http://thefraserdomain.typepad.com/energy/2007/12/valence-technol.htmlValence Technology Premieres First Intelligent, Large-Format Lithium-Ion Battery System at EVS-23
Valence Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: VLNC) unveiled its third generation of lithium-ion battery technology, EpochTM, at The International Electric Vehicle Symposium and Exposition (EVS-23), which started Sunday at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Calif.
From their press release and website:
Valence believes its new generation of phosphate-based lithium-ion battery systems will move the electric vehicle industry one step closer to the Holy Grail -- finding a battery solution that is safe, intelligent, lasts longer and weighs less than outdated technologies being used today. Epoch batteries are equipped with an advanced management system that will monitor and adjust cell performance so battery packs will always operate at their optimum performance capacity. Epoch batteries present a safe, powerful and reliable energy solution designed to be low maintenance, cost competitive and environmentally friendly.
Epoch represents significant electronic, mechanical and thermal improvements over their second generation U-ChargeTM product. Some of the main advantages are fail soft capability, improved balancing for optimized energy delivery, enhanced SOC calculation, higher system voltage capability, field serviceability, remote access capability and higher continuous discharge capability.
Key Characteristics Include:
• Fail Soft – Built in robustness and redundancy improves system fault tolerance.
• Programmable CAN Bus Communication minimizes host controller integration time.
• Systems configurable to 48 in series and 16 in parallel, with up to 240 batteries per controller.
• Each Battery module has built in automatic protection for over-charge, over-discharge, and over-temperature. This protection ensures maximum battery service life.
• Battery level electronic monitoring of SOC, state-of health, current, voltage, and temperature.
• Battery level cell balancing, maximizing deliverable capacity.
• Rugged mechanical design – Dust and Water protection to IP66.
• Maintenance-free, Long Cycle Life ~2000, 100% DOD, cycles under normal conditions.
• Can be charged using most standard lead-acid chargers (AGM/GEL setting etc.).
"By definition, 'epoch' means a period marked by radical changes and new developments," said Robert L. Kanode, president and CEO of Valence. "We believe the Epoch brand of battery systems will serve as the cornerstone of an era when lithium-ion battery chemistry used for large-format transportation and other motive and back-up storage applications is efficient, safe, reliable, powerful and widely-used," continued Kanode. "As potential new clients see the benefits of Epoch brand-equipped delivery fleets, Valence could well set the standard for EV fleet vehicles in several European markets during 2008 and we would hope to see the same type of market traction and excitement in U.S. markets in the near future."
The Epoch brand of customizable battery packs will be available in 12.8 volt and 19.2 volt modules and will allow users scalability up to 390 KWh. Additional Epoch battery system benefits include a fail soft capability that will eliminate system failure and a life cycle comprised of more than 2000 charge cycles. Epoch branded battery products will also provide users a "green" alternative to environmentally contaminating lead-acid batteries. Detailed specifications can be found here.
The actual launch date in volume manufacture depends on the particular module. The EEV -- 19.2V, 122Ah, 1562 Wh, 34.3 lb, 10.6x5.8x10.8 in -- and E27 -- 12.8V, 122Ah, 1562 Wh, 40.9 lb, 12.2x6.8x9.2 in -- modules will begin manufacture in March 08, with the E24 and E1 beginning in April 08.
Valence will phase out production of U-Charge as they transition to EPOCH. However, they will continue to support all U-ChargeTM warranty agreements currently in place.
Although Valance was the first supplier of large format lithium-ion batteries they have not received the publicity of the two apparent market leaders, A123 and Altair. I have noticed a steady stream of reletively small orders -- this may be a prudent strategy, rather than going after sales to major automotive companies until after their product is well proven. They do have sales to Segway and Enova among others. Maybe this new product is reallly an annoucement that they are ready to go big time.
