Battery Power - Fall 2016 - 4

Feature Improving Lithium-Ion Battery for Future Energy Storage Needs David Lee, CEO * BioSolar Different electrical energy storage applications require a different set of energy storage solutions based on their own unique specifications. Therefore, different electric energy storage applications possess different order of priorities for storage device features often associated with specific types of electrical energy storage technology. Lithium-ion batteries are becoming a mainstream battery choice for consumer and automotive applications, as well as solutions for large scale energy storage due to their advantages over other existing battery chemistries. Unfortunately, there are certain challenges often associated with the intercalation chemistry currently embedded with existing lithium-ion batteries. One of the biggest challenges is the projection of only modest future cost reduction. In order for electrical energy storage to become a realistic replacement for conventional energy storage, i.e., coal, oil, natural gas and other hydrocarbons - choose your poison, drastic reduction of the cost of storing electrical energy has to occur. While there are known strategies to improve lithium ion battery technology to reduce costs at the material, electrode, cell and manufacturing levels, most improvement in battery performance to date has come about due to improved chemistry rather than from ongoing improvement within an existing chemistry. This implies slower than desired cost reduction associated with the conventional intercalation chemistry currently in use by lithium-ion batteries to date, which has only experienced incremental cost reduction. Today's Electrical Energy Storage Need As stated earlier, different electrical energy storage applications prioritize on different battery features and characteristics. For example, electric vehicles for consumer use require high capacity batteries to lengthen the travel range between recharging stops. On the other hand, electric buses with regular stops equipped with charging outlets require faster charging electrical energy storage for frequent charging at its designated stops during service hours. 4 Battery Power * Fall 2016 Keeping this in mind, batteries are generally suitable for applications that require high energy storage but not necessarily require rapid charging and discharging. Therefore, use of batteries in electric vehicles are ideal but not necessarily for other types of electrical energy storage devices. Supercapacitors are generally better suited for applications that require rapid charging and discharging rather than high energy storage for prolonged operation. Thus, a supercapacitor is a better option for hybrid electric backhoes and front end loaders that require intermittent bursts of power to handle occasional heavy lifting. Further, a combination of lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors may be suitable for hybrid electric vehicles. Supercapacitors can handle the high frequency nature of charging and discharging, whereas the high energy storage capacity of batteries provides longer range so that the entire electrical storage system is more cost efficient as well as reliable. Certain consumer electronic devices prioritize long life cycles over high capacity, while others may emphasize lower cost. Medical implant devices or wearable technology devices may emphasize the smallest footprint possible, and thinnest form factor with high density energy storage for the lifetime of product use. Specific markets also call for a different order of priorities. The electric and hybrid vehicles market may require higher capacity, faster charging ability, lower cost and a long cycle life. Consumer electronic markets generally call for higher capacity and the lowest cost possible to the consumer. Grid storage for frequency regulations, however, require long life cycle and fast charging/discharging characteristics, while large scale grid storage seeks lower cost, but not necessary high energy density. Long cycle life is usually not a concern for flow batteries due to its ability to replace active components as many time as required during the life of the product. Due to its many desirable characteristics sought by a wide range of markets and device applications, lithium-ion batteries are becoming a mainstream battery choice for all applications including consumer, automotive and large scale energy storage. According to a recent study published by Allied Market Research titled, "World Lithium-Ion Battery Market: Opportunities and Forecasts, 2015-2022," the global lithium-ion battery market is expected to generate revenue of $46.21 billion by 2022, with a CAGR of 10.8 percent during the forecast period (2016-2022). Currently, the market is very concentrated, as more than 70 percent of installed energy storage capacity uses lithium-ion batteries, as the technology is proven and bankable. www.BatteryPowerOnline.com http://www.BatteryPowerOnline.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Battery Power - Fall 2016