Date: 23/06/2010

Lithium ion based 1.2kWh battery module for UPS

Sony has developed an energy storage module using lithium-ion rechargeable batteries made with olivine-type lithium iron phosphate as the cathode material (hereafter referred to as 'olivine-type lithium-ion iron phosphate cell'). Sony says that the olivine-type lithium iron phosphate cell include high power output, long-life performance and excellent thermal stability. Sample shipments of the new module are scheduled to begin from June, 2010.

This new module has a 1.2kWh-class capacity. Multiple modules can be connected either in series or in parallel to expand to a higher voltage or capacity. It is compatible with power supplies such as UPS (uninterruptible power supply) for data servers or as a backup power supply for mobile phone wireless base stations.

Key features of the energy storage module are:

1. It exhibits high expandability i.e. the voltage and capacity of the system can be customized for different applications by connecting the modules in series or parallel. Each module is compatible with a power output maximum of up to 2.5kW and can be used for various stationary power supplies such as UPS (uninterruptible power supply) for data servers or as a backup power supply for mobile phone wireless base stations.
2. It has a built-in self-monitoring function for detecting any abnormalities within the energy storage module.
3. The internal battery usage can be controlled by monitoring the state (voltage, current, temperature) of the internal batteries and communicating this to a linked external battery management system.
4. Olivine-type lithium iron phosphate cell used in the module provides thermal stability.
5. The lithium-ion batteries used in the modules have a small energy loss during charge and discharge.
6. Sony has estimated longevity of 10 years or more with one charge-discharge cycle per day.
7. This module uses iron (lithium iron phosphate) as the electrode material. This enables reduced environmental impact.
8. Maintenance such as rehydration is not needed.
9. It is compatible with 19-inch (2U) size for mounting on standard computer server racks.


Sample specifications of the energy storage module

Capacity: 1.2kwh
Nominal voltage: 51.2V
Maximum output: 2.5kW
Dimensions: 431 x 420 x 79mm (not including fixtures)
Weight: approx. 17kg

This energy storage module will be on display at the China International Battery Fair 2010 (held from June 24 to 26, 2010) in Shenzhen.