Battery Power - January/February 2012 - (Page 25)

iNdustry News cy is measured by initial investment and maintenance costs, as well as performance reliability and widespread availability for addressing time-sensitive replacement situations. Although alternative battery chemistries, such as lithium The global stationary lead acid (SLA) battery market is ion polymer, nickel-cadmium (NiCd) and nickel-metal hydride poised to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of (NiMH) are gaining steady traction in the market, there is no 6.8 percent from 2011 to 2017. SLAs have been used for well threat of an industry transition to these energy storage solutions over a century as a backup/standby power solution in support any time soon. of various critical applications. Over time, SLA batteries have Limited product differentiation is rampant throughout this established a solid reputation as a reliable and rugged solution. mature market. The failure to discern product quality allows less The environmentally friendly nature and widespread product availability strengthens the position of SLA batteries as the solu- capable units to force prices down and presents an illusion that units are identical and devoid of performance variance. tion of choice for many industrial-based end-users. Extensive A major challenge within the SLA battery market is the exdistribution and service networks are contributing to a strong treme volatility of lead prices. From 2009 to 2010, the industry uptake of the technology. Additionally, mergers and acquisitions witnessed an increase of nearly 45 percent. Constant pricing have increased brand awareness as well as network distribution adjustments to compensate for such drastic fluctuations are capabilities and expanded presence. highly impractical. As a result, vendors absorb the cost differNew analysis from Frost & Sullivan’s Global Stationary ence initially until it is eventually passed on to the consumer. Lead Acid (SLA) Battery Market research finds that the market “SLA battery manufacturers have no control over the cost of earned revenues of $4.18 billion in 2010 and estimates this to lead as a means of lowering production costs,” said Dean. “Howreach $6.62 billion in 2017. “As society turns progressively more mobile, the need for re- ever, mergers and acquisitions, as well as strategic partnerships, liable power sources intensifies,” said Frost & Sullivan Research serve well in leveraging production and distribution capabilities, helping to achieve economies of scale to offset the impact of the Analyst Wesley Dean. “The networks supporting this mobility highly unpredictable costs of manufacturing components.” 0247-APEC2011-12 Ad 7.375x4.75.QXD 10/3/11 9:21sensi- Page 1 AM are becoming increasingly microprocessor-based and are Furthermore, factors such as global competition among tive, requiring high-quality power sources.” SLA battery manufacturers, production overcapacity in some In terms of cost effectiveness, SLAs have established a clear lead ahead of competing energy storage solutions. Cost efficien- areas and overall mature market conditions have contributed to Demand Spike for Backup Power Systems Stokes Growth in the Global Stationary Lead Acid Battery Market 2012 February 5–9, 2012 Disney's Coronado Springs Resort Orlando, FL THE PREMIER GLOBAL EVENT IN POWER ELECTRONICS TM TM Visit the Apec 2012 web site for the latest information! www.apec-conf.org SPONSORED BY www.BatteryPowerOnline.com January/February 2012 • Battery Power 25 http://www.apec-conf.org http://www.apec-conf.org http://www.BatteryPowerOnline.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Battery Power - January/February 2012

Battery Power - January/February 2012
Contents
East Penn’s Batteries Play Key Role in Solar Energy Storage Project
The Rechargeable Battery Association Endorses UN Efforts to Improve Lithium Ion Battery Transport Safety Regulations
Usable Energy: Key to Determining the True Cost Of Advanced Lithium Ion Battery Systems for Electric Vehicles
Battery Chargers – Moving Towards Smart Chargers
Battery Evolution: Ensuring Batteries Meet the Safety Concerns of a Changing World
Batteries
Charging & Testing
ICs and Semiconductors
Components
Power Supplies
Industry News
Marketplace
Calendar of Events
Can Ultracapacitors Revolutionize the Electric Vehicle Market?

Battery Power - January/February 2012