The use of lithium-ion batteries is increasing and diversifying, and there is a growing demand for batteries that can support constant rapid charging and discharging in applications as diverse as electric buses and power load levelling in stationary applications. However, constant input and output at high power levels in a short time period generates life-shortening heat within the batteries. The challenges for battery developers are to manage heat dissipation and maintain battery life while realising high power input and output in a short time.
Toshiba’s SciB rechargeable batteries feature a lithium titanate negative electrode to achieve safe operation, long life, low-temperature performance, fast charging, high input and output and a high effective state of charge (SOC). They are widely used in hybrid vehicles and industrial applications, including electric buses, cranes, trains, and automated guided vehicles in logistics centres. In addition to battery packs and cells, Toshiba also offers battery modules that can be connected in series or in parallel connections to meet required voltages and capacities.
The company’s new module aims to satisfy the demand for products that achieve a balance between constant high input and output in a short time and battery life. It is the first such product to feature an aluminium baseplate, aluminium being an excellent conductor, meaning that the module dissipates heat at approximately twice the rate of current battery modules.
Aluminium has a lower thermal resistance than the resin materials usually used in baseplates. However, as it is a conductor, the baseplate must be insulated from the battery cells. Toshiba has developed a novel structure that achieves the required voltage resistance, allowing commercialisation. When used with the same cooling system normally applied by customers, and under typical operating conditions, heat dissipation performance is approximately double that of current modules, significantly extending battery life.
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