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Power Management VIDEO & PODCAST
Li-ion batteries’ first “killer app” was in the Increasing prevalence is most notable in me-
consumer electronics market, as a smaller and dium-to-large format systems. Some industry
lighter weight alternative to the Nickel chemis- experts predicted an eventual decline in the use
tries that powered early laptops. These features of cylindrical cells and polymer cells since the
of Li-ion spurred the invention of small mobile consumer electronics applications were getting
devices from cell phones to watches and hear- thinner and thinner. Among all the chemical com-
ing aids. Smaller, mobile industrial devices, from ponents, the cathode material has the biggest in-
military radios to defibrillators, had requirements fluence on performance. A divide has occurred in
in common with consumer applications, so they recent years with Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LCO) still
also utilized the same technology. However, only being dominant cathode in polymer/pouch cells PowerUP Expo – Panel — The PowerUP Expo – Panel — Are You
recently has Li-ion technology been adapted and used in consumer electronics and the so-called Future of Energy GaN or SiC?
modified for transportation applications from “Mixed-metal Oxides” (NMC/NCA), where some
e-bikes to buses. The performance of a cell is proportion of the Cobalt is replaced with Man- Power semiconductor manufacturers believe that The market is continuing its race towards a request
determined by a balance of competing and subtle ganese, Nickel, and or Aluminum, now being the GaN- and SiC-based devices hold the key to address- for more power. And the industry, in general, is
trade-offs that depend on its major compo- cathode of choice for cylindrical (18650/21700) ing the expansion of renewable energy. moving away from silicon in favor of wide bandgap
nents: the cathode, anode, electrolyte, internal and larger format cylindrical cells. semiconductor materials.
cell design and external cell size. The interplay of FOR MORE INFORMATION >
physical and chemical variables makes it difficult Generally, consumer electronics differentiate with FOR MORE INFORMATION >
to make a direct or linear correlation between long run-time from high capacity or energy density
design and performance. The rapid evolution and faster charge rates, but cycle/calendar life is
of the market is driving innovation and varie- a lower priority, unlike motive applications, which
ty, and the innovation, in turn, is enabling more prioritize cycle life and power delivery. High-rate
applications. While the increase in options for cells, which were originally designed specifically
form factors and specific chemical formulations for power tools, are now being used in everything
provides an exciting opportunity for differentia- from garden equipment to pallet jacks to aircraft
tion, it also brings a lack of stability for supply in tugs. Because of these uses, Lithium Iron Phos-
terms of longevity and cost. The risks associated phate (LFP) cathode cells, even in large format
with being single sourced for a marginal chemis- prismatic shapes, are finally becoming common-
try variant have gone up in recent years and the place with price points comparable to the cobalt
market fundamentals of the raw materials used chemistries and some added benefits. The growth
for rechargeable Li-ion cells, and the sourcing of of electric vehicles and motive application is spur- PowerUp Expo – Panel – Motor Si, SiC or GaN – The power of choice
these materials continue to be issues. ring interest in hydrogen fuel cells as an adjacent Control Solutions for Any Power is yours
and complimentary technology. Requirements
Each of the three semiconductor technologies
The challenges of motion control will revolve comes with very unique characteristics offering
For More Information around the concept of the smart factory. The an- different benefits. Which is the best fit for your
swer will most likely come with the complete opti- design and why?
mization and digitization of products and services.
▶ Green Cubes
FOR MORE INFORMATION >
FOR MORE INFORMATION >
▶ Battery Technology
62 MAY 2021 | www.powerelectronicsnews.com MAY 2021 | www.powerelectronicsnews.com 63
