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Energy Storage Law Would Attract Manufacturers and Jobs to California
The amended version of this bill passed by the legislature, but not yet signed into law, would require the California Public Utilities Commission to assess whether to require the state’s utilities to adopt energy storage systems. If the agency determines such storage systems are viable and cost-effective, it would then be tasked with setting targets and timelines for utilities to procure them. For NY-BEST member Ice Energy, the new legislation could determine where it locates its manufacturing facilities. The company, which has about 70 employees, currently manufactures its units in New York.
Hands Down, Lithium-Ion Batteries are Better than Gas
A team of Swiss researchers has conducted a lifecycle analysis that shows the environmental impact of an electric vehicle is much less than previously thought. The researchers concluded that to be more environmentally friendly than an EV, a gasoline car would need to have a fuel efficiency of more than 59 miles per U.S. gallon, even taking into account the electricity being generated from fossil fuels.
Best UPS Battery Technologies
This article compares and contrasts different battery systems for UPS solutions.
U.S. DOE Storage Program Update Conference - Nov 2-4, 2010 in Washington, DC
Sponsored by DOE, this 2010 update is available at no cost to attendees. Included will be the latest DOE developments in electrical energy storage and power conditioning technologies for use on utility-grid scale and updates on Advanced Batteries, Flywheels, Electrochemical Capacitors, and Power Electronics Research & Development; Cost Benefits and Grid Impact Analysis; and the Status of Large Scale Demonstration Projects.
Frost & Sullivan: Electric Vehicles Fueling Demand for Battery Technology and Supply
Study finds EV Li-ion battery chemical and materials market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 125% from 2010 to 2016. However, currently few companies can supply separators, electrolytes, anodes and cathodes, particularly in Europe, potentially causing a bottleneck in the entire EV batteries market.
Lithium-Ion Battery Prices Set to Drop
Battery makers in Japan and Korea, like Samsung and Panasonic, account for 75% of the world's production and they've been competing to get the largest share of a market that could triple over the next six years. This production and pricing war has created a glut of batteries. Analysts are now predicting a price drop of 19% to 25% by year-end.
Tokyo's Electric Taxi Experiment
Electric taxi experiment going well in Tokyo, includes swapping batteries five times a day. Better Place, which is providing the charging stations, estimates Tokyo's 60,000 taxis account for just 2% of vehicles on the road but are responsible for 20% of vehicle emissions.
Ford Opts for Liquid Cooling to Maximize Battery Life
Ford Motor Company's all-electric Focus, which is scheduled for U.S. release in late 2011, will use liquid instead of air to cool and heat the battery in order to maximize the battery's life and driving range.
Cheaper Lithium Batteries? Just Microwave It.
Use of microwaves found effective in developing cathode material. Time and expense cut dramatically.
Axion's Ed Buiel to Present Paper on Advanced Batteries in Micro-Hybrid Vehicles
Dr. Buiel's jointly prepared presentation with BMW will cover the burgeoning micro-hybrid vehicle (often called idle start-stop or ISS), which by some estimates is expected to dominate the hybrid vehicle and conventional vehicle markets by 2015. He will discuss Axion's PbC batteries that may ISS vehicle needs due to the battery's high charge acceptance, longer cycle life, ability to charge rapidly, and lighter weight.
Battery Breakthrough At Hand?
A team led by Dr. Michael Stano (MIT) has designed minuscule “nanotubes” coated with a chemical fuel that can act as a power source with 100 times more electrical power by weight than conventional batteries.
The Battery Show and Battery Tech Expo - October 5-7, 2010 in San Jose, CA
Showcases component manufacturers, raw material suppliers and service providers to the battery and ultracapacitor supply chain. Get a 20% rebate on the advertised conference rates by entering promotional code "R8TBC5" for The Battery Show and "R7TBC3" for The Battery Technology Expo.
University of Michigan Chosen to Lead Joint Electric Vehicle Project Between U.S. and China
UM will receive $12.5 million over five years to lead the consortium, which includes Ohio State University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Oak Ridge National Laboratories, General Motors, Ford, Toyota, Chrysler, A123Systems and other partners.
GM Ventures Invests $3.2 Million in Battery Company
GM makes its second award from venture fund - this time in Michigan-based Sakti3, which is developing lithium-ion batteries based on a new technology the company says can give electric cars greater range. This is the second investment announced by the fund. In August 2010, it pledged $5 million to help Bright Automotive of Anderson, Ind., begin manufacturing the "Idea," a plug-in hybrid van aimed at the commercial market. GM Ventures was introduced in June 2010 with a $100 million investment.
NSF Broadening Participation Research Initiation Grants in Engineering (BRIDGE) program
Seeks to increase participation and opportunities for all engineers, especially those from underrepresented groups. An expected $5 million is available to fund up to 30 awards. Eligibility is restricted to institutions of higher education and nonprofits. Due January 24, 2011.
For 28 more news articles from beyond New York State posted since the last NY-BEST newsletter click here.
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