Researchers discover a simple way to make batteries last longer
30 September 2024
Power Electronics / Power Management
Researchers at the SLAC-Stanford Battery Center have discovered a way to extend the life of Li-ion batteries by up to 70% with a simple change to the process immediately after production. In the research, which was published in the online journal, Joule, 186 Li-ion batteries were cycled across the initial formation protocols, but used exactly the same aging test. It was found that by using a high-current formation charge on the battery’s first charge, that the lifecycle was extended by up to 70%.
Formation is a critical step in battery manufacturing. During this process, lithium inventory is consumed to form the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), which in turn determines the battery lifetime. During the research, formation charge and temperature were two key parameters that were identified that controlled battery longevity. Surprisingly, a high formation current on the first battery cycle extended the battery lifecycle by an average of 50%. Unlike elevated formation temperature, which boosts battery performance by forming a robust SEI, the cycle life improvement for fast-formed cells arises from a shifted electrode-specific utilisation after formation.
For more information visit www.cell.com/joule
Further reading:
100 V half-bridge GaN driver
Altron Arrow
Power Electronics / Power Management
The LT8418 from Analog Devices is a 100 V half-bridge GaN driver that integrates top and bottom driver stages, driver logic control, and protections.
Read more...
DIN rail-mounted DC UPS
Current Automation
Power Electronics / Power Management
To cope with power sags, total or partial grid outages, acts of sabotage, failures, and reduced security, Adelsystem presents its DIN rail-mount DC UPS solutions.
Read more...
GHA series expands with addition of 700 W
Vepac Electronics
Power Electronics / Power Management
COSEL’s open-frame high power density, 700 W, 3 x 5-inch power supply is optimised for efficient cooling, making it suitable for use in demanding medical and industrial applications.
Read more...
Power the future, one charge at a time
Power Electronics / Power Management
Volta LiFePO4 batteries have an integrated intelligent battery management system that effectively avoids overcharging and over discharging, and prevents overcurrent and short circuit fault conditions.
Read more...
Motor control reference design
Power Electronics / Power Management
The reference design from ST Microelectronics is a ready-to-use and flexible solution ideal for battery-powered three-phase applications requiring high output currents.
Read more...
Energy storage solutions are crucial to SA’s energy transition
Power Electronics / Power Management
Energy storage is considered crucial for South Africa’s energy goals, because while the country has great renewable energy sources, its load profile does not align with the renewable energy generation profile.
Read more...
How integrated on/off controllers contribute to energy-efficient system designs
Altron Arrow
Editor's Choice Power Electronics / Power Management
The importance of electronic system efficiency has grown more significant, emphasising the need for solutions that promote energy efficiency not just during field operation, but also during production.
Read more...
Würth Elektronik expands its optocoupler series
Power Electronics / Power Management
The TRIAC optocouplers are particularly suitable for use in lamp dimming functions and AC motor drivers in household appliances, but can also be used as drivers for larger TRIACs in high-current applications.
Read more...
Material promises 100 times higher energy density
Altron Arrow
Power Electronics / Power Management
TDK Corporation has successfully developed a material for CeraCharge, a next-generation solid-state battery with an energy density of 1000 Wh/L, approximately 100 times greater than the energy density of TDK’s conventional solid-state battery.
Read more...
Comtest introduces Ametek’s Mi-BEAM series
Comtest
Power Electronics / Power Management
The Mi-BEAM series is a programmable DC power system that can be used in testing batteries, fuel cells, and solar inverters.
Read more...
printer friendly version