How researchers want to charge e-car batteries faster

Published: 30 August 2021

How to charge e-car batteries faster

Previous solutions in battery management are complicated, expensive to build and not universally applicable for all on-board voltages. A team of researchers has now developed a quantum sensor that uses nitrogen error sources in diamonds (high-density NV diamonds) to determine magnetic fields and currents. It measures without microwaves and can be built very compactly. Due to its quantum mechanical properties, the technique is largely independent of temperature and pressure and does not show any signs of ageing. The use of quantum effects in the new battery sensor also enables universal use in electric vehicles with typical voltages from 12 to over 800 volts. Laboratory samples are being further tested in exemplary applications.

Faster charging of the e-car battery is an urgent wish of current owners. Quite a few prospective buyers of e-cars are currently hesitating before making a purchase, not least because of the long charging time, and are waiting until a more optimal solution is found here.

In September 2021  >> Download PDF

Ideal charging times for mobile phones

Published: 03 July 2021

What are the ideal charging times?

New mobile phones with even better features are constantly coming onto the market. What remains the same is the fact that the battery must be recharged after some time. Here, advice from the relevant experts should be heeded for one's own benefit: Many experts advise plugging the mobile phone into the mains before the battery level has reached 20 per cent and then only charging it up to 80 per cent!

It is also not advisable to immediately reconnect a mobile phone with a high battery level to the mains. Reason: Even if you only charge it from 70 to 100 percent, it can take another whole charging cycle. Mobile phone batteries are designed for an average of 1000-1500 charging cycles, and the less you have to charge in total, the better. Brand new mobile phones should also not be fully charged.

Does it make sense to leave the mobile phone plugged in all night? The built-in electronics prevent overcharging, but continuous power for several hours can cause additional charging cycles, which further reduces the lifespan of the device. Conclusion: Li-ion batteries should actually never be fully charged or discharged. If you take all this into account, you can enjoy your mobile phone for longer.

In June 2021   >> Download PDF

Solid-state batteries in electric cars

Published: 26 May 2021

Solid-state batteries

Solid-state batteries use a solid-material electrolyte instead of the usually liquid solid batteries, it is thus possible that a part of the solid electrolyte can be incorporated into the electrodes. This type of battery promises more safety (no fire hazard), shorter charging times and more range.

Currently, the biggest problem is the low current when charging. In general, however, the solid-state battery is regarded as a great hope of the electric car industry. Car manufacturers are investing billions in research and development. Some electric car manufacturers want to put the first demo cars on the wheels before 2025. The aim is also to use very environmentally friendly and recyclable batteries of this type.

In May 2021   >> Download PDF

Model library for battery-powered devices

Published: 08 April 2021

Model library accelerates development of battery-powered devices

A battery analytics company presents a library of commonly used battery models. It contains battery cells with different chemistry and in different formats for simulation purposes. The ever-growing collection includes battery models that simulate electrical, thermal and aging behavior. Another added value is access to the entire overview of cells and standardized cell data sheets. This makes it possible to make first and simple comparisons. However, users can also specify that no one else can use their own cell models.

In April 2021 /  >> Download PDF

Focus on new lithium-metal batteries

Published: 01 March 2021

New lithium-metal batteries

The EU research project HIDDEN is in the process of researching and developing novel lithium-metal batteries to eliminate certain disadvantages of the lithium-ion batteries in focus today. Longer service life and higher energy density are the determining theme. Improved self-healing processes will increase the service life and energy density compared to the Li-Ion batteries by up 50 percent. In addition, the manufacturing processes still need to be optimized. The very important goal is to prevent dendrite formation in lithium-metal batteries by appropriate measures. The researchers will assemble sample cells and then carefully review the results of the actions. It is expected that in about 3 years it will be possible for such innovative batteries to come to the market in a resource-saving and cost-effective manner.

In March 2021   >> Download PDF