There is an ever-increasing demand for portable electronic devices, and improved technology for battery life and stability is a vital factor in device performance. The combined value of the market for rechargeable battery technology is set to grow from $11.8 billion in 2010 to $53.7 billion in 2020. Illustrated figure justifies the need of new technologies & Innovations in batteries.
Outlook
An electric battery is a device consisting of one or more electrochemical cells that convert stored chemical energy into electrical energy. A battery
or a power storage device is the backbone of every electronics appliances around us from the mobile phone in our pockets & miniature cells in our wrist watch to Automobile batteries in cars, and battery board of data centers. Battery are probably the most considerable bulky part of any electronics and the environmental concerns are also very high influenced by the chemicals reaction happens inside & hazardous materials used in the structure and very huge level of environmental threats o disposal of batteries. All these factors have encouraged the researchers around the world to develop some, light weight, environmental friendly high efficiency batteries; we have some of the solution commercially available with us now. In this article, we have bought to you, some of the round of corner innovations in batteries & power back-up solution across the globe.
New Innovations Coming up
Battery Technology with Nano-wire Anode
There is an ever-increasing demand for portable electronic devices, and improved technology for battery life and stability is a vital factor in device performance. The combined value of the market for rechargeable battery technology is set to grow from $11.8 billion in 2010 to $53.7 billion in 2020. The research team at UL has developed a technology that more than doubles the capacity of lithium-ion battery anodes and retains this high capacity even after being charged and discharged over 1000 times.
Researchers have developed a new germanium nano-wire-based anode that has the ability to greatly increase the capacity and lifetimes of lithium-ion batteries. This breakthrough is important for mobile computing and telecoms but also for the emerging electric vehicle market allowing for smaller and lighter batteries that can hold more charge for longer and maintain this performance over the lifetime of the product. Further added, The typical lithium-ion battery on the market today is based on graphite and has a relatively low capacity. This limits the amount of energy which can be stored. In this research an alternative element, germanium, which is of a higher-capacity.
MIT’s Liquid Metal Stores Solar Power until after Sundown:
A Boston-area startup founded by MIT researchers is working on liquid-metal batteries that will store power for less than $500 a kilowatt-hour. That’s less than a third the cost of some current battery technologies. The technology promises an alternative to the massive pumped-water systems that make up 95 percent of U.S. energy-storage capacity. At that price, developers will be able to build wind and solar projects that can deliver power to the grid anytime, making renewable energy as reliable as natural gas and coal without the greenhouse-gas emissions.
Panasonic’s 12V Ni-MH Energy Recovery Systems in Minicars from Nissan & Mitsubishi
The 12V Energy Recovery System helps improve the performance of idle-stop vehicles. Panasonic Corporation announced that its 12V Energy Recovery Systems that use nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries are installed in the new idle-stop vehicles just rolled out by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, the Nissan DAYZ ROOX*1 and Mitsubishi eK Space*2. The new models were designed and developed for the Japanese market by NMKV Co., Ltd., a joint venture formed by the two automakers. Panasonic’s 12V Energy Recovery System not only solves this problem but also improves fuel economy using recovered energy efficiently and extends the service life of the main lead-acid battery, thus contributing to increased performance of idle-stop vehicles. The system has the same 12V voltage as the main lead-acid battery and adopts Panasonic’s Ni-MH battery cells that can endure high-temperatures. As a result, the system eliminates the need for voltage transformation and enables simplification of the control and cooling systems – which are highly praised by Nissan and Mitsubishi.
Sugar battery offers hope of green-powered gadgets
Researchers from Virginia Tech show off their new sugar battery that could power gadgets within three years. Scientists in the US have developed a sugar-powered “biobattery” that they say stores 10 times more energy than the equivalent-size lithium-ion batteries found in smartphones. According to the team at Virginia Tech university, the results of their work could be in use within three years – and recharging could be a matter simply of adding some more sugar. Their “biobattery”, which releases energy from sugar instead of chemicals such as lithium, used in batteries found in today’s electronic gadgets, could replace conventional disposable or rechargeable batteries – and is cheaper, refillable, biodegradable and more environmentally friendly.
Duke’s metamaterial superlens for long-range wireless charging
By using metamaterials, Duke University has discovered a way of wirelessly transmitting power over much greater distances, bringing us tantalizingly close to a utopian society where mobile devices never run out of battery. This innovation uses a metamaterial superlens to create a WPT system that can transmit power up to 12 times the diameter of the two coils (which are 2cm in this case). A superlens (a lens that goes beyond the diffraction limit), by using materials with properties not found in nature (metamaterials), can circumvent the diameter-transmission-distance limitation.
Dirt-Powered Bacteria Batteries
Recent technological advances have made a battery running on bacteria a reality. Known as microbial fuels cells or MFCs, batteries running on bacteria and other microbes have been keenly researched by scientist for decades. Bacteria powered batteries use the chemical energy generated by bacteria, and convert it into electrical energy. Harvard scientists working under the Lebone banner have created a bacteria powered battery that uses bacteria found in African soil. What is truly remarkable about the MFC created by Lebone is that the battery uses a layer of sand as the ionic membrane, mud with manure as the bacterial substrate, and a graphite cloth as the anode. The MFC created by Harvard scientists uses substances readily available throughout Africa and is expected to provide electricity in remote parts of Africa.
1st European Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Truck APU (Auxiliary Power Unit)
An APU (auxiliary power unit) is a power generator, which covers a vehicle’s demand for energy during a standing phase. The APU is especially set up for the application in a commercial vehicle, as during the dead time the engine may not idle for power generation – a consequence of stringent anti-idling-laws like in the USA. The project starts with defining the APU requirements for the application of a SOFC APU in a Volvo heavy-duty truck for the US market. Based on test results including e.g. production costs, controllability and manufacturability of two existing systems from AVL and Eberspächer (CCES), a benchmark will be performed by the independent research institute Forschungszentrum Jülich, leading to an optimized DESTA SOFC APU. This final unit will combine the superior features of the individual systems. In parallel, TOFC will work on the SOFC stack optimization. The SOFC technology offers significant advantages compared to other fuel cell technologies because of its compatibility with conventional road fuels.
Ambri Liquid Metal Battery,
Ambri is commercializing the Liquid Metal Battery. The Liquid Metal Battery will fundamentally change the way power grids are operated on a global basis. It will provide numerous benefits to multiple stakeholders across the electric system value chain — utilities; independent power producers; transmission operators, and end-users. It will help integrate renewable resources like wind and solar, creating a cleaner electricity infrastructure; it will offset the need to build additional transmission, generation and distribution assets, which will lower electricity costs; it will enable users to reduce their electricity bills; and it will improve reliability in the face of an aging grid.
Battery that uses zinc and can be screen printedfrom Imprint Energy
Using zinc, instead of lithium, and screen printing technology, Imprint Energy has developed a battery that is ultra-thin, energy-dense, flexible, and low cost. Because the battery can be made thin and pliable, the company hopes to target companies making wearables. Imprint Energy has printing out its batteries using standard screen printing technology. Most batteries are made by coating the materials onto foils, which are then assembled into cells. The battery materials are printed like ink onto the screens in whatever shapes the client requires. Customers will pay a premium for batteries created to the custom shapes of their devices. This battery is not very much bulky as zinc is used for the anode part of the battery, and combines that with a solid polymer electrolyte and a cathode made of a metal oxide. Using zinc means Imprint’s batteries can have far less “packaging” because zinc isn’t highly reactive with the environment. They can also be made as tiny as a few hundred microns thick. Batteries that small could power tiny digital smart labels, like freshness detector stickers on food.
Wireless Batteries
The University of Washington recently announced a new concept that allows Wireless devices to go battery-free with new communication technique. The devices use a technique the UW researchers call ambient backscatter. Conceptually if you have a device with an antenna that is either terminated so it absorbs RF or unterminated (or shorted) using a simple switch. The devices operate at low data rates, from 100 bps to 10 kbps, and do not require any active RF signal processing or DSP circuits. This allows them to use the ambient RF not only as a way to communicate (similar to a lost hiker using the sun and a mirror to signal a helicopter) but to rectify the RF and store it to power the devices. The receiver is designed so that it turns on only when data from the transmitting device is detected. Commercialize this concept Samsung has reviled Samsung Galaxy S5 wireless charging battery. The Galaxy S 4 Wireless Battery Cover is designed to replace Galaxy S4 existing battery cover. Simply remove phone’s current battery cover, snap on the Samsung Galaxy S 4’s Wireless Charging Battery Cover and device is now ready for wireless charging. The wireless charging cover adds minimal bulk to your device. Keep in mind that due to a slight addition of bulk, some case options may not fit optimally. The battery door is specifically compatible with Galaxy S 4 models but works with any Qi-enabled charger base like the Samsung Wireless Charging Pad.
Green Batteries from TATA Power:
Using a green technology and recyclable lead as raw material to produce green batteries, Tata AutoComp GY Batteries is helping create an environment-friendly world. Tata AutoComp manufactures the entire range of automotive and inverter batteries in joint venture with GS Yuasa of Japan. These batteries are marketed under the brand name Tata Green Batteries. Tata Green Batteries uses the state-of-the-art manufacturing process based on calcium-calcium (C-C) technology. Tata Green Batteries offer the entire range of automotive batteries (2 wheelers, passenger cars, utility vehicles, commercial vehicles and farm vehicles), and inverter batteries. Tata Green Batteries are available through a nationwide sales and service network. The types of batteries manufactured and marketed are,
Batteries for cars (C-C types), Batteries for utility vehicles (C-C type), Batteries for light commercial vehicles (C-C type), Batteries for medium and heavy commercial vehicles (A-C type), Batteries for tractors (A-C type), Batteries for inverters (A-C type) and Batteries for two-wheelers (A-A type)
Ambient Energy Could Replace Batteries
The concept, known as “energy harvesting” (EH), is becoming more and more popular as technology with the companies bring products to market that can transform electromagnetic, thermal and mechanical energy sources into power that can be stored and used. Disposable and rechargeable batteries that power tens of millions of portable electronics could become obsolete over the coming decades as new technologies come to market that can convert ambient energy into usable electric power, new research shows. Products and applications that are already seeing adoption of EH technologies include mobile phones, portable computers and motor vehicle electric systems. Those markets are expected to grow over the coming years, according to researchers. But EH technology can also be scaled to support much larger systems such as building lighting, medical devices and equipment, and even satellites. Energy resources that allow for EH applications include electromagnetic radiation, solar and thermal energy, and mechanical energy, according to Navigant. The ambient energy stored in such resources undergoes a “transduction” process using photovoltaic, thermoelectric, piezoelectric or electrodynamic processes, allowing the energy to be turned into moving electrons and consumed.
Customer Responses:
Imergy Power Systems India Pvt. Ltd.
Spokesperson: Mr. Sunil Kaul – Vice President, Global Business Development
Inergy systems deals in next-generation flow battery technology. Inergy energy storage platform (ESP) allows users to scale up power and storage capacity independently of one another, making it far more flexible and cost-effective. Imergy’s proven ESP product family significantly improves the cost and reliability of electricity while transforming batteries from short-lived, consumables into long-lasting assets. Taking about innovation on Green technology, Imergy Power Systems has come up with an innovative technique to extract vanadium for its storage systems from mine tailings, depleted oil wells and oil storage depots. To get our active ingredient, we use the commonly available waste product of other processes. With its industry leading cycle performance, quick response, high energy density, reliability and scalability, the Imergy ESP is the foundation of consistent, reliable and affordable power. On new technology, Imergy’s ESP system stores energy in nonflammable aqueous-based liquid electrolyte using a simple exchange of electrons among different ions of the common metal vanadium. A small volume of liquid electrolyte is continuously pumped through a stack of cells, where it is either charged or discharged, by adding or removing electrons and then stored in tanks. By eliminating the phase state reactions which limit the lifetime of conventional batteries, Imergy’s flow batteries provide an unlimited number of charge/discharge cycles over the full capacity range with 10+ years of consistent performance.
Imergy’s energy storage systems are made from commodity materials and are built by low cost assembly. The systems are sold as complete energy storage solutions, including power conversion, remote communication and data management. The ESP also enables on-the-fly system optimization by providing visibility to critical operating metrics through remote monitoring and maintenance. Access to real-time data on both the ESP’s and the grid’s overall performance allows engineers to determine the optimal settings for the Imergy ESP management system.And theImergy ESP comes with a 10-year warranty. For the grid, the Imergy ESP enables transmission and distribution operators to optimize the grid end-to-end, managing peak loads efficiently by storing energy at low loads and delivering it when demand is high. The Imergy ESP also facilitates the implementation of a higher percentage of renewable power. Imergy’s ESP products are an ideal fit for global wireless telecom applications where providers face the challenge of intermittent or non-existent grid power, forcing network and tower operators to rely on expensive power from diesel generators with lead-acid batteries as back-up. With its high charge acceptance, integrated smart battery architecture allowing optimum programmable battery usage, and unlimited cycling performance, the ESP system can reduce energy costs up to 70% by reducing or eliminating the use of diesel generators and eliminating periodic replacements of batteries and the need for air conditioning. The Imergy ESP delivers unparalleled performance with no active temperature control, even at 50°C, making it an ideal solution for extreme temperature environments.
Greenvision Technologies Pvt.Ltd
Spokesperson : Mr. Biju Bruno – Managing Director
Relical batteries offer high Quality Sealed Maintenance Free VRLA Batteries. The key features are State of the art manufacturing facility using advanced battery manufacturing technologies and high purity materials. Install Base of more than a Million Batteries & Serving diverse customer segments as Banking, Insurance, IT Services, Manufacturing, Government, Defense, Retail etc. In last year Green vision batteries have filed for two patents for new developments in battery technology. Developed Pure Gel VRLA batteries for Solar and Electric vehicle applications.
Talking about new innovation done in Relican batteries Mr Bijju said, We’ve been working on developing maintenance free batteries that can work in Indian conditions were batteries are used at very high temperatures, improperly charged and deep cycled on a daily basis. We’ll be commercially launching a range of flat plate gel VRLA batteries that can operate much better than the conventional AGM VRLA batteries. These batteries are also suitable for solar and electric vehicle applications. We’re also working on battery chemistries other than lead acid batteries which can function better in our conditions. The key factor behind these innovations is that, battery technology is continuously evolving. In todays world energy consumption has grown in geometric proportion. So energy production and consequently energy storage is a key challenge. Batteries are key for energy storage, and how to store and use this energy efficiently is the “Holy Grail” all battery technologists, researchers & manufacturers are searching for. On green Batteries Mr. Bijju comment, the battery as a product is one of the most environmentally friendly products, in the sense that it’s 100% recycled. There’s nothing in the battery that’s thrown away. However the process of manufacturing and recycling of the batteries has to be managed very well, otherwise it can lead to severe environmental pollution. Manufacturing facilities need to have the right pollution control equipment and follow strict norms when it comes to discharge of effluents from the factories. Most manufacturers in the organized sector follow the norms and have the necessary equipment, but it’s a different story in the unorganized sector where many do not follow any norms. It’s up to the regulatory authorities to monitor and clamp down on such units. A consumer too should be aware of such issues and inquire about these aspects before buying a product. As a manufacturer we have a “zero discharge” policy on environmental pollution. In our facility we have a state of the art “Effluent treatment plant” and Pollution control equipment like wet scrubbers that ensure no effluents are discharged into the air, water or soil in the surrounding environment.
Courtesy; Exide Industries Ltd.
Exide Industries Limited, India’s flagship of the storage battery industry- is also the largest Power Storage Solutions Company in South and South East Asia. It designs, manufactures, markets and sells the widest range of lead acid storage batteries in the world from 2.5Ah to 20,600Ah capacity, to cover the broadest spectrum of applications. Technology, innovation, quality and country-wide service network are the four pillars on which Exide achieves its high pedestal. The R&D Center, set up in 1976, is counted among the premier battery research facilities in the world and is recognized by the Department of Scientific & Industrial Research under Ministry of Science & Technology, Govt. Of India. Exide have received ISO 14001 Certificate in recognition of our eco-friendly production process. For customers all these attributes transcend Exide from a manufacturing company to a solution provider. After all who can provide all these benefits together with its wide range of products, the ability and competence to guide a user to select the right battery for a particular application, skilled and experienced engineers for erection commissioning and assured professional assistance throughout the service life of a battery. Exide’s global technology centers include analytical, electronics and prototype battery laboratories, world class instrument rooms as well as HEV product development space. Each of Exide R&D facilities serves a unique set of functions that allow us to develop solutions that are region-specific or applicable across all product applications. Exide has R&D centers in the United States, Germany and Spain serve as key sources of information that provide insight to assist in business decisions and shape the development path for energy storage of the future. Exide is one of the largest secondary recyclers in the world with six recycling facilities worldwide. Exide is one of the few companies with the ability to provide Total Battery Management (TBM) in its own facilities. TBM frees customers from the regulatory burdens of handling spent batteries. TBM also keeps recyclable materials in the manufacturing stream instead of landfills. Recycling recovers 99% of all lead received at our recycling centers. Exide recycles more than 1.1 million pounds of lead per day; 365 days a year. Additionally, Exide recover and neutralize more than 15 million gallons of sulfuric acid per year and generate more than 30 million pounds annually of sodium sulfate. Exide’s recycling efforts support the commitment to environmental sustainability around the world. Exide recycling facilities are located in USA/North America:, Battery Recycling – Canon Hollow, Missouri, Muncie, Indiana, Vernon, California. Plastics Recycling – Reading, Pennsylvania. Europe:, Battery Recycling – San Esteban de Gormax, Spain & Sonatur, Portugal. The manufacturing process of exide batteries can be defined as world class manufacturing technology to produce Batteries for the above applications. Its’ factories has all the modern equipments necessary to manufacture world-class products. It also sources its components from the best Battery Component manufacturers in the world. A brief process out-line.
The aim of all processes is geared towards customer satisfaction, which is periodically measured to give us feedback about the performance and act as trigger points to undertake corrections and improvements. Exide processes have been mapped and defined in the QMS / EMS / OH&S systems, and actions are taken to continually improve upon them in order to improve the quality of products and services, reduce cost, reduce waste and improve efficiencies. People involvement is ensured through team working such as Quality Circles and Small Group Activities. From system certifications we have extended to Business Excellence based on the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) MODEL. Over the last few years we have won a number of awards and accolades from different Chambers of Commerce, Forums and Customers. They include the prestigious CII-EXIM Business Excellence Awards, the Manufacturing Excellence IMEA Awards by Frost & Sullivan , Corporate Environment Excellence Award from TERI , to name a few .
Outlook
An electric battery is a device consisting of one or more electrochemical cells that convert stored chemical energy into electrical energy. A battery or a power storage device is the backbone of every electronics appliances around us from the mobile phone in our pockets & miniature cells in our wrist watch to Automobile batteries in cars, and battery board of data centers. Battery are probably the most considerable bulky part of any electronics and the environmental concerns are also very high influenced by the chemicals reaction happens inside & hazardous materials used in the structure and very huge level of environmental threats o disposal of batteries. All these factors have encouraged the researchers around the world to develop some, light weight, environmental friendly high efficiency batteries; we have some of the solution commercially available with us now. In this article, we have bought to you, some of the round of corner innovations in batteries & power back-up solution across the globe.
New Innovations Coming up
Battery Technology with Nano-wire Anode
There is an ever-increasing demand for portable electronic devices, and improved technology for battery life and stability is a vital factor in device performance. The combined value of the market for rechargeable battery technology is set to grow from $11.8 billion in 2010 to $53.7 billion in 2020. The research team at UL has developed a technology that more than doubles the capacity of lithium-ion battery anodes and retains this high capacity even after being charged and discharged over 1000 times.
Researchers have developed a new germanium nano-wire-based anode that has the ability to greatly increase the capacity and lifetimes of lithium-ion batteries. This breakthrough is important for mobile computing and telecoms but also for the emerging electric vehicle market allowing for smaller and lighter batteries that can hold more charge for longer and maintain this performance over the lifetime of the product. Further added, The typical lithium-ion battery on the market today is based on graphite and has a relatively low capacity. This limits the amount of energy which can be stored. In this research an alternative element, germanium, which is of a higher-capacity.
MIT’s Liquid Metal Stores Solar Power until after Sundown:
A Boston-area startup founded by MIT researchers is working on liquid-metal batteries that will store power for less than $500 a kilowatt-hour. That’s less than a third the cost of some current battery technologies. The technology promises an alternative to the massive pumped-water systems that make up 95 percent of U.S. energy-storage capacity. At that price, developers will be able to build wind and solar projects that can deliver power to the grid anytime, making renewable energy as reliable as natural gas and coal without the greenhouse-gas emissions.
Panasonic’s 12V Ni-MH Energy Recovery Systems in Minicars from Nissan & Mitsubishi
The 12V Energy Recovery System helps improve the performance of idle-stop vehicles. Panasonic Corporation announced that its 12V Energy Recovery Systems that use nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries are installed in the new idle-stop vehicles just rolled out by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, the Nissan DAYZ ROOX*1 and Mitsubishi eK Space*2. The new models were designed and developed for the Japanese market by NMKV Co., Ltd., a joint venture formed by the two automakers. Panasonic’s 12V Energy Recovery System not only solves this problem but also improves fuel economy using recovered energy efficiently and extends the service life of the main lead-acid battery, thus contributing to increased performance of idle-stop vehicles. The system has the same 12V voltage as the main lead-acid battery and adopts Panasonic’s Ni-MH battery cells that can endure high-temperatures. As a result, the system eliminates the need for voltage transformation and enables simplification of the control and cooling systems – which are highly praised by Nissan and Mitsubishi.
Sugar battery offers hope of green-powered gadgets
Researchers from Virginia Tech show off their new sugar battery that could power gadgets within three years. Scientists in the US have developed a sugar-powered “biobattery” that they say stores 10 times more energy than the equivalent-size lithium-ion batteries found in smartphones. According to the team at Virginia Tech university, the results of their work could be in use within three years – and recharging could be a matter simply of adding some more sugar. Their “biobattery”, which releases energy from sugar instead of chemicals such as lithium, used in batteries found in today’s electronic gadgets, could replace conventional disposable or rechargeable batteries – and is cheaper, refillable, biodegradable and more environmentally friendly.
Duke’s metamaterial superlens for long-range wireless charging
By using metamaterials, Duke University has discovered a way of wirelessly transmitting power over much greater distances, bringing us tantalizingly close to a utopian society where mobile devices never run out of battery. This innovation uses a metamaterial superlens to create a WPT system that can transmit power up to 12 times the diameter of the two coils (which are 2cm in this case). A superlens (a lens that goes beyond the diffraction limit), by using materials with properties not found in nature (metamaterials), can circumvent the diameter-transmission-distance limitation.
Dirt-Powered Bacteria Batteries
Recent technological advances have made a battery running on bacteria a reality. Known as microbial fuels cells or MFCs, batteries running on bacteria and other microbes have been keenly researched by scientist for decades. Bacteria powered batteries use the chemical energy generated by bacteria, and convert it into electrical energy. Harvard scientists working under the Lebone banner have created a bacteria powered battery that uses bacteria found in African soil. What is truly remarkable about the MFC created by Lebone is that the battery uses a layer of sand as the ionic membrane, mud with manure as the bacterial substrate, and a graphite cloth as the anode. The MFC created by Harvard scientists uses substances readily available throughout Africa and is expected to provide electricity in remote parts of Africa.
1st European Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Truck APU (Auxiliary Power Unit)
An APU (auxiliary power unit) is a power generator, which covers a vehicle’s demand for energy during a standing phase. The APU is especially set up for the application in a commercial vehicle, as during the dead time the engine may not idle for power generation – a consequence of stringent anti-idling-laws like in the USA. The project starts with defining the APU requirements for the application of a SOFC APU in a Volvo heavy-duty truck for the US market. Based on test results including e.g. production costs, controllability and manufacturability of two existing systems from AVL and Eberspächer (CCES), a benchmark will be performed by the independent research institute Forschungszentrum Jülich, leading to an optimized DESTA SOFC APU. This final unit will combine the superior features of the individual systems. In parallel, TOFC will work on the SOFC stack optimization. The SOFC technology offers significant advantages compared to other fuel cell technologies because of its compatibility with conventional road fuels.
Ambri Liquid Metal Battery,
Ambri is commercializing the Liquid Metal Battery. The Liquid Metal Battery will fundamentally change the way power grids are operated on a global basis. It will provide numerous benefits to multiple stakeholders across the electric system value chain — utilities; independent power producers; transmission operators, and end-users. It will help integrate renewable resources like wind and solar, creating a cleaner electricity infrastructure; it will offset the need to build additional transmission, generation and distribution assets, which will lower electricity costs; it will enable users to reduce their electricity bills; and it will improve reliability in the face of an aging grid.
Battery that uses zinc and can be screen printedfrom Imprint Energy
Using zinc, instead of lithium, and screen printing technology, Imprint Energy has developed a battery that is ultra-thin, energy-dense, flexible, and low cost. Because the battery can be made thin and pliable, the company hopes to target companies making wearables. Imprint Energy has printing out its batteries using standard screen printing technology. Most batteries are made by coating the materials onto foils, which are then assembled into cells. The battery materials are printed like ink onto the screens in whatever shapes the client requires. Customers will pay a premium for batteries created to the custom shapes of their devices. This battery is not very much bulky as zinc is used for the anode part of the battery, and combines that with a solid polymer electrolyte and a cathode made of a metal oxide. Using zinc means Imprint’s batteries can have far less “packaging” because zinc isn’t highly reactive with the environment. They can also be made as tiny as a few hundred microns thick. Batteries that small could power tiny digital smart labels, like freshness detector stickers on food.
Wireless Batteries
The University of Washington recently announced a new concept that allows Wireless devices to go battery-free with new communication technique. The devices use a technique the UW researchers call ambient backscatter. Conceptually if you have a device with an antenna that is either terminated so it absorbs RF or unterminated (or shorted) using a simple switch. The devices operate at low data rates, from 100 bps to 10 kbps, and do not require any active RF signal processing or DSP circuits. This allows them to use the ambient RF not only as a way to communicate (similar to a lost hiker using the sun and a mirror to signal a helicopter) but to rectify the RF and store it to power the devices. The receiver is designed so that it turns on only when data from the transmitting device is detected. Commercialize this concept Samsung has reviled Samsung Galaxy S5 wireless charging battery. The Galaxy S 4 Wireless Battery Cover is designed to replace Galaxy S4 existing battery cover. Simply remove phone’s current battery cover, snap on the Samsung Galaxy S 4’s Wireless Charging Battery Cover and device is now ready for wireless charging. The wireless charging cover adds minimal bulk to your device. Keep in mind that due to a slight addition of bulk, some case options may not fit optimally. The battery door is specifically compatible with Galaxy S 4 models but works with any Qi-enabled charger base like the Samsung Wireless Charging Pad.
Green Batteries from TATA Power:
Using a green technology and recyclable lead as raw material to produce green batteries, Tata AutoComp GY Batteries is helping create an environment-friendly world. Tata AutoComp manufactures the entire range of automotive and inverter batteries in joint venture with GS Yuasa of Japan. These batteries are marketed under the brand name Tata Green Batteries. Tata Green Batteries uses the state-of-the-art manufacturing process based on calcium-calcium (C-C) technology. Tata Green Batteries offer the entire range of automotive batteries (2 wheelers, passenger cars, utility vehicles, commercial vehicles and farm vehicles), and inverter batteries. Tata Green Batteries are available through a nationwide sales and service network. The types of batteries manufactured and marketed are,
Batteries for cars (C-C types), Batteries for utility vehicles (C-C type), Batteries for light commercial vehicles (C-C type), Batteries for medium and heavy commercial vehicles (A-C type), Batteries for tractors (A-C type), Batteries for inverters (A-C type) and Batteries for two-wheelers (A-A type)
Ambient Energy Could Replace Batteries
The concept, known as “energy harvesting” (EH), is becoming more and more popular as technology with the companies bring products to market that can transform electromagnetic, thermal and mechanical energy sources into power that can be stored and used. Disposable and rechargeable batteries that power tens of millions of portable electronics could become obsolete over the coming decades as new technologies come to market that can convert ambient energy into usable electric power, new research shows. Products and applications that are already seeing adoption of EH technologies include mobile phones, portable computers and motor vehicle electric systems. Those markets are expected to grow over the coming years, according to researchers. But EH technology can also be scaled to support much larger systems such as building lighting, medical devices and equipment, and even satellites. Energy resources that allow for EH applications include electromagnetic radiation, solar and thermal energy, and mechanical energy, according to Navigant. The ambient energy stored in such resources undergoes a “transduction” process using photovoltaic, thermoelectric, piezoelectric or electrodynamic processes, allowing the energy to be turned into moving electrons and consumed.
Customer Responses:
Imergy Power Systems India Pvt. Ltd.
Spokesperson: Mr. Sunil Kaul – Vice President, Global Business Development
Inergy systems deals in next-generation flow battery technology. Inergy energy storage platform (ESP) allows users to scale up power and storage capacity independently of one another, making it far more flexible and cost-effective. Imergy’s proven ESP product family significantly improves the cost and reliability of electricity while transforming batteries from short-lived, consumables into long-lasting assets. Taking about innovation on Green technology, Imergy Power Systems has come up with an innovative technique to extract vanadium for its storage systems from mine tailings, depleted oil wells and oil storage depots. To get our active ingredient, we use the commonly available waste product of other processes. With its industry leading cycle performance, quick response, high energy density, reliability and scalability, the Imergy ESP is the foundation of consistent, reliable and affordable power. On new technology, Imergy’s ESP system stores energy in nonflammable aqueous-based liquid electrolyte using a simple exchange of electrons among different ions of the common metal vanadium. A small volume of liquid electrolyte is continuously pumped through a stack of cells, where it is either charged or discharged, by adding or removing electrons and then stored in tanks. By eliminating the phase state reactions which limit the lifetime of conventional batteries, Imergy’s flow batteries provide an unlimited number of charge/discharge cycles over the full capacity range with 10+ years of consistent performance.
Imergy’s energy storage systems are made from commodity materials and are built by low cost assembly. The systems are sold as complete energy storage solutions, including power conversion, remote communication and data management. The ESP also enables on-the-fly system optimization by providing visibility to critical operating metrics through remote monitoring and maintenance. Access to real-time data on both the ESP’s and the grid’s overall performance allows engineers to determine the optimal settings for the Imergy ESP management system.And theImergy ESP comes with a 10-year warranty. For the grid, the Imergy ESP enables transmission and distribution operators to optimize the grid end-to-end, managing peak loads efficiently by storing energy at low loads and delivering it when demand is high. The Imergy ESP also facilitates the implementation of a higher percentage of renewable power. Imergy’s ESP products are an ideal fit for global wireless telecom applications where providers face the challenge of intermittent or non-existent grid power, forcing network and tower operators to rely on expensive power from diesel generators with lead-acid batteries as back-up. With its high charge acceptance, integrated smart battery architecture allowing optimum programmable battery usage, and unlimited cycling performance, the ESP system can reduce energy costs up to 70% by reducing or eliminating the use of diesel generators and eliminating periodic replacements of batteries and the need for air conditioning. The Imergy ESP delivers unparalleled performance with no active temperature control, even at 50°C, making it an ideal solution for extreme temperature environments.
Greenvision Technologies Pvt.Ltd
Spokesperson : Mr. Biju Bruno – Managing Director
Relical batteries offer high Quality Sealed Maintenance Free VRLA Batteries. The key features are State of the art manufacturing facility using advanced battery manufacturing technologies and high purity materials. Install Base of more than a Million Batteries & Serving diverse customer segments as Banking, Insurance, IT Services, Manufacturing, Government, Defense, Retail etc. In last year Green vision batteries have filed for two patents for new developments in battery technology. Developed Pure Gel VRLA batteries for Solar and Electric vehicle applications.
Talking about new innovation done in Relican batteries Mr Bijju said, We’ve been working on developing maintenance free batteries that can work in Indian conditions were batteries are used at very high temperatures, improperly charged and deep cycled on a daily basis. We’ll be commercially launching a range of flat plate gel VRLA batteries that can operate much better than the conventional AGM VRLA batteries. These batteries are also suitable for solar and electric vehicle applications. We’re also working on battery chemistries other than lead acid batteries which can function better in our conditions. The key factor behind these innovations is that, battery technology is continuously evolving. In todays world energy consumption has grown in geometric proportion. So energy production and consequently energy storage is a key challenge. Batteries are key for energy storage, and how to store and use this energy efficiently is the “Holy Grail” all battery technologists, researchers & manufacturers are searching for. On green Batteries Mr. Bijju comment, the battery as a product is one of the most environmentally friendly products, in the sense that it’s 100% recycled. There’s nothing in the battery that’s thrown away. However the process of manufacturing and recycling of the batteries has to be managed very well, otherwise it can lead to severe environmental pollution. Manufacturing facilities need to have the right pollution control equipment and follow strict norms when it comes to discharge of effluents from the factories. Most manufacturers in the organized sector follow the norms and have the necessary equipment, but it’s a different story in the unorganized sector where many do not follow any norms. It’s up to the regulatory authorities to monitor and clamp down on such units. A consumer too should be aware of such issues and inquire about these aspects before buying a product. As a manufacturer we have a “zero discharge” policy on environmental pollution. In our facility we have a state of the art “Effluent treatment plant” and Pollution control equipment like wet scrubbers that ensure no effluents are discharged into the air, water or soil in the surrounding environment.
Courtesy; Exide Industries Ltd.
Exide Industries Limited, India’s flagship of the storage battery industry- is also the largest Power Storage Solutions Company in South and South East Asia. It designs, manufactures, markets and sells the widest range of lead acid storage batteries in the world from 2.5Ah to 20,600Ah capacity, to cover the broadest spectrum of applications. Technology, innovation, quality and country-wide service network are the four pillars on which Exide achieves its high pedestal. The R&D Center, set up in 1976, is counted among the premier battery research facilities in the world and is recognized by the Department of Scientific & Industrial Research under Ministry of Science & Technology, Govt. Of India. Exide have received ISO 14001 Certificate in recognition of our eco-friendly production process. For customers all these attributes transcend Exide from a manufacturing company to a solution provider. After all who can provide all these benefits together with its wide range of products, the ability and competence to guide a user to select the right battery for a particular application, skilled and experienced engineers for erection commissioning and assured professional assistance throughout the service life of a battery. Exide’s global technology centers include analytical, electronics and prototype battery laboratories, world class instrument rooms as well as HEV product development space. Each of Exide R&D facilities serves a unique set of functions that allow us to develop solutions that are region-specific or applicable across all product applications. Exide has R&D centers in the United States, Germany and Spain serve as key sources of information that provide insight to assist in business decisions and shape the development path for energy storage of the future. Exide is one of the largest secondary recyclers in the world with six recycling facilities worldwide. Exide is one of the few companies with the ability to provide Total Battery Management (TBM) in its own facilities. TBM frees customers from the regulatory burdens of handling spent batteries. TBM also keeps recyclable materials in the manufacturing stream instead of landfills. Recycling recovers 99% of all lead received at our recycling centers. Exide recycles more than 1.1 million pounds of lead per day; 365 days a year. Additionally, Exide recover and neutralize more than 15 million gallons of sulfuric acid per year and generate more than 30 million pounds annually of sodium sulfate. Exide’s recycling efforts support the commitment to environmental sustainability around the world. Exide recycling facilities are located in USA/North America:, Battery Recycling – Canon Hollow, Missouri, Muncie, Indiana, Vernon, California. Plastics Recycling – Reading, Pennsylvania. Europe:, Battery Recycling – San Esteban de Gormax, Spain & Sonatur, Portugal. The manufacturing process of exide batteries can be defined as world class manufacturing technology to produce Batteries for the above applications. Its’ factories has all the modern equipments necessary to manufacture world-class products. It also sources its components from the best Battery Component manufacturers in the world. A brief process out-line.
The aim of all processes is geared towards customer satisfaction, which is periodically measured to give us feedback about the performance and act as trigger points to undertake corrections and improvements. Exide processes have been mapped and defined in the QMS / EMS / OH&S systems, and actions are taken to continually improve upon them in order to improve the quality of products and services, reduce cost, reduce waste and improve efficiencies. People involvement is ensured through team working such as Quality Circles and Small Group Activities. From system certifications we have extended to Business Excellence based on the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) MODEL. Over the last few years we have won a number of awards and accolades from different Chambers of Commerce, Forums and Customers. They include the prestigious CII-EXIM Business Excellence Awards, the Manufacturing Excellence IMEA Awards by Frost & Sullivan , Corporate Environment Excellence Award from TERI , to name a few .
