I figured it would be a good place to find anything related to batteries... https://interestingengineering.com/energy/samsungs-ev-battery-600-mile-charge-in-9-mins Samsung’s EV battery breakthrough: 600-mile charge in 9 mins, 20 year lifespan Given the current high production costs, the initial adoption of these batteries will be confined to the “super premium” EV segment. Updated: Jul 31, 2024 07:41 AM EST Samsung's solid-state batteries boast an energy density of 500 Wh/kg, double that of mainstream EV batteries. Samsung recently made a splash in the industry by showcasing its recent advancements in battery technology, especially related to solid-state batteries. At the SNE Battery Day 2024 expo in Seoul, South Korea, the company revealed that its pilot solid-state battery production line is now fully operational. “We built a pilot line last year to mass-produce all-solid-state batteries by 2027,” said Samsung SDI, as reported by The Elec. Moreover, the battery’s initial batches have already been delivered to EV manufacturers for testing. “We supplied samples to customers from the end of last year to the beginning of this year and are receiving positive feedback,” Samsung SDI stated. Notably, these batteries could power electric vehicles with a 600-mile range, charge in 9 minutes, and have a lifespan of 20 years. Promising features and initial focus These solid-state batteries are expected to be smaller, lighter, and safer than the lithium-ion batteries currently used in most electric vehicles. They hold significant potential to revolutionize the EV industry. “All-solid-state batteries can enhance safety by replacing liquid components with solid ones. When used in the same pack size as existing products, they reduce weight and take up less space,” highlighted the company. However, due to their high production costs, these batteries’ initial application will be limited to the “super premium” EV segment. The “super premium” segment here implies a driving range of around 600 miles per charge. In addition, Samsung will be introducing high-nickel NCS products for the premium segment. Advanced energy density Samsung’s oxide solid-state battery technology boasts an energy density of 500 Wh/kg, nearly double the 270 Wh/kg density of mainstream EV batteries. This increased density could potentially double the driving range of current electric vehicles. Besides, Samsung’s claim of 9-minute charging likely refers to the standard metric of charging a battery from 10% or 20% to 80% capacity rather than a full charge from 0% to 100%. This practice is common in the industry as charging speeds typically slow down significantly beyond the 80% mark to protect battery health and longevity. In addition to its work on solid-state batteries, Samsung is developing more affordable lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and cobalt-free batteries, as well as a dry electrode production method to reduce costs. “We will not only match the price in the popular and entry-level segments, but also mass produce products that can be rapidly charged in 9 minutes by 2026,” emphasized Samsung SDI. Focus on longevity That said, limited availability of charging infrastructure remains a significant hurdle. While some Chinese battery makers already offer 5C or 6C charging speeds, equivalent to 480kW and even 600kW charging stations, they are quite few in numbers. However, notable is the visible approach of all battery makers to offer longer lifespans of batteries. CATL and other battery makers have already announced batteries with 20-year lifespans, often referred to as “million-mile” batteries. Samsung’s vision to “extend the battery life to 20 years” aligns with the broader market trend. While Samsung’s solid-state battery progress is significant, the company must navigate a competitive landscape dominated by Chinese manufacturers. © Copyright 2024 Interesting Engineering, Inc. All Rights Reserved
https://www.thecooldown.com/green-tech/nyobolt-battery-ev-charging-time-longevity/ Startup makes EV battery that can charge to 80% in 5 minutes: 'Electric cars really aren't limited by the batteries anymore' The feat was achieved when powering a specially designed sports car. by Rick KazmerAugust 1, 2024 United Kingdom battery-maker Nyobolt has shaved another minute off already impressive charge times. The company, started in 2019 to bring ultrafast-charging batteries to market, now boasts a power pack that can go from 10% to 80% in four minutes and 37 seconds, according to reports from the BBC and the company. The feat was achieved when powering a specially designed sports car. It might be the final nail in range anxiety's coffin, as the battery proved itself over thousands of cycles during testing. "Electric cars really aren't limited by the batteries anymore," Edward Brightman, a chemical engineering lecturer at Scotland's University of Strathclyde, told the BBC. Nyobolt doesn't go into a lot of details on the inner workings of its impressive power pack. It promotes two solutions on its website: Nyobolt Ultra, a "high voltage" version that provides maximum run time, taking six to 10 minutes, and Nyobolt Xtreme, a "high current" power option that charges in one to five minutes. The latter is billed as having maximum cycle life and a "low total cost of ownership." The Nyobolt tech also reportedly hits the mark on storage capacity, power output, safety, and lifespan, among other key metrics often on the checklists of battery innovators around the world. The sports car was able to travel 120 miles after just minutes of charging, per the BBC. By comparison, Tesla Superchargers can provide up to 200 miles of range in 15 minutes. Many motorists would likely exchange the 80 miles for the extra 10 minutes. A study completed by AAA a couple of years ago found that U.S. drivers travel just over 30 miles a day on average, easily within the Nyobolt range. The test marks an important milestone for EVs, as charge times are dropping across the industry. Volvo and other major brands are also investing in tech to provide 100 or more miles of juice in just minutes. It's part of the way experts interviewed by the BBC said EVs will become more widely accepted. "People are going to want fast-charging infrastructure, independent of what car they're using — everyone wants to do this more quickly," Oxford sustainable energy engineering professor Paul Shearing said. Global EV sales neared 14 million in 2023, continuing an upward trend, as the International Energy Agency notes. Lucrative federal government tax incentives of up to $7,500 can help to make EVs more affordable, along with competition and better tech. What's more, EV owners can save about $1,500 a year on gas and maintenance costs, not to mention the thousands of pounds of air pollution that will be prevented by parking a gas-guzzler, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Heat-trapping smog caused by burning fuel can trigger asthma and other serious health problems, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. The next step, per the experts interviewed by the BBC, is building out a robust charging infrastructure. Recent Tesla layoffs could slow efforts in the United States to add hundreds of thousands more ports by 2030, detailed here by the DOT. The company already boasts a robust 50,000 Superchargers globally. A universal charger being developed in India is another innovation that could help to streamline power-up options for motorists in the future, as well. "We urgently need to upgrade the grid and deploy rapid chargers with the capability to deliver the charge to the battery," Brightman told the BBC. © 2024 THE COOL DOWN COMPANY. All Rights Reserved.
https://www.freethink.com/hard-tech/future-of-solid-state-batteries The Future — August 3, 2024 Solid-state batteries are finally making their way out of the lab The lithium-ion alternatives could help create a safer, greener future. Credit: TDK / Freethink Key Takeaways Lithium-ion batteries currently dominate the market. Small solid-state batteries are used in watches and medical implants, but costs and manufacturing challenges hold the technology back. More advanced solid-state batteries are moving from the lab to factories, and these may one day power EVs and other tech. Kristin Houser This article is an installment of Future Explored, Freethink’s weekly guide to world-changing technology. You can get stories like this one straight to your inbox every Saturday morning by subscribing here. It’s 2030, and you just bought your first electric vehicle. You took the plunge because of the car’s solid-state battery — the same kind of energy-dense, ultra-safe battery also powering your smartphone and other tech devices. Millions of drivers will soon join you, drawn in by better range, lower fire risk, and lower cost. Solid-state batteries The discovery of electricity changed the world, giving birth to inventions that made our lives safer, healthier, more productive, and more enjoyable. Batteries took the discovery to the next level, giving us a way to store electricity and use it to power mobile devices. Today, lithium-ion batteries dominate the battery market, but safer, higher capacity solid-state batteries could power the world of tomorrow — and maybe even help save us from the worst potential effects of climate change. To find out how, let’s take a look at the history of batteries, the latest breakthroughs, and the trends suggesting that solid-state batteries could soon overtake lithium-ion ones. Where we’ve been Where we’re going (maybe) Over the past 200 years, scientists have constantly innovated on batteries by building them with different materials, but the basic design hasn’t changed all that much since the first battery in 1799. You have an anode made of one material, a cathode made of another, and a liquid (or near-liquid) electrolyte. Solid-state batteries have been the major exception, but despite being lauded for decades as the battery of the future — lighter, safer, stronger, and with greater energy density than lithium-ion — they’ve been held back by cost, manufacturing challenges, and a tendency to short circuit. After decades of research, though, solid-state batteries seem ready to finally deliver on their promise — powering everything from the tiniest tech to entire buildings. Starting small A few small solid-state batteries are already being used in some clocks, watches, and medical implants, but a new breakthrough by electronics manufacturer TDK is about to supercharge this trend. In June, the company announced that it had developed a new version of its CeraCharge solid-state battery that has an energy density of 1,000 watt-hours per liter — 100 times greater than its existing CeraCharge battery. TDK hasn’t shared much about the proprietary technology used to make the battery, but has revealed that it features a lithium alloy anode and an oxide-based solid electrolyte that makes it “extremely safe.” Because the new CeraCharge battery can hold vastly more power than its predecessor, it could lead to longer-lasting and/or smaller devices. It could also be a rechargeable alternative to coin-cell batteries (aka “watch batteries”), which have a high energy density but are single-use. “We believe that by replacing the vast amount of primary batteries … with secondary batteries, we can contribute to reducing environmental impact,” Hiroshi Sato, section head of the Energy Units Development Department at TDK, told Freethink. Initially, TDK envisions the new CeraCharge battery being used in wireless headphones, hearing aids, and smartwatches, but it could eventually be scaled up for use in larger devices, such as smartphones, if the company can figure out the manufacturing hurdles. “There is a challenge that as the battery area increases, it becomes difficult to fabricate a uniform and high-density structure, leading to structural defects such as cracks and distortions,” said Sato. “Regarding these challenges, we would like to first accumulate production and practical experience with small batteries and then explore the potential for larger ones,” he continued. Hitting the road The lithium-ion batteries used in most EVs today are much more affordable and more powerful than what was available just a couple decades ago, but their drawbacks are slowing the transition away from internal combustion engines. Some people are hesitant to buy a car that takes hours to charge and might not have enough juice to get them long distances. The possibility that the battery can catch fire doesn’t help. Solid-state batteries have long been considered a potentially better alternative for EVs, but we’ve yet to see an EV with one make it to the assembly line. That could change in the near future as major automakers around the world are investing heavily in the technology. In 2023, Toyota announced that it was working with Japanese energy company Idemitsu Kosan to begin manufacturing solid-state EV batteries by 2027-2028, with mass production to follow after. “Through repeated trial and error and by combining the material technologies of both companies, we have been able to develop a crack-resistant material that demonstrates high performance,” said Koji Sato, Toyota Motor Corporation’s president and CEO. Mercedes-Benz, meanwhile, believes solid-state EV batteries could provide nearly double the range of lithium-ion ones. Its goal is to get them into production vehicles by 2030, and it partnered with battery developer ProLogium Technology in 2022 to develop EV-ready solid-state batteries. In January 2024, ProLogium opened the world’s first giga-scale solid-state battery factory, and mass production is expected to begin in 2027. At full capacity, the factory will be able to make enough batteries for 26,000 EVs annually. “After 17 years of dedicated effort, ProLogium is thrilled to present next-generation solid-state batteries to the world,” said Vincent Yang, ProLogium’s founder and CEO. “The time is now.” Even more recently, Volkwagen’s battery company, PowerCo, struck a deal with battery developer QuantumScape that will allow it to use the company’s partially solid-state lithium-metal battery tech to manufacture enough batteries for up to one million EVs annually. This tech features a solid electrolyte on one side of a ceramic separator and a liquid one on the other. According to QuantumScape, this approach helps avoid the formation of dendrites — spiky structures that can cause solid-state batteries to short circuit — while potentially increasing an EV’s range from 350 miles to 500 miles. “With this cooperation, we aim to bring the most sustainable and cutting-edge battery cells to our customers,” said Frank Blome, CEO of PowerCo. “We have been collaborating and testing QuantumScape prototype cells for years now, and we are looking forward to bringing this technology of the future into series production.” Supporting the grid While solar and wind power are cheap, plentiful sources of energy, they’re also variable. To account for that, some power plants stash excess solar or wind power in battery energy storage systems (BESS) for use when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing. Lithium-ion batteries are currently the standard for BESS, but solid-state batteries could be a better option due to their increased safety, longer lifespan, and higher energy density. First, though, we need to address the issues of cost and complex manufacturing for batteries at this size. Dragonfly Energy is one of the companies trying to do this. In 2023, it obtained a patent for a manufacturing technique it says will help it overcome the challenge of manufacturing solid-state batteries for grid storage. “[The technique] eliminates the need for large drying rooms, replacing methods which require a significant amount of time and expensive heavy machinery; making the process highly scalable within a reduced footprint, and allowing for increased production in a reduced time frame and at a lower cost,” writes Dragonfly. Maryland-based battery maker Ion Storage Solutions, meanwhile, just opened a factory in April 2024 where it will make solid-state battery cells with ceramic electrolytes and lithium metal anodes for grid storage, EVs, and other applications. Its goal is to scale up to .5 GWh of capacity by 2028. “From the outset, our goal has been to develop an advanced solid-state battery that delivers enhanced power, reliability, and safety, all while being scalable in production,” said CEO Ricky Hanna. “This new facility, one of the largest of its kind, marks a significant step towards realizing that vision.” The big picture While it’ll likely be several years before EVs equipped with solid-state batteries are driving off the lot — and maybe even longer before they’re helping shore up a clean electric grid — it’s encouraging to see this tech finally moving out of labs and into factories. Just like with past battery designs, the first solid-state batteries to hit the market are unlikely to be the best possible versions of the tech, too. In January, Harvard researchers unveiled a solid-state battery with silicon in the anode that can charge in 10 minutes, and just this week, Danish researchers reported that they’d developed a lithium-free solid-state battery made from minerals found in rocks. “We have shown that we can find a material for a solid-state electrolyte that is cheap, efficient, eco-friendly, and scalable — and that even performs better than solid-state lithium-based electrolytes,” said researcher Mohamad Khoshkalam from the Technical University of Denmark. As long as this innovation continues, we seem destined for a future in which solid-state batteries made from a variety of materials help make our tech devices last longer, our EVs drive farther, and our electric grids cleaner and more stable.
https://newatlas.com/automotive/007-ev-10-minute-ultra-fast-charging/ 007 EV rolling out to dealers with 10-minute ultra-fast charging By C.C. Weiss August 14, 2024 Ten-minute EV charging has been realized – quite nearly, at least. We've seen many "world's fastest" EV battery charging claims roll through in recent months and years, but most relate to battery tech that's still deep in the research or prototype phases. This week, Chinese auto manufacturer Zeekr staked a new claim on the title, but this one's for the 800-V lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery in the updated 007 sedan launching in mere days. Much like its better-known global Geely siblings Volvo and Polestar, Zeekr consistently keeps its finger on the pulse of the latest bleeding-edge battery tech. Difference being, the Chinese battery market has a faster pulse. Back in 2022, Zeekr broke out as the first automaker developing a vehicle around CATL's headline-splashing long-range Qilin battery. In December 2023, it announced its own in-house battery development progress, unveiling an LFP battery it said was capable of charging 500 km (310 miles) worth of range in 15 minutes flat. Days later, that 75-kWh "Golden Battery" battery was rolling out in the all-new 2024 Zeekr 007 sedan. Developed in-house by Zeekr, the latest 'Golden Battery' rises to a claimed world's fastest charging rate Here we are just 3/4 of a year later, and Zeekr is updating the 2025 007 sedan with a newer version of its battery that promises significantly faster charging. It announced at its Tech Day this week that the new battery leaps to 5.5C charging, pushing 10 to 80% charge time down to just 10.5 minutes. That charging time won't be immune to extreme weather, but Zeekr claims a 30-minute 10-to-80% charge in temperatures as low as -10 °C (14 °F). Zeekr did not include battery capacity or range figures in its English press release, but according to multiple reports out of China, the updated LFP battery maintains the same 75-kWh capacity as the original, good for over 680 km (422 miles) of CLTC range. That means roughly 480 km (298 miles) of range in that 10.5-min timeframe, edging EV charging convenience ever closer to the few minutes it takes to pump a full tank of gas. Those looking to maximize range over ultra-fast charging will still have the option of ordering the 2025 Zeekr 007 with an 870-km (540-mile) CATL Qilin battery. As for Zeekr's world's fastest claims, the new battery slices roughly a full minute off the 11-min 28-sec charge the Zeekr 001 achieved with CATL's 95-kWh Shenxing battery back in April and roughly ties the 10-min-36-sec mark Li Auto's bullet-like Mega MPV hit with a 102-kWh CATL Qilin battery back in February. That Li Mega mark was documented by a Chinese influencer; Li Auto officially advertises a 12-minute time to gain the 500 km necessary to take the Mega from a 10 to an 80% state of charge. At its own tech conference in May, Volkswagen-backed Chinese battery maker Gotion claimed it had a battery capable of hitting 80% charge in 9.8 minutes ready for mass production. It also detailed a second battery with purported 600-km/10-min (373-mile) charging capabilities. Neither was rolling out in a production vehicle model at the time, however. Back in the US, meanwhile, Hyundai Motor Group's fast-charging remains king, taking an estimated 18 minutes to achieve a 10 to 80% charge in vehicles like the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Kia EV6. Motor Trend achieved 193 miles (311 km) in 15 minutes at the charger with the Hyundai Ioniq 6 SE Long Range, comparable to the 322 km (200 miles) per 15 minutes Tesla claims. So in case it wasn't clear already, the Chinese have really taken over the driver's seat when it comes to pushing the envelope in electric vehicle development. An ultra-fast-charging battery is only as good as the ultra-fast-charging network available to fire up the peak rates required to hit minimal charging times, and Zeekr continues addressing this part of the equation by growing out its ultra-fast 800-V network. The company plans to double the 500-strong Chinese charging station network by the end of 2024, with further plans to more than triple its current number of total chargers to 10,000 by 2026. © 2024 New Atlas
https://cleantechnica.com/2024/08/17/new-silicon-ev-battery-caltech-startup/ New Silicon EV Battery From CalTech Spinoff Is The Best Thing Ever Tina Casey File this one under H for How Low Can An EV Battery Go? A spinoff from CalTech called Sienza Energy has come up with a new silicon EV battery that does away with cobalt, a baggage-laden mineral once thought essential for high-performing mobile energy storage. The secret is a nanoscale structure that resembles a plastic badminton birdie but delivers the triple threat of cost, performance, and safety. New Silicon EV Battery Banishes Hotspots Beginning with the safety issue first, last week Sienza put out a brief press release explaining why their new silicon EV battery helps the auto industry quell fears about battery fires. In comparison to gas-powered vehicles, there is actually nothing to fear. Lithium-ion EV batteries are engineered to reduce the risk of thermal runaway, aka fires. Both hybrid and 100% electric vehicles have established a track record on automobile fires that is significantly lower than gas-powered vehicles. Still, the fact that EV fires are relatively rare makes them a magnet for outsized attention. In the press release, Sienza CEO Dr. Matthew Tasooji took note of two high profile incidents in Korea, a fire at a battery factory and a battery fire that destroyed a Mercedes EQE in a parking lot. He also drew attention to the 3D, nanoscale structures that make the new Sienza battery much less likely to suffer the same fate. “Sienza batteries improved mechanical stability can better absorb and distribute mechanical stress, reducing the likelihood of internal short circuits,” he explained. Sienza CTO Dr. Azin Fahimi further elaborated that the nanoscale structures are designed to dissipate heat more effectively. The company’s Chairman of the Board, Dr. Mory Gharib, also elaborated further. “By increasing the surface area of the electrodes, 3D nanostructures enhance the efficiency of electrochemical reactions, thus improving battery performance and longevity without compromising safety,” he said. Adding some additional insights, the Sienza website explains that conventional lithium-ion batteries deploy millions micron-sized particles in their electrodes. In contrast, the Sienza EV battery boots the scale into nano-territory with billions of structures, resulting in a surface area 100 times that of conventional batteries. In addition to more efficient heat dissipation, the expanded surface area is a key factor in the improved performance of the new battery. World Shocked As Silicon EV Battery Outperforms Graphite Moving along to performance, Sienza emphasizes that the new silicon EV battery can be adapted for a wide variety of uses including aerospace and defense, but for now let’s focus on its application to street legal electric vehicles. Sienza states that its new EV battery is 46% smaller by volume than conventional batteries with the same range. That provides automakers with new opportunities to engineer smaller, lighter, more affordable electric cars. If range is the priority, Sienza also notes that its EV battery gets 60% more range when compared to other batteries of equal volume. “Our innovative manufacturing process represents a significant advancement in the field, enabling the synthesis of novel chemistries at lower temperatures,” Sienza explains. “The utilization of this technique in the production of cathode materials exhibits a remarkable potential for energy storage, with the ability to store 3 to 5 times more energy.” “This breakthrough development translates into a remarkable improvement in cell-core energy density, reaching 2,000Wh/L in batteries and approximately 1,700Wh/L in full-size EV batteries – more than double the performance of current state-of-the-art technologies,” they add. Don’t just take their word for it. Sienza founder Professor Mory Gharib ran the numbers in a press release last March, after the results came in from the independent third-party validator Mobile Power Solutions. “Sienza’s 3D pure silicon anode has demonstrated an average gravimetric capacity of 2,941 mAh/g,” Professor Gharib said. “This means that for every gram of silicon, our batteries can store 2,941 milliampere-hours of electricity, significantly higher than the industry standard for graphite, with a gravimetric capacity of 372 mAh/g.” That thing about outperforming graphite is rather shocking, considering how difficult it is to get silicon to behave. The idea of using silicon instead of graphite crossed the CleanTechnica radar years ago, when researchers were still struggling to get the stretch-ability factor under control. One solution was to deploy a combination of graphite and silicon, but the anode of the Sienza EV battery is 100% silicon (see more silicon battery background here). “Sienza Energy’s unique 3D electrode nano-architecture, high energy and power density, and long cycle life, even at fast charging rates, combined with the use of high-quality silicon sets itself apart from current industry standards,” emphasized Dr. Fahimi. How Low Can An EV Battery Go? Even though the up-front cost of an electric vehicle is still relatively high, EV sales are setting records here in the US and elsewhere. Sales will really go through the roof as the cost of an EV battery keeps declining, and Sienza has that angle covered, too. Sienza notes that the higher energy density of its new battery translates into cost savings. Another cost-cutter involves the elimination of binders and other additives. Using that same 46% volume reduction for comparison, Sienza calculates that its battery cells cost 48% less than conventional cells to manufacture. On a comparison of equal volumes, the number comes out at 24% less while delivering that 60% increase in range cited above. Without going into too much detail, Sienza notes that its use of fast throughput fabrication technology enables it to avoid the high capital cost typical of today’s EV battery gigafactories, while still pumping out the product at scale. Better Batteries For A Healthier Planet Circling back around to that thing about cobalt, automakers have been taking some steps to avoid the human rights abuses and environmental impacts that have bedeviled the global cobalt market. New battery recycling technology can also help the industry reduce the amount of virgin cobalt needed. Still, with many more millions of EVs set to hit the roads of the Earth over the coming years, removing supply chain issues at the source is a significant improvement. Aside from completely avoiding the cobalt issue, Sienza notes that its manufacturing process does not rely on the solvent-based coating systems deployed for producing conventional lithium-ion batteries. Sienza cites one commonly used solvent in particular, N-methyl-pyrrolidone (NMP). Beyond EV battery production, NMP is widely used in paint and coating products sold at retail. Last year the US Environmental Protection Agency formally announced its intent to restrict the use of NMP under certain conditions assessed for worker and consumer safety, so stay tuned for more on that. Copyright © 2023 CleanTechnica, all rights reserved.
https://interestingengineering.com/energy/manganese-lithium-ion-battery-energy-density Japan’s manganese-boosted EV battery hits game-changing 820 Wh/Kg, no decay Manganese anodes in Li-ion batteries achieved 820 Wh/kg, surpassing NiCo batteries’ 750 Wh/kg. Updated: Aug 27, 2024 Ameya Paleja Close-up of Lithium-ion high-voltage battery components for electric vehicles. SweetBunFactory/iStock Japanese researchers at Yokohama National University have demonstrated a promising alternative to nickel and cobalt-based batteries for electric vehicles (EVs). Their approach uses manganese in the anode to create a high-energy density battery that is both cost-effective and sustainable. EV manufacturers prefer nickel and cobalt batteries since they deliver higher energy density, translating to more range in a smaller battery pack. However, both components are expensive to source and relatively rare, making them unsustainable options when EV usage soars worldwide. Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are the preferred rechargeable battery option for most electronics. However, their lower energy density puts them on the back foot regarding EVs. Research and development efforts to improve them have led to the introduction of better Li-ion options. Manganese in the anode material alongside lithium, such as LiMnO2, has also been experimented with. However, applications have been limited due to the electrode’s poorer performance. Researchers at Yokohama National University (YNU) in Japan have addressed this issue in their recent work. Working with a monoclinic system After extensively studying LiMnO2 in its various forms using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and electrochemical methods, researcher Naoaki Yabuuchi and his team at YNU found that a monoclinic layered domain activates the structural transition of LiMnO2 to a spinel-like phase. A monoclinic system is a type of group symmetry of a solid crystalline structure. LiMnO2 improves the electrode material’s performance by facilitating the phase transition. Without the phase transition, a LiMnO2 electrode has sub-optimal performance. “From this finding, nanostructured LiMnO2 with the monoclinic layered domain structures and high surface area has been directly synthesized using a simple solid-state reaction,” Yabuuchi said in a press release. The reaction has no intermediary steps and can be directly synthesized from two components using a calcination process. Performance improvements with Mn Post-synthesis testing revealed that a battery with a LiMnO2 electrode reached an energy density of 820 watt-hours per kilogram (Wh kg-1) compared to a 750 Wh per kg obtained with a nickel-based battery. Only lithium-based batteries have an even lower energy density of 500 Wh per kg. Nanostructured LiMnO2 with domain structures and larger surface area delivers large reversible capacity with good capacity retention with excellent charge rate-capability, which is an essential character for electric vehicle applications. Image credit: Yokohama National University The researchers told Interesting Engineering in an email that manganese, when used in other polymorphs, typically shows half the energy density capacity. Previous work using manganese reported a voltage decay in batteries, wherein voltage output dropped over time, reducing the electronic device’s performance. However, with the LiMnO2 electrode, the researchers did not observe such outcomes. Manganese dissolution, either due to phase changes or a reaction with an acidic solution, can still occur. The press release added that the researchers plan to address this using a highly concentrated electrolyte solution and a lithium phosphate coating. The researchers are confident that their work has contributed to developing a new offering that is competitive with existing options, sustainable to produce, and environmentally friendly in the long run. They look forward to commercializing their technology and its usage in the EV industry. The research team added in their email to IE, “We have found a very cheap methodology, and that is the important finding of our study. “ © Copyright 2024 Interesting Engineering, Inc. All Rights Reserved
https://www.thecooldown.com/green-tech/ttape-lithium-ion-battery-ev/ © 2024 THE COOL DOWN COMPANY. Company develops solution to reduce risk of EV battery fires and explosions: 'Solves the problem of being unable to detect battery cell hot spots quickly' "This groundbreaking solution revolutionizes the management of lithium-ion batteries." by Susan Elizabeth TurekSeptember 10, 2024 Even though data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration suggests gas-powered cars are more of a fire risk than electric vehicles, lithium-ion battery fires can occur. Littelfuse's revolutionary temperature monitoring technology could help make these rare fires even less likely, extending the lifespan of EV batteries and improving their performance to boot, as detailed by Interesting Engineering. The Chicago-based company's TTape is thin and pressure-sensitive, according to the manufacturer, resulting in a simple installation process. It also boasts an operating temperature from minus-40 degrees to 85 degrees Celsius (minus-104 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit). The "closely spaced temperature indicators" basically work as an early warning system, per Interesting Engineering, enabling action in the event of overheating before any battery damage occurs. "TTape solves the problem of being unable to detect battery cell hot spots quickly," Charged Electric Vehicles Magazine explained. Furthermore, the flexible tape can adjust to any battery shape. While most EVs still rely on lithium-ion batteries, there isn't a uniform type. Keyence Corporation notes that cylindrical, prismatic, and pouch are common cell configurations.
Not a battery, but just as exciting https://newatlas.com/energy/evinci-nuclear-microreactor/ eVinci nuclear microreactor moves towards commercialization By David Szondy September 26, 2024 The eVinci microreactor Westinghouse Westinghouse Electric Company is advancing its revolutionary eVinci nuclear microreactor. Based on space nuclear technology, it boasts a tiny footprint, no moving parts, and can be swapped out for refueling, much like replacing a used gas bottle. In the wake of climate change concerns, nuclear energy is experiencing a resurgence. With its zero-emissions principle and ability to generate large amounts of power, it can address many of the challenges facing the energy sector. However, the nuclear industry must overcome issues related to safety (perceived or otherwise), availability, and cost, while also significantly speeding up the construction process, which traditionally takes years. Westinghouse's solution is the eVinci microreactor, which is less than 10 ft (3 m) in diameter and generates up to 5 megawatt electrical (MWe) with a 15 megawatt thermal (MWth) core design. This compact setup can be manufactured in a factory rather than on-site, and it runs for over eight years on a single fueling. When the fuel is depleted, the entire reactor is shut down, loaded onto a truck, and returned to the factory for refueling or replacement with a new reactor. eVinci What sets the eVinci apart from other small reactors is that it has no moving parts once in normal operation and requires no water or other coolant circulation. It uses highly robust TRISO (TRi-structural ISOtropic) fuel, which consists of uranium enriched to 19.75%, sealed into pellets the size of millet seeds made of uranium, carbon, and ceramic. These pellets are combined into small spheres that are then packed into rods and inserted into the core. The result is a fuel assembly that is extremely durable, resistant to heat and corrosion, and produces a self-limiting nuclear reaction that cannot go out of control. In addition to the fuel rods, there are shutdown rods inserted during transport to halt the nuclear reaction entirely. A rotating drum must also be moved aside for the core to activate. In an emergency, this drum passively rolls back into place to shut everything down. In short, once everything is operational, no moving parts are needed to keep the reactor running, including the cooling system. Instead of circulating water, air, helium, or molten salts, the reactor uses a solid-steel monolith to house the core and absorb heat. From there, alkali heat pipes passively conduct the heat away using phase changes in the alkali metal to cool the reactor and convert the heat into electricity. The result is a compact, inherently safe design. Westinghouse claims the eVinci can be set up above ground in a relatively lightweight plant that requires only about two acres (8,090 m²) and needs only a small staff for operations and security. The core is small enough to be shipped in standard containers by rail, barge, or truck. Beyond civilian power generation, Westinghouse says the eVinci is also suitable for powering remote locations, mining and drilling operations, industrial facilities, district heating, hydrogen generation, research, military bases, and data centers. It can also be configured for on-demand loads, allowing it to integrate with wind and solar power grids. The company says it has submitted a Preliminary Safety Design Report (PSDR) for the eVinci microreactor to the Department of Energy's (DOE) National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC), marking a milestone for the device. "This PSDR submission is a critical step towards bringing the Westinghouse eVinci Microreactor to commercial operation," said Jon Ball, President of eVinci Technologies at Westinghouse. "We are targeting the deployment of multiple eVinci microreactors worldwide by the end of the decade, and our strong, continued partnership with INL and the Department of Energy is instrumental to our efforts." Source: Westinghouse © 2024 New Atlas
Samsung’s New Solid-State Battery Promises 600-Mile Range and 9-Minute Charging By Chingkheinganba Haobam- October 19, 20240 Samsung has recently unveiled a groundbreaking advancement in electric vehicle (EV) battery technology: a solid-state battery that would allow 600 miles between charges and recharge to 80% in only 9 minutes. Today, Samsung seeks to place itself at the forefront of the automotive revolution through this announcement at the SNE Battery Day 2024 Exhibition held in Seoul, South Korea. Key Features of Samsung’s Solid-State Battery The solid-state battery technology developed by Samsung boasts several remarkable features: Extended Range: One of the primary concerns of consumers of electric vehicles is the battery range length; this battery has a range of up to 600 miles. Today’s mainstream EVs provide ranges of around 270 miles, making Samsung’s offering almost twice as much. Rapid Charging: Imagine rapid battery capacity charging from 10% to 80% in just 9 minutes! This fast-charging look would cut the periods drivers had to spend recharging their cars, making electric vehicles better suited for long-distance use. Longevity: Samsung says that its solid-state battery can last up to 20 years- a much longer time than lithium-ion batteries. This not only helps cut the cost of battery replacement, which when done more frequently by other manufacturers devalues the overall worth of the device to the user. High Energy Density: In a new battery, an energy density of 500 Wh/kg has been set, which is about two times larger than that in lithium-ion batteries. This improved energy density is not only good for the extended range but will also enhance the battery’s small size and weight. Technological Advantages Compared to the lithium-ion batteries that require flammable liquid electrolytes, Samsung’s new batteries are based on solid electrolytes. This design minimizes some of the dangers of overheating and potential fire mishaps, which have been inherent in the previous generations of batteries. The solid-sulfide chemistry used in these batteries is claimed to be stable and efficient, which makes it a good candidate for a range of EV applications. Market Implications It should also be noted that the further Samsung develops, the more possible it is to challenge conventional standards in the industry. As competitors tighten their belts with new models including Tesla and BYD advance, Samsung’s advantages show its competitive edge with range, charging time, and safety features. For instance, the latest Tesla Model Y has a range of approximately 320 miles on a single charge; when using the best charging options available, it still takes time longer than what Samsung proposes. However, it is worth mentioning that the first application of these batteries might be grossed up in the ‘super premium’ segment the electric vehicles because of the high manufacturing cost. Samsung is planning to offer it in mass by 2027 with first development samples already shipped to automobile makers for testing. Future Developments Samsung is not only investing in solid-state technology but also in lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries and cobalt-free batteries as well. They intend to extend the utilization of commercial superior battery technologies to many segments of the market without compromising the cost. Summing up, it is possible to note that Samsung’s challenge the solid-state battery technology is a severe breakthrough in EVs. The potential benefits of this innovation include increased range, shorter charging time, and longer product life cycle therefore this innovation has the potential of setting a new industry standard for consumers and effectively bringing on a revolutionized use of electric cars in the world. To that end, innovations such as Samsung’s report are essential in charting the future of the automotive business and the transition to eco-friendly mobility platforms. © 2024 VEHICLESUGGEST
Amprius ships EV battery that reaches 90% charge in 15 minutes Michelle Lewis | Nov 4 2024 - 1:22 pm PT Photo: Amprius Amprius Technologies has shipped its power-packed A-Sample EV cells to the United States Advanced Battery Consortium (USABC), a research collaboration between major automakers to advance EV battery technology. Amprius’ new SiMaxx cells hit an impressive 360 Wh/kg in energy density – far beyond the USABC’s target of 275 Wh/kg. What does that mean for EV drivers? Simply put, longer range without a bulkier battery. Plus, these cells have a power density of 1200 W/kg, meaning more efficient energy delivery. One of the standout features here is the charging speed. The A-Sample EV cells can go from empty to 90% in just 15 minutes, which exceeds the USABC’s target of 80% in the same amount of time. Amprius’ internal tests are also showing progress toward achieving 1,000 charge cycles. USABC is a subsidiary of the United States Council for Automotive Research (USCAR), the collaborative technology company of Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis. This US Department of Energy (DOE)-supported collaboration aims to drive forward the adoption of cutting-edge battery tech for EVs. Amprius has been working closely with USABC and the DOE on these cells as part of a $3 million contract awarded in May 2022. The delivery of these sample cells marks the final milestone in that development project. Amprius is in talks with major automakers about adopting this tech more widely. To meet market demand, Amprius has agreements in place for over 500 MWh of contract manufacturing. This means they’re ready to scale up and get these batteries into as many EVs as possible. With the automotive world increasingly focusing on cleaner energy, Amprius’ batteries could be a game-changer. Amprius CEO Dr. Kang Sun said, “With their superior energy and power performance, fast charging, wide operating temperature range, and safety features, Amprius is continuing to transform the EV sector and other electric mobility segments as we scale toward high-volume manufacturing.”