Future Prospects of The Next-Generation LFPO Battery
2012-12-19 10:26
Safe and stable products have been produced throughout the decade of Li-Iron battery industry’s establishment. In cases such as the lawsuit between Hydro Quebec and University of Texas and how controversial issues arise after A123 Systems Inc filed for bankruptcy protection, we could tell the differences between difficulty levels in the development of consumer LFPO/LFP battery.
Taiwan’s Li-iron industry has developed for a long period of time and is considered as one of the mature markets other than the U.S. and China. Back in the early expansion stage when there was a lack of economic of scale in lithium battery, Taiwan quickly adopted the LFPO battery development roadmap that make use of materials such as lithium iron phosphate and LFPO battery to produce more than 2500 tons of shipments a year, leading the world in both scale and quality.
Lithium battery cell and battery pack are two vital applications that each plays a critical role in the renewable energy supply chain, Chang Hong is a Lithium-Iron battery cell manufacturer that has insightful experience and unique perspectives about the industry. The company has its business developed mainly based on battery cell production, which comprises of lithium polymer batteries that came in both 16.8Ah and 50Ah. LFPO (lithium iron phosphorous oxide) was adopted as the cathode material throughout the water-based manufacturing process, which is safe and environmental benign. The selection of cathode material thus plays a critical role and places a direct impact over the manufacturing security, equipment investment, and product yields.
In terms of discharge performance, Chang Hong’s LFPO battery delivers a maximum current of 500A (10c, pulse 30 seconds) with power density also surpasses 1413w/kg, exhibiting outstanding results with LFP/LFPO battery’s compact size and high capacity.
Figure 1. Battery for use in various applications
Source: Chang Hong, compiled by TrendForce
Broad Applications
The company has strengthened ties with fellow module makers for a full-extent use of its high-capacity 50Ah battery cell, which has been successfully deployed into power system for use in various applications such as lamp, vehicle, bicycle and ferry, taking Taiwan made Lithium-iron battery to the world stage.
Manufactured by the ship maker, Chia Sheng Yu enterprise, supported by Lung-Ye enterprise to construct the catamaran base, designed by Ship and Ocean Industries R&D center with Hung-Chang Corporation’s carefully developed electrical control technology and battery design,the first solar-power mission ship, Shihmen Number One, installed with Taiwan made key components, has begun its water-inspection service in September. The R&D team that is composited by several key vendors, has taken full advantages of LFP/LFPO battery to meet its service mission. The ship’s design has optimized battery used for addressing the following conditions: environmental (water- and shock-resistance in high humidity environment), motor voltage, emergency power system, electric-control system, solar-power introduction, battery selection/composition and power management, power system and water-tightening design.
The Northern Region Water Resources Office of MOEA (Ministry of Economics Affairs) indicated that the boat carries the mission to promote clean energy with 16 routine inspection tasks being assigned, said authority director Chang Ting-Hua. The authority will strengthen its collaboration with volunteers for the clean-energy education concept.
Figure 2. Shihmen Number One
Source: Shihmen Reservoir management authority.