Lithium-ion batteries are the key
Researchers are working on high-power batteries
Electric car in Zermatt
Until now, electric cars could not prevail on the market. The reason: There is a lack efficient, safe, durable and cost-effective energy storage systems. Today it comes with a tank load current less than 100 kilometers wide. And those electric mobility is bought with a price: about 15,000 euros or more does a battery.
In the future, designed to promote high performance lithium-ion batteries, the cars. These power packages already supplying mobile phones, PDAs, laptops, camcorders and cordless drill with power. The advantages of high-performance batteries: they are lightweight and have no memory effect. Advanced lithium-ion batteries are considered bowl component for powered vehicles.
Lithium-ion battery
Caution highly flammable
Modern lithium-ion batteries store at the same weight for about two to three times as much energy as ordinary nickel-cadmium batteries, “says Dr. Jens Tübke a decisive advantage. The expert in electrochemistry coordinates the newly founded Fraunhofer Network batteries combine in the development of its 13 institutes and research skills in the battery.
A key task is to develop powerful and safer lithium-ion batteries. The problem: the organic electrolytes are inflammable. Overheat the batteries, they may readily accordingly. The result: Time and again, must be PC makers to recall laptop batteries.
Safer
Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC in Wurzburg are working to optimize safety. “We have succeeded in replacing the inflammable organic electrolytes with a non-combustible, dimensionally stable polymer,” explains Dr. Kai-Christian Möller, ISC team leader, the approach of the researchers. “This improves the safety of lithium-ion batteries.”
Prototype of a lithium-polymer batteries
The non-flammable polymer material originates from the group of Ormocers ® - a compound with silicon-oxygen chains that form an inorganic structure, which is associated with organic side chains. A first prototype of the new lithium-ion batteries have already been introduced to the researchers at the Hanover Fair. Until the energy storage in laptops, PDAs, navigation devices and cordless screwdrivers is used, however, likely still take three to five years.
Another way, lithium-ion batteries safer, has embarked on Evonik Industries. The company relies on a flexible Fleece based separator with ceramic particles, separates the anode and cathode of each other. The advantage of the “Separion ®”: It is more temperature than the currently used systems.
End with: HP Battery, Compaq Battery, 417066-001, 447649-251, 454001-001.
