Valence Expands Large-Format Li-ion Battery Line
Valence Technology Inc. has added eight new models of its large-format lithium-ion batteries. The new series is designed for applications where long run time and ease of installation are important.
"Saphion technology enables the creation of large-format lithium-ion batteries and eliminates many of the safety issues associated with traditional oxide-based lithium-ion battery technologies," said Dr. James Akridge, president and CEO of Valence Technology, Inc. "Our U-Charge Power Systems deliver greater energy density and better reliability at a lower cost of ownership than lead-acid batteries. In addition, they offer better cycle and battery life when compared to nickel metal-hydride batteries of the same power."
The four new U-Charge RT Power Systems each feature built-in battery management electronics for voltage, temperature and state-of-charge monitoring and cell balancing. They also include internal disconnects, making them extremely fault-tolerant, as each battery system can protect itself from potentially damaging conditions.
The U-Charge XP Power Systems are capable of peak power rates of 500 to 1700 continuous watts, depending on the model. Each of the four new models integrate battery monitoring electronics with an communications port and as many as 30 of these battery systems can be connected in series for very high voltage applications, such as pure electric vehicles, series hybrid electric vehicles and power back-up.
To complement the new U-Charge RT and XP Power Systems, Valence Technology will offer battery management systems (U-BMS) and a battery discharge indicator (U-BDI). The U-BMS can be used with 12-volt to 450-volt applications to provide smart battery-to-battery balancing, battery system monitoring, direct control of external disconnects and remote battery system control.
The U-BDI is a companion device that displays the state-of-charge for U-Charge RT Power System models. Production of two models of the U-Charge RT Power System began last year and Valence Technology began delivering these systems to Graham-Field Health Products in October 2005. Production is anticipated to begin on other U-Charge RT and XP Power System models over the next six months.
