Lithium-ion (Li-ion)
Lithium-ion electrochemistry involves the use of lithium insertion compounds. In a lithium-ion cell, the negative electrode (anode) is graphite and the positive electrode (cathode) is a lithium-bearing metal compound. Li-ion cells have an exceptional cycling aptitude owing to the stable electrode structure: charging and discharging involves exchange of lithium ions between the electrodes via the electrolyte. Because of the high output voltage (up to 4.2 V), a non-aqueous electrolyte is used, mainly comprising a mixture of organic carbonates.
Various active materials for the positive can be used: lithium cobalt oxide, lithium nickel oxide, lithium aluminium oxide, lithium manganese oxide, or lithium iron phosphate. Saft has unparalleled experience of more than 15 years with doped nickel oxide (NCA), which offers the best cycling capability and service life, as called for in professional applications.
Saft has developed large and medium-sized batteries in cylindrical and near-prismatic shapes, with various energy-power trade-offs, from 150 W/kg with full discharge in 2 hours to 65 Wh/kg with full discharge in 15 seconds. Other remarkable properties of these products include a faradic efficiency close to 100%, long calendar life (over 20 years at ambient temperature), low self-discharge (under 5% per year), operating temperature range from –30 °C to +60 °C, and charge level gaugeable by measuring voltage.
Battery systems
Saft has developed a strong expertise in developing, qualifying and manufacturing customized integrated Li-ion battery systems.
The specific characteristics of Li-ion cells require well adapted battery management and control systems. Charge and discharge control, application interfacing, communication and safety are to be considered as a whole and need to be optimised for a given application and operating conditions.
Saft's capabilities include manufacturing of various cell types (as listed below), battery management systems, thermal management and mechanical integration, as well as skills in electronics, system architecture and project management.
| Small VL cell range |
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| Rechargeable battery |
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Main applications "Soldier of the Future" equipment mobile asset tracking small UPS professional portable lighting (miners lamps, etc.) portable gas analysers professional video electric bikes and personal mobility rack-mount telecom batteries
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| MP cell range |
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| Rechargeable battery |
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Main applications military radiocommunication mobile asset tracking small UPS portable medical defibrillators professional portable lighting (miners caps lamps, etc.) portable gas detection - gas tank level monitoring
- electric bikes and personal mobility
- bar code reading systems
- robotics
- AUV’s
- launchers
- space vehicles
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