
Desired properties include low initial cost, high
reliability when operated, and high
volumetric energy and power densities.
-
Research primarily centered around Sumitomo’s (Japan)
Vanadium Redox and Powercell’s (USA) Zinc Bromine Systems.
-
Storage of Electric Energy produced by Renewable
Energy sources such as Solar or Wind generators.
-
Benefits are primarily centered around cost-savings derived
from energy availability, when the energy source is not available. Typical
applications include village power, telemetry, telecommunications, remote
homes, etc.
-
In addition to the aforementioned characteristics of
Electric Energy Storage, target systems must be deemed operable in the
renewable energy environment.
-
Research includes Innogy’s (United Kingdom) Polysulfide
Bromine Redox system.
-
Improved Portable Electronics.
-
Research is
primarily driven by the demand for further miniaturization
of electronic equipment.
-
Desired properties include low cost, lightweight, safe
systems with high specific energy/power and power density.
-
Research primarily centered around Lithium Ion, Nickel Metal
Hydride, Valve Regulated Lead Acid, and Nickel Cadmium systems.
Home |
Previous | Next
|