A123 nanophosphate ext

[chessir]

A123 officially announced new battery-nanophosphate EXT which does not require cooling or heating under most ambient temperature conditions. Is this a big deal? Probably good for autos but somewhat irrelevant for ebikes?

 

[Goathead]

At least they are so claiming . . .
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/12/business/energy-environment/a123-us-backed-battery-maker-claims-breakthrough.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all

It sounds as if they had their grant extended a couple years. And they are claiming a new Li-Ion tech that incorporates "nanophosphates".

I may just make a nano-milkshake to celebrate . . .

 

[dogman dan]

Depends on your climate I suppose. I find batteries to perk up noticeably in 100F weather. Perhaps it wears them more than room temp, but if I can stand the temperature, my experience is that the battery can too.

Cold is another story, both my pingbattery and my RC lipo packs suffer from the cold. Living in a warm climate, I don't have enough insulation on the battery boxes for January. But most of the winter, it's tolerable. Again, if my battery can't stand it, likely I'm driving the car long before that because I can't stand it. But you northern dwellers ride in really cold weather, and could very likely appreciate a wider range with less sag.

 

[dogman dan]

I'll celebrate when I can buy a reasonably priced 12v 20 ah pack in a plastic box at Walmart or Autozone. We need them to be as easy to buy as a car starting battery.

 

[Phoebus]

"We do get exposed to a lot of the upcoming advancements in battery technology," Elon Musk, co-founder and chief executive officer of Tesla Motors Inc., said June 6 at the electric-car maker's shareholder meeting in Mountain View, California.

Tesla, which begins delivering its battery-powered Model S sedan on June 22, isn't an A123 customer.

"There are few industries with more BS than the battery industry," Musk said of battery makers, without elaborating. "It's quite remarkable."

 

[MitchJi]

Hi,

http://www.a123systems.com/93f6a479...815/media-room-2012-press-releases-detail.htm

A123 Systems Introduces Breakthrough Lithium Ion Battery Technology That Optimizes Performance in Extreme Temperatures

WALTHAM, Mass., June 12, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A123 Systems (Nasdaq:AONE), a developer and manufacturer of advanced Nanophosphate® lithium iron phosphate batteries and systems, today introduced Nanophosphate EXT™, a new lithium ion battery technology capable of operating at extreme temperatures without requiring thermal management. Nanophosphate EXT is designed to significantly reduce or eliminate the need for heating or cooling systems, which is expected to create sizeable new opportunities within the transportation and telecommunications markets, among others.

"We believe Nanophosphate EXT is a game-changing breakthrough that overcomes one of the key limitations of lead acid, standard lithium ion and other advanced batteries. By delivering high power, energy and cycle life capabilities over a wider temperature range, we believe Nanophosphate EXT can reduce or even eliminate the need for costly thermal management systems, which we expect will dramatically enhance the business case for deploying A123's lithium ion battery solutions for a significant number of applications," said David Vieau, CEO of A123 Systems. "We continue to emphasize innovation with a commercial purpose, and we expect Nanophosphate EXT to strengthen our competitive position in existing target markets as well as create new opportunities for applications that previously were not possible to cost-effectively serve with lithium ion batteries."

Unlike lead acid or other advanced battery technologies, Nanophosphate EXT is designed to maintain long cycle life at extreme high temperatures and deliver high power at extreme low temperatures. According to the testing performed to date at the Ohio State University's Center for Automotive Research (CAR) and the very low observed rate of aging, cells built with A123's Nanophosphate EXT are expected to be capable of retaining more than 90 percent of initial capacity after 2,000 full charge-discharge cycles at 45 degrees Celsius. CAR has also starting testing the cold temperature performance of Nanophosphate EXT, which A123 expects will deliver a 20 percent increase in power at temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius.

"Based on our analysis, the performance of A123's new Nanophosphate EXT at high temperatures is unlike anything we've ever seen from lead acid, lithium ion or any other battery technology," said Dr. Yann Guezennec, senior fellow at CAR and professor of mechanical engineering at the Ohio State University. "Nanophosphate EXT maintains impressive cycle life even at extreme high temperatures without sacrificing storage or energy capabilities, especially as compared with the competitive leading lithium ion technology that we used on our head-to-head testing. If our testing also validates the low-temperature power capabilities that A123's data is showing, we believe Nanophosphate EXT could be a game-changing battery breakthrough for the electrification of transportation, including the emerging micro hybrid vehicle segment."

Nanophosphate EXT is based on A123's proprietary lithium iron phosphate battery technology, which offers high power, long cycle life, increased usable energy and excellent safety as compared to other available battery technologies. Nanophosphate EXT is designed to extend these capabilities over a wider temperature range, enabling customers to deploy more advanced solutions that increase performance in applications that frequently experience battery cycling at extreme temperatures. Because Nanophosphate EXT is designed to reduce or eliminate the need for costly thermal management, it is expected to deliver these performance advantages while also increasing reliability, minimizing complexity and reducing total cost of ownership (TCO) over the life of the battery system for a number of applications, including those within the transportation and telecommunications industries.

* Transportation—Nanophosphate EXT is designed to augment the performance advantages of A123's solutions for electric and micro hybrid commercial and passenger vehicles. By enabling increased power at low temperatures, Nanophosphate EXT is expected to substantially improve the cold-cranking capabilities of A123's lithium ion 12V Engine Start battery. This would eliminate what has historically been the only performance advantage of lead acid in starter battery applications, and is expected to considerably increase the value proposition of A123's Engine Start battery as a lighter-weight, longer-lasting alternative to absorbent glass mat (AGM) and other lead acid batteries. This is expected to reduce TCO for micro hybrid applications, which represents a growing subset of the global electric vehicle market—According to Lux Research, the worldwide market for micro hybrids is projected to reach more than 39 million vehicles in 2017, creating a $6.9 billion market for energy storage devices.

In addition, Nanophosphate EXT is expected to enable automakers to significantly reduce or completely eliminate active cooling systems in electric vehicle battery packs. A123 expects this to lower cost, reduce weight and improve reliability, providing automakers with a cost-effective solution that A123 believes will increases efficiency and minimize system complexity without sacrificing vehicle performance, battery life or driving range. Strategy consultancy Roland Berger forecasts that the global automotive lithium ion battery market will reach more than $9 billion by 2015.

* Telecommunications—Nanophosphate EXT supplements the advantages of A123's lithium ion battery solutions for telecommunications backup, which are designed to replace the lead acid batteries deployed at new and existing global cell tower sites built off-grid or in regions with unstable power. These sites typically require diesel generators to support the batteries, and due to the lengthy charge time necessary for lead acid batteries, the generators are often forced to operate for extended periods. In contrast, A123's solutions charge about six times more quickly than lead acid, which significantly reduces generator run time and lowers fuel costs by 30 percent or more. At cell towers in extreme temperature environments, Nanophosphate EXT further reduces operating and maintenance costs by minimizing or eliminating the need for air conditioning or heating. In higher-temperature climates, for example, the cost of installing and running the air conditioning necessary to properly cool the lead acid batteries can represent up to 50 percent of the total power consumed at each cell tower site. A123 believes that Nanophosphate EXT has the potential to significantly expand the global addressable market for its telecommunications backup solutions to more than $1.2 billion by 2016.

"From the introduction of our breakthrough Nanophosphate battery chemistry to our envelope-pushing work developing ultra high power batteries for Formula One racing to our introduction of megawatt-scale grid energy storage systems, A123 has been at the forefront of battery and energy storage innovation. Today we announce another milestone, and believe Nanophosphate EXT to be a significant breakthrough," said Dr. Yet-Ming Chiang, co-founder of A123 and professor of materials science and engineering at MIT. "Lithium ion has always had a number of significant advantages over lead acid and other advanced battery technology, but its performance limitations at extreme high and extreme low temperatures have prevented it from addressing a number of important applications. Nanophosphate EXT changes this dynamic, and highlights why we believe continued lithium ion battery R&D is critical for discovering next-generation breakthroughs that can fundamentally change how the world uses energy storage."

Availability
A123's Nanophosphate EXT technology is scheduled to enter volume production in A123's 20Ah prismatic cells during the first half of 2013. A123 is also evaluating plans to potentially offer Nanophosphate EXT across its complete portfolio of cell products. For more information, please visit www.a123systems.com.

About A123 Systems
A123 Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq:AONE) is a leading developer and manufacturer of advanced lithium-ion batteries and energy storage systems for transportation, electric grid and commercial applications. The company's proprietary Nanophosphate® lithium iron phosphate technology is built on novel nanoscale materials initially developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and is designed to deliver high power and energy density, increased safety and extended life. A123 leverages breakthrough technology, high-quality manufacturing and expert systems integration capabilities to deliver innovative solutions that enable customers to bring next-generation products to market. For additional information please visit www.a123systems.com.

Safe Harbor Disclosure
This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors including statements with respect to the anticipated features, performance characteristics, capabilities, benefits and technical advantages over existing technologies of Nanophosphate EXT generally and in each of A123's target markets, the expected new opportunities created by Nanophosphate EXT generally and in A123's target markets , the expected potential for Nanophosphate EXT to strengthen A123's competitive position, increase reliability, minimize system complexity and reduce costs, the results from third party testing conducted on Nanophosphate EXT and the related expectations for Nanophosphate EXT's current and future performance based on such testing, the performance characteristics of A123's core Nanophosphate technology, the ability for Nanophosphate EXT to provide significant advantages in commercial use and to significantly expand certain global addressable markets , the expected availability and volume production of Nanophosphate EXT in A123's cell products and the potential demand for cell products using Nanophosphate EXT. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements are: delays in the development, testing, production, commercialization, availability and delivery of Nanophosphate EXT and the products in which it is utilized, delays in the scale-up, revalidation and increased efficiency of A123's manufacturing capacity, delays in A123's manufacturing ramp, the potential for manufacturing defects, delays in customer and market demand for and adoption of Nanophosphate EXT , failure of Nanophosphate EXT to achieve its expected performance, capabilities, benefits, cost reductions and technical advantages, adverse economic conditions in general and adverse economic conditions specifically affecting the markets and geographies in which A123 operates, , and other risks detailed in A123 Systems' quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 and other publicly available filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements reflect A123's expectations only as of the date of this release and should not be relied upon as reflecting A123's views, expectations or beliefs at any date subsequent to the date of this release.

 

[MitchJi]

Hi,

http://www.a123systems.com/lithium-ion-battery-technology.htm

Nanophosphate EXT™ Lithium Ion

A123’s next-generation Nanophosphate EXT™ lithium ion battery technology improves power capability at low temperature and life at high temperature, potentially reducing or eliminating the need for costly thermal management.

By extending the capabilities of our core Nanophosphate® technology over a wider temperature operating range, Nanophosphate EXT is expected to deliver increased performance and reliability while minimizing complexity and reducing total cost of ownership (TCO) over the life of the battery system for a number of applications, including micro hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, telecommunications backup and military systems, among others.

Key Benefits:
Improved Power Capability
* Nanophosphate EXT delivers improved power, especially at low temperatures
* 20-30% higher power than our standard Nanophosphate® chemistry
* Superior power retention

Extended Calendar and Cycle Life
* Improved calendar and cycle life, particularly at elevated temperatures
* 2-3x the cycle life of lithium ion competitors
* 10x the life of lead acid

Lower Total Cost of Ownership
* Wide temperature operating capability reduces the need for costly thermal management equipment and associated operating costs
* Greater power capability reduces the need for pack oversizing to meet application requirements
* Better calendar and cycle life means greater battery utilization, fewer replacements and lower maintenance costs

 

[SamTexas]

I'll celebrate when I can buy a reasonably priced 12v 20 ah pack in a plastic box at Walmart or Autozone.

Define reasonably. Better yet, what would you pay for that 12V 20Ah (240Wh) pack?

 

[dogman dan]

About what you pay for a better than least quality 12v starter battery these days would be good enough for me. $100 each, say, which would make a nice 36v 20 ah pack about $300. No delivery costs, just go get it.

Hey, it's a thread discussing a battery fantasies right? A realistic price would be about double that perhaps, but it sure would be nice to be able to just pop down to any car parts store and pick one up wouldn't it?

 

[mistercrash]

you northern dwellers ride in really cold weather, and could very likely appreciate a wider range with less sag.

very true, I will keep an eye out for the results of their cold weather testing, I am also interested in knowing at what temps can these cells be fast charged. I'm hoping for being able to fast charge at up to at least -20°C and a lot less sag at up to -40°C. According to their testing, hot weather is not a problem for these cells. But are they going to be available to the DIYers. :?

 

[chessir]

For automobiles it would be a radical improvement not to have to assemble hardware for both heating and cooling.A123 claims $600 in savings here. Whether or not there's reduced battery in cold weather still remains to be seen. Can't wait to get my hands on a sample.

 

[Goathead]

Hate to be a cynic, but the timing of the announcement does seem a bit suspect.

But even if that discharge curve is overstated by twice, it's still impressive.

I think the day will come pretty soon that easy off-the-shelf availability will here. Pretty well every car manufacturer has an electric model now, and that means they'll need parts. Meantime, I keep searching the BatteriesPlus site, but no dice.

For now, that A123 is staying in the game is a good thing. We're already <proudly?> buying tickets from the Russians to get to the space station. Elon Musk is looking at getting in on that too. (Time magazine, last week: http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,2116639,00.html)

 

[Stevil_Knevil]

Trying to remain optimistic about A123, but as many of us here have learned - the hard way -- there are liars, damned liars..
..and battery manufacturers

 

[totinen]

very true, I will keep an eye out for the results of their cold weather testing, I am also interested in knowing at what temps can these cells be fast charged. I'm hoping for being able to fast charge at up to at least -20°C and a lot less sag at up to -40°C. According to their testing, hot weather is not a problem for these cells. But are they going to be available to the DIYers. :?

Well, we here on southern Finland have almost never under -30°C. Maybe old battery types will now become cheaper?

 

[SamTexas]

... A realistic price would be about double that perhaps, ...

If A123 really lives up to its specs (discharge rate and life cycle and a working BMS), I would be willing to pay up to 3 times the price of a comparable lead-acid battery for my cars and motorcycles. Even at 3x price, it's still cheaper in the long run. But most importantly, it's maintenance free.

 

[dogman dan]

I just keep wishing for all the lithium stuff to get a LOT cheaper and more avaliable off the shelf localy. Especially if it has a decent c rate.

Then I want it to be more modular, like 12v blocks instead of a big soldered blob of pouch cells like a ping. 3 A123 20 ah pouch cells and a bms in a plastic box, sitting on a shelf localy would be pretty cool.

 

[SamTexas]

For cars yes. For ebikes no. For ebikes, I want individual cells so I can shape the pack to fit my triangle. But really, what's important to me is a reliable, working BMS. One that helps instead of hurts like all BMSs in existence today. May be there's one BMS out there today that really works, but I don't know of it.

 

[dogman dan]

Well, it's all a fantasy, A123 is not going to sell their stuff in Autozone anytime soon. Prismatic pack A123 in 10,20,40, ah etc would really be cool.

 

[texaspyro]

I have developed a new lithium iron chemistry that gets over 10,000 cycles at 75 degrees C, 1000 Wh/kg. It's LiFePO4-UT (unicorn tears). Will be released just as soon as the genetic engineering is complete. Plus unicorn meat is delicious and the horns are a superb aphrodisiac!