Saft Launches New Generation Li-Ion Cell
29 November 2006 12:14
Saft's upgraded MP176065 rechargeable Li-ion (lithium-ion) cell sets new standards for cycle life, capacity and energy density.
Saft introduced its first MP series Li-ion cell nine years ago. Since then, they have built a substantial reputation for offering maximum autonomy, reliability, safety and long-life in a compact, weight-saving package ideally suited for transportable power applications.
The upgraded MP176065 cell results from Saft's continuous product-development programme, which is focused on delivering safe, high-performance batteries that meet the ever-increasing demand for light and compact electronic devices with long autonomies.
The new MP176065 has been designed specifically for ease of integration within the vast array of rechargeable battery packs required by modern military applications. Its shape, terminals and safety features facilitate either parallel or series connection while minimizing pack assembly costs and increasing reliability, because cell-to-cell wiring is reduced or, for many applications, eliminated completely. Electronic protection circuits provide monitoring of the health of individual cells within battery packs.
The new MP176065 cell is a major upgrade of the largest cell in the MP series, the standard MP176065. It offers a significant increase in capacity to 7.0Ah (up from 6.8Ah). However, the most important benefit is a 20% increase in cycle life to 600 cycles (compared with 500 cycles) - after which the cell will still offer 70% of its original capacity.
The new MP176065 cell is 6% lighter than its predecessor - a saving of 10g. This enables it to offer an increased energy density of 180Wh/kg (up from 165Wh/kg), and 385Wh/l (compared with 375Wh/l).
The new MP176065 cell's improvements in cycle life and energy density have been achieved by a new aluminium casing that replaces the stainless-steel design, together with optimisation of the electrode loading and electrolyte composition.
The new MP176065 cell is chargeable at up to 4.2V ±0.05V and temperatures between -20°C and +60°C, and at rates up to C-rate. The cell can be discharged over a wide temperature range from -50°C to +60°C, with continuous discharges up to 2C, and current pulses up to 4C.
Saft places a major, uncompromising focus on achieving safe, reliable operation for all its MP series cells, and this has been further emphasised in the design of the upgraded MP176065.
Key safety features include Saft's proprietary built-in, non-resetable, current circuit breaker, that operates automatically in case of faulty charging; a shut down separator (with pores that automatically get clogged in the case of an accidental short-circuit) to prevent thermal runaway; and ultimately a built-in safety vent that operates should the internal cell pressure exceed 12bars.
The new MP176065 cell is UL1642 recognised and completely maintenance free, and hermetically sealed at temperatures up to +75°C. It is designed to withstand the most common field-abuses, such as mechanical shock and vibration, as well as external short-circuit, crushing, nail piercing and so on.
The new MP176065 cell should meet the needs of a wide variety of demanding, high-performance military, medical and industrial applications. Volume production will begin at the start of 2007 at Saft's dedicated Li-ion cell facility in Poitiers, France. Samples are already available on request.
For more information on this company:
Saft - Lithium Cells and Battery Packs
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