Latest news with #LIBs
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Powering India's energy future: Why it's time to bet big on sodium-ion batteries
Known for its high energy density and long cycle life, lithium-ion has emerged as the preferred choice of battery technology. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are also distinguished by their adaptability and scalability, rendering itself to be an ideal candidate for applications in electric vehicles (EV) and utility-scale energy storage. The convergence of the technical benefits coupled with swift expansion of global manufacturing capacities for LIBs has resulted in a substantial reduction in production costs. India is actively promoting battery manufacturing and supply chain development, but its access to battery critical minerals, especially lithium, essential for cathode and electrolyte, remains severely limited. To overcome this, the Indian government has initiated efforts to secure critical mineral supplies through partnerships such as the Mineral Security Partnership (MSP) and SPVs like KABIL. However, supply vulnerabilities remain. China is the dominant player across the value chain including supply of minerals such as lithium and graphite. In 2023, China restricted graphite exports, disrupting supply chains for countries like the US and South Korea. Although India is scaling up its graphite and anode capacity, lithium supply remains heavily exposed to geopolitical risks because of heavy backward integration of five to seven top Chinese lithium processing companies into mining in Australia and Chile. In addition, China is planning to restrict export of advanced technologies, particularly those related to lithium refining and cathode preparation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Crossout: New Apocalyptic MMO Crossout Play Now Undo Given the restrictions and challenges surrounding critical minerals and battery technology, Indian stakeholders, including the government and industry, need to realign their strategies to secure a resilient position in the global battery supply chain. In this context, sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), though still in the development stage, present a promising alternative among the available battery chemistries. Comparison: LIBs and SIBs Cathode Active Material (CAM): SIBs often utilise cathode materials designed to accommodate the larger sodium-ions, such as Layered Oxides, Polyanionic compounds, or Prussian Blue analogues. LIBs typically use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) or other lithium containing compounds. Anode Active Material (AAM): While graphite is the common anode material for LIBs, it is not as effective for SIBs because sodium ions do not intercalate as readily into graphite. Alternative materials for SIBs, include hard carbon and soft carbon. Electrolyte salts: The electrolyte in SIBs contains sodium salts, such as sodium hexafluorophosphate (NaPF6), whereas LIBs use lithium salts like lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6). The solvents and additives may also differ to optimise performance. Other cell components such as separators, aluminium foil, and casings are essentially common across LIBs and SIBs. Techno-commercial suitability of SIBs The biggest advantage of SIBs lies in the abundance of sodium, one of Earth's most plentiful elements. While LIBs are currently cheaper, SIBs when produced at scale can potentially be ~20per cent to 30per cent more economical. Live Events Although SIBs have a lower energy density, they offer superior safety and temperature tolerance, making them a good fit for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). Prioritising early adoption of SIBs in BESS can drive down costs, paving the way for their eventual expansion into mobility applications. India's advanced chemical industry is well-positioned to supply essential SIB components, strengthening the domestic supply chain. SIBs are also compatible with existing LIB infrastructure (cell manufacturing), enabling a smooth transition with minimal investment. However, to realise the potential of SIBs, India needs a strategic and multi-faceted approach. Key stakeholders should take decisive steps to advance both the technological maturity and commercialisation of SIBs. Technology maturity: The government can prioritise higher funding for academic and industrial research focused on improving energy density, cycle life, and material characteristics. In addition to existing pilot infrastructure, building accessible pilot lines can help bridge the gap between laboratory research and full-scale manufacturing. Cultivating partnership between pilot lines and established organisations, such as Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and third-party facilities, can further expediate prototype testing and validation of SIB technology. Creating incubators and innovation hubs can catalyse technological breakthroughs and provide resources, mentorship, and support for startups and researchers in the battery domain. In addition, leveraging IP rights to create strategic partnerships and licensing agreements can further encourage a continuous cycle of innovation and investments in SIB. Commercialisation roadmap: The government can prioritise the allocation of the remaining 10 GWh under the ACC PLI scheme to players opting for alternative chemistries like SIBs to expediate commercialisation. The rollout of incentives such as tax breaks for raw materials, streamlined approvals to establish manufacturing facilities, and support for OEMs to conduct PoC projects can be critical in bridging between R&D and commercial deployment. The industry can also leverage international partnerships with global battery players based in Japan or Korea. Gaining access to advanced technologies and creating a collaborative effort among the Indian chemical industry, Tier-1 manufacturers, and academic institutions will help forge a robust supply chain for SIBs. Furthermore, building targeted training modules on cell technology, the usage of equipment when scaling a gigafactory, and quality control will be key to cultivating a specialised proficient workforce in battery technology within India. Adopting a dual strategy The majority of SIB players are at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 5 to 6, which is far from the commercial deployment levels of 8 to 9. In the interim, it is prudent for India to actively participate in the energy transition by utilising LIBs while simultaneously preparing to embrace a forward-thinking strategy through the integration of SIBs. This dual-track approach will enable India not only to participate in the global energy transition but to lead it, especially as SIBs reach commercial maturity and offer a viable alternative to the current LIB paradigm.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Powering India's energy future: Why it's time to bet big on sodium-ion batteries
Known for its high energy density and long cycle life, lithium-ion has emerged as the preferred choice of battery technology. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are also distinguished by their adaptability and scalability, rendering itself to be an ideal candidate for applications in electric vehicles (EV) and utility-scale energy storage. The convergence of the technical benefits coupled with swift expansion of global manufacturing capacities for LIBs has resulted in a substantial reduction in production costs. India is actively promoting battery manufacturing and supply chain development, but its access to battery critical minerals, especially lithium, essential for cathode and electrolyte, remains severely limited. To overcome this, the Indian government has initiated efforts to secure critical mineral supplies through partnerships such as the Mineral Security Partnership (MSP) and SPVs like KABIL. However, supply vulnerabilities remain. China is the dominant player across the value chain including supply of minerals such as lithium and graphite. In 2023, China restricted graphite exports, disrupting supply chains for countries like the US and South Korea. Although India is scaling up its graphite and anode capacity, lithium supply remains heavily exposed to geopolitical risks because of heavy backward integration of five to seven top Chinese lithium processing companies into mining in Australia and Chile. In addition, China is planning to restrict export of advanced technologies, particularly those related to lithium refining and cathode preparation. Given the restrictions and challenges surrounding critical minerals and battery technology, Indian stakeholders, including the government and industry, need to realign their strategies to secure a resilient position in the global battery supply chain. In this context, sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), though still in the development stage, present a promising alternative among the available battery chemistries. Comparison: LIBs and SIBs Cathode Active Material (CAM): SIBs often utilize cathode materials designed to accommodate the larger sodium-ions, such as Layered Oxides, Polyanionic compounds, or Prussian Blue analogues. LIBs typically use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) or other lithium containing compounds. Anode Active Material (AAM): While graphite is the common anode material for LIBs, it is not as effective for SIBs because sodium ions do not intercalate as readily into graphite. Alternative materials for SIBs, include hard carbon and soft carbon. Electrolyte salts: The electrolyte in SIBs contains sodium salts, such as sodium hexafluorophosphate (NaPF6), whereas LIBs use lithium salts like lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6). The solvents and additives may also differ to optimize cell components such as separators, aluminium foil, and casings are essentially common across LIBs and SIBs. Techno-commercial suitability of SIBs The biggest advantage of SIBs lies in the abundance of sodium, one of Earth's most plentiful elements. While LIBs are currently cheaper, SIBs when produced at scale can potentially be ~20per cent to 30per cent more economical. Although SIBs have a lower energy density, they offer superior safety and temperature tolerance, making them a good fit for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). Prioritising early adoption of SIBs in BESS can drive down costs, paving the way for their eventual expansion into mobility applications. India's advanced chemical industry is well-positioned to supply essential SIB components, strengthening the domestic supply chain. SIBs are also compatible with existing LIB infrastructure (cell manufacturing), enabling a smooth transition with minimal investment. However, to realise the potential of SIBs, India needs a strategic and multi-faceted approach. Key stakeholders should take decisive steps to advance both the technological maturity and commercialisation of SIBs. Technology maturity: The government can prioritize higher funding for academic and industrial research focused on improving energy density, cycle life, and material characteristics. In addition to existing pilot infrastructure, building accessible pilot lines can help bridge the gap between laboratory research and full-scale manufacturing. Cultivating partnership between pilot lines and established organizations, such as Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and third-party facilities, can further expediate prototype testing and validation of SIB technology. Creating incubators and innovation hubs can catalyse technological breakthroughs and provide resources, mentorship, and support for startups and researchers in the battery domain. In addition, leveraging IP rights to create strategic partnerships and licensing agreements can further encourage a continuous cycle of innovation and investments in SIB. Commercialisation roadmap: The government can prioritize the allocation of the remaining 10 GWh under the ACC PLI scheme to players opting for alternative chemistries like SIBs to expediate commercialisation. The rollout of incentives such as tax breaks for raw materials, streamlined approvals to establish manufacturing facilities, and support for OEMs to conduct PoC projects can be critical in bridging between R&D and commercial deployment. The industry can also leverage international partnerships with global battery players based in Japan or Korea. Gaining access to advanced technologies and creating a collaborative effort among the Indian chemical industry, Tier-1 manufacturers, and academic institutions will help forge a robust supply chain for SIBs. Furthermore, building targeted training modules on cell technology, the usage of equipment when scaling a gigafactory, and quality control will be key to cultivating a specialized proficient workforce in battery technology within India. Adopting a dual strategy The majority of SIB players are at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 5 to 6, which is far from the commercial deployment levels of 8 to 9. In the interim, it is prudent for India to actively participate in the energy transition by utilising LIBs while simultaneously preparing to embrace a forward-thinking strategy through the integration of SIBs. This dual-track approach will enable India not only to participate in the global energy transition but to lead it, especially as SIBs reach commercial maturity and offer a viable alternative to the current LIB paradigm.
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Nuvoton Releases Plan to Launch Mass Production of New Industrial BM-ICs
KYOTO, Japan, Feb. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Nuvoton Technology Corporation Japan (NTCJ) has developed new industrial 17-cell BM-ICs "KA49701A" and "KA49702A" for 48V batteries. Mass production will start from April 2025. These products enhance the safety of battery systems and ensure simple safe system construction. Image: 1. The battery monitoring ICs play a role in ensuring the system operates safely during anomalies such as overcharging or over-discharging of the battery. However, if the main circuits performing cell voltage measurements such as the AD converter or multiplexer of the BM-IC fail, it needs to ensure system safety with external protection circuits, but this increases board area and system cost. The major internal circuits of this product are equipped with diagnostic and fail-safe functions. This diagnostic function can detect main circuit failures and control the cut-off switch, achieving both enhanced BMS safety and reduced system cost. Figure (English): Figure (Simplified Chinese): Figure (Traditional Chinese): 2. By reducing noise levels on the 16-bit AD converter and incorporating a digital filter, NTCJ has achieved industry-leading voltage measurement accuracy of +/-2.9mV (*1). By improving voltage measurement accuracy, maximum battery capacity can be used. Furthermore, precise voltage measurement has been achieved over a wide temperature range. It is also suitable for applications requiring high voltage measurement accuracy in cold and hot environments, such as stationary battery systems compliant with the relevant Chinese national standard (*2). (*1) According to a survey by Nuvoton in the industrial BM-IC field as of February 2025.(*2) GB/T34131-2023, within the system +/-5mV @-20C to 65C. 3. By shortening the cell voltage measurement time, which has high power consumption, operating current has been achieved at 260 microampere, less than 1/10th of NTCJ's previous standards. This enables long battery drive times. Also, optimization of the circuit design has reduced shutdown current consumption to 0.1 microampere or less. Using NTCJ's IC, self-discharge can be minimized, preventing deterioration due to over-discharge when LIBs are transported over long distances and stored long-term. For more details about the product, please visit: About Nuvoton Technology Corporation Japan: View original content: SOURCE Nuvoton Technology Corporation Japan Sign in to access your portfolio
Zawya
06-02-2025
- Zawya
SA's solar boom poses new environmental threat: What to do with your old Li-ion batteries
With the affects of load shedding pushing solar installation in South Africa to its peak over the past few years, so came an increased demand for lithium-ion batteries (LIB) that power solar panel systems. However, improper disposal of these batteries has serious adverse implications for the environment, warns John Hunt, managing director at Mpact Recycling, so it is important to dispose of them responsibly. 'The South African market is relatively new in the consumption of LIB batteries, particularly those used for solar panels,' says Hunt. 'As their life cycles comes to an end, it is imperative that consumers are informed about how to dispose of them correctly.' Environmental impact and fire risk The improper disposal of LIB batteries is detrimental to South Africa's delicate ecosystems and water sources, endangering both wildlife and human health. Consumers must also consider the safe transportation of these batteries so as to avoid the risk of them breaking open, as they can leak dangerous materials that can cause harm. 'Consumers should not dispose of their batteries as part of household waste or in their recycling bins, as there is a chance that they could catch fire during transportation, at recycling centres or landfill sites,' explains Hunt. Safe disposal methods Proper disposal methods, such as safe battery collection programmes, established collection points and partnerships with local communities are essential to mitigating this risk. It is important to follow instructions from the manufacturer regarding packaging, some may provide instructions on securing the battery safely for transprortation to avoid illegal dumping. Simple steps like identifying the battery type and its manufacturer can lead you to recycling programmes that the manufacture might have in place. 'We recommend that they take them to specialised hazardous waste recycling collection points or contact service providers such as Circular Energy that offer safe e-waste collection. 'As stewards of the environment, we need to drive responsible consumption and promote healthy recycling practices not only for lithium batteries but all waste that could potentially end up in landfills.' 'We need to work together with suppliers of alternative solutions using LIBs to implement sustainable waste management practices,' he concludes. "We need to drive education and awareness to encourage individuals to take an active role in protecting our environment for future generations.'
