Telecompaper

Sony has announced a new type of lithium ion rechargeable battery that combines high-power and long-life performance, using olivine-type lithium iron phosphate as the cathode material. This new battery delivers an extended life-span of over four times existing rechargeable lithium ion batteries used in conventional electronic devices and promises to overcome problems of overheating. The lithium iron phosphate battery will first be supplied for use in power tools, then gradually make its way to consumer electronic devices. The Olivine-type lithium iron phosphate used in this new battery delivers robust crystal structure and stable performance, even at high temperatures. These bateries have a high power density of 1800W/kg, and extended life span of approximately 2,000 charge-discharge cycles. The battery will keep an 80 percent charge retention after those 2,000 charge-discharge cycles. This new battery is also able to charge rapidly (99% in 30 minutes). Sony-pioneered lithium ion battery usage continues to diversify and grow, and lithium ion batteries now used in 75 percent of all portable devices, yet they carry a risk of internal short-circuits and overheating, even exploding. Mobile phone and laptop computer makers such as Nokia, Dell, HP, Toshiba and Sony itself have had to recall several million products in the last few years.