New Lithium Batteries from Sony

[Chris Gohlke]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/News/Press/200908/09-083E/index.html' target='_blank'>http://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/News/P...083E/index.html</a><br /><br /></div><p><em>"Sony Corporation today announced that it has launched a new type of lithium ion secondary battery that combines high-power and long-life performance, using olivine-type lithium iron phosphate as the cathode material. Shipment commenced in June 2009. The Olivine-type lithium iron phosphate used in this new battery is extremely suited for use as a cathode material due to its robust crystal structure and stable performance, even at high temperatures. By combining this new cathode material with Sony's proprietary particle design technology that minimizes electrical resistance to deliver high power output, and also leveraging the cell structure design technology Sony accrued developing its current "Fortelion series" lithium ion secondary battery line-up, Sony has realized a high power density of 1800W/kg and extended life span of approximately 2,000 charge-discharge cycles."</em></p><p><em><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1250453246.usr10.jpg" style="border: 0;" /></em></p><p>From the full press release, it sounds like this technology will first be showing up in batteries for cordless power tools and other similar applications. &nbsp;But, expect to see it migrate to other mobile devices soon.</p>

[hazcaddy]

I'm finding problems at low temperatures with batteries wimping out, high temperatures don't seem to be much of a problem. Any indication how these new green babies do in Canadian outdoor climes?

[V-iPAQ]

" robust crystal structure and stable performance, even at high temperatures."

I think this refers to its ability not to explode while in use, unlike some LiOn batteries made by some companies, again and again.

[JKingGrim]

Nice power density. What is the energy density? And both densities by volume please. I don't care how heavy the battery is. The power density by mass does not tell us anything at all, as in a phone application the weight is not as important as size. Capacity is also more important than power, though fast charging the phone would be nice.

[kzemach]

Nice power density. What is the energy density? And both densities by volume please. I don't care how heavy the battery is. The power density by mass does not tell us anything at all, as in a phone application the weight is not as important as size.

Exactly correct. It's a phosphate-based battery, so it's essentially useless for a phone or laptop. Great power density, REALLY crappy energy density. Not only do phosphate power cells have much lower Ah ratings, but their average voltage is lower too (3.2 nominal vs. 3.6 nominal). The end result is the energy density of phosphate based cells is roughly HALF that of NMC based cells. So yes, you could charge your phone in 10 minutes, but you'd need to because you'd be charging it more than once a day.