Energy Storage

IDTechEx considers the fact that electric bicycle batteries can be removed for charging to be a huge benefit to those wishing to prevent theft and those parking where no charging is possible or where the vehicle may be vandalised during charging. Now that considerable benefit has come to microEVs.

Renewable energy holds the promise of reducing carbon dioxide emissions. But there are times when solar and wind farms generate more electricity than is needed by consumers.

In this second report based on 35 company visits and our conference in Tokyo, July through September 2013, we look at some more trends identified.

IDTechEx has just completed an intense study of Printed Electronics in Japan involving 35 visits to companies and institutions there and interviews and lectures at the IDTechEx Printed Electronics Asia event there.

NREL has developed a device to test one of the most challenging failure mechanisms of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries - a battery internal short circuit.

Researchers in China have designed a smart supercapacitor that reversibly shuts down when it gets too hot.

From July through September 2013 we have visited 35 companies and interviewed many delegates at our Printed Electronics Asia event in Tokyo as well as reviewing the lectures and talking to the lecturers. This article shares some of the trends in Japanese printed electronics and allied subjects that have emerged. It is only a taster from the huge database of information acquired and interpreted by IDTechEx analysts. Over the years, the task has been made difficult by the Japanese predilection for changing company names and this cannot help their business activity.

A water-based, flow battery capable of more than just traditional, stationary energy storage.

Arizona State University have been experimenting with dealloying lithium-tin alloys, and seeing the potential for the nanostructures they are producing to spark advances in lithium-ion batteries.

Clay, an abundant and cheap natural material, is a key ingredient in a supercapacitor that can operate at very high temperatures.

Graphene LIVE! will take place on 20-21 November 2013 at Santa Clara, California.

Wettability could have an impact on how much energy can be stored within such devices that use lithium-ion batteries or super capacitors.

A new material that can store large amounts of energy with very little energy loss has been developed by researchers at Australian National University.

Engineers have created a new wireless communication system that allows devices to interact with each other without relying on batteries or wires for power.

The chemical industry will end up with most of the added value from printed electronics, one of the fastest growing technologies in the world.

Researchers have developed a technique to increase the energy storage capabilities of supercapacitors, essential devices for powering high-speed trains, electric cars, and the emergency doors of the Airbus A380.

Researchers have developed a new method to massively synthesize enhanced yet affordable materials for supercapacitors.

Researchers from Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) have developed a new method to massively synthesize enhanced yet affordable materials for supercapacitors.

This article shares some of the research in the new IDTechEx report, "Range Extenders for Electric Vehicles Land, Water & Air 2013-2023" which covers all such vehicles, on land, on/under water and airborne.

The tiny power supply measures less than half a centimetre across and is made from a flexible material, opening up the possibility for wearable electronics.