Battery Power - 2012 Resource Guide - (Page 4)

feature article Global Market for Battery Control Technology: Battery Chargers, Smart Batteries and Battery Conditioners Donald Saxman BCC Research Rechargeable batteries are routinely used in portable product and stationary power applications including computers, cellular phones, and uninterruptible and emergency power supplies. More recently, rechargeable vehicle batteries have evolved from relatively low performance industrial vehicles to electric vehicles that rival internal combustion vehicles in performance and exceed their efficiency. This revolution in battery power has been possible through a systems approach that includes advanced batteries, smart microcontroller battery chargers and power conditioners. The market for “battery control technology” now impacts the commercial and consumer electronics market, the transportation market and the electrical power generation market, among others. Ultimately, the market for batteries drives the market for battery control technology: chargers, smart batteries and conditioners. Batteries are used to accumulate and transport electrical energy. These functions, power storage and power portability, make batteries essential to today’s industrial and consumer-oriented society. Although simple batteries have existed for at least two hundred years, the battery industry traces its roots to the early 1900s. At that time, the commercialization of automobiles and radios created a demand for automotive (starting, lighting, ignition and generator) batteries and portable appliance batteries. These markets, characterized by primary (disposable) and secondary (rechargeable) batteries remain the two areas where most batteries are consumed. With the growth of the markets for secondary batteries, the market for battery control has grown. Starting in the 1960s, the wider commercialization of sealed nickel-cadmium batteries and then sealed lead-acid batteries created competition between primary and secondary batteries for some consumer applications. This development also created a market for whole new kinds of battery control technology. Toward the end of the 20th Century, the global battery market was considered mature, with demand closely related to the sales of either automobiles or various consumer products. Likewise, in many cases, the market for battery control technology was considered mature. Since then, there has been a change in this relationship. For instance, improved microelectronic battery charger controller technology is allowing the commercialization of whole new classes of batteries and is improving the marketability of existing battery systems. This in turn has allowed the commercialization of products (notably portable computers, cellular phones, multi-functional handheld products and electric vehicles) that would be impossible without improved battery control technology. Defining the Battery Control Market: This analysis divides the battery control technology market into five sub-sectors based on the type of consumer. • Automotive • Traction, marine and aviation • Portable products • Stationary (uninterruptible power supply, emergency, remote) • On-Road electric vehicles Then, the market is organized by type of battery control technology. • Battery chargers • Battery conditioners • Smart battery systems Improving Battery Control Product Technical Maturity: Battery designers (mainly electrochemists) and battery charger, conditioner and converter designers (mainly electrical and electronics specialists) will continue to operate together, with new batteries and new battery control techniques evolving together to produce even higher performance products. Therefore, there are still areas where the battery control technology industry could experience the explosive growth usually associated with emerging industries. Below are a few examples. • One trend today is to commercialize microprocessorcontrolled battery chargers that deliver greatly improved performance (in terms of cycle time, battery life extension, etc.) This trend toward improved battery charger performance is the most important driving force in the battery charger industry. This trend is especially prevalent in the portable product sub-sectors, but is also true with automotive, traction and stationary battery control technology. • Another trend is toward consumer convenience. This includes uniquely functional packaging, wireless chargers that do not include direct connectivity to the battery and fast charging options. • Fast charging is especially desirable in electric vehicle (EV) battery chargers. Consumers are willing to pay many hundreds of dollars more for EV chargers that can “fill up” an EV’s battery in a few hours, as opposed to overnight. • The possibility of smart automotive batteries (discussed separately) is another example. On the other hand, the advent of highly reliable, sealed, low maintenance automotive batteries has actually been a disincentive to battery charger sales to the public, as have dual automotive batteries. • Alternative power sources can also be coupled with battery chargers. Options include hand cranks, small wind power systems and photovoltaic power generators. Improving Battery Technical Maturity: Another major battery control technology industry driving force is also due to technological advancement. Ultimately, battery charger www.BatteryPowerOnline.com 4 Battery Power • 2012 Resource Guide  http://www.BatteryPowerOnline.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Battery Power - 2012 Resource Guide

Global Market for Battery Control Technology: Battery Chargers, Smart Batteries and Battery Conditioners
Cost and Performance of Electric Vehicle Batteries
Battery Power 2012 Conference Preview
Battery Manufacturers
Battery Chemistries
Markets/Industry Served
Suppliers
Marketplace
Calendar of Events

Battery Power - 2012 Resource Guide

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