IDTechEx

Ascent Solar signs distributor agreement with Sunload Mobile Solutions

Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. a developer of flexible thin-film solar modules, announced today that Sunload Mobile Solutions will act as an Authorized Distributor of Ascent Solar's lightweight, flexible, high-power thin-film CIGS modules for Electronic Integrated (EIPV) applications in Europe. This agreement with Sunload will give Ascent Solar access to multiple opportunities within Europe's rapidly expanding off-grid battery charging and portable power markets.

ABSL Power Solutions acquired by EnerSys

As lithium batteries become increasingly dominant in the market, EnerSys has recently announced the acquisition of ABSL from CIP Industries L.P. Inc in a bid to seek continuing growth in power supply sector.

New transparent conductive films from Cambrios

IDTechEx recently attended the UV.EB West conference in San Jose, which explored opportunities for this industry in printed electronics.

1 City, 100 million sensors

In the PlanIT Valley project from the Living PlanIT team there will be 100 million sensors deployed over 17 km2 - an area equivalent to Manhattan Island, New York City - to seamlessly embed and connect an entire city with Wireless Sensor Networks.

Electric vehicle battle moves beyond cars

By a big margin, Toyota is number one in hybrid car sales and indeed in sales of electric vehicles overall thanks to such things as sales of its electric forklifts, where it is in the top three in most countries.

Lithium water marine traction batteries

Batteries made of lithium and seawater (or just plain tap water) could supply traction power to marine vehicles soon.

Marine electric vehicle market: new report

Those making electric vehicles or their components seek to expand their business. To do this, they need to look beyond the oversupplied on-road sector.

Printed electronics - Europe is different

Printed electronics is one of the most important new enabling technologies.

China's massive EV production plan

China plans to put more than a million electric vehicles onto the road each year by 2015, according to a recent report in the state-run People's Daily. That compares with an IDTechEx projection of around 4.1 million globally.

China's largest EV manufacturer cuts prices and jobs

China is expected to become the leading power in EV development and commercialization, yet the country's biggest EV manufacturer BYD is slashing purchase prices and staff. Typically this is the type of behavior that precedes an administration announcement, nevertheless the Chinese media report this is more of a refinement rather than an admission of deep-set problems.

Flexible electronics is the winner

There is a new form of electronics that will hit that figure in half the time because, unlike the silicon chip, it subsumes electrics such as lighting, batteries, solar cells and heaters, not just electronics. It is usually achieved by printing and its most vital characteristic is physical flexibility.

Scaling small energy harvesters for the grid

There are now other forms of energy harvesters developed initially at the micro level which are now being scaled to produce enough energy to replace or supplement grid power.

Lithium polymer traction batteries, good or bad?

A large and increasing number of traction battery manufacturers are now offering what they call lithium polymer (LiPo) versions. Lithium polymer batteries are being eagerly adopted in a rapidly widening variety of applications. That includes in both pure electric and hybrid vehicles whether on land, in water or in the air. Battery manufacturers in Canada, the USA, Russia, China, Korea, Taiwan and elsewhere are involved.

Microhybrids sweep the board

Faced with increasingly onerous pollution legislation, manufacturers of on-road vehicles are finding that making their vehicles switch off if stationary for more than a few seconds is something of a quick win.

Thin film rechargeable batteries from Korea

IDTechEx recently visited GS Caltex in Seoul, Korea, who have developed a solid state lithium thin film battery.

Printed electronics - many new directions

Samsung Electronics of South Korea had approximately $132 billion in sales in 2010 and it is prioritising printed electronics for the future, its commitment extending to making its required materials, production machines and components and manufacturing complete products based on this new and versatile technology.

Paper electronics ready for prime time

The term paper electronics refers to electronic and electric circuits printed onto paper - increasingly both at the same time. Paper electronics has its origins in the screen printing of electrodes onto battery separators for cylindrical batteries and it has been used for conductors and sensors in such things as T-Ink toys and novelties.

DuPont expands printed electronics research with Holst Centre

DuPont Microcircuit Materials expands printed electronics research with Holst Centre collaboration - New focus on flexible substrates to benefit printed electronics and organic photovoltaics.

In-wheel electric motors gain market share

In-wheel motors were popular in cars over 100 years ago because they did not intrude into passenger space. An example is shown below. However, they were expensive and they adversely affected the ride and steering. One motor seizing could sometimes lock a wheel.

Printed electronics widens its scope

Printed electronics has its origins in conductive patterns printed as part of conventional electronics, forming flexible keyboards, antennas and so on.