Researchers from the German Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology (UMSICHT) have announced a new development in battery technology, using a “new type of flexible and extremely thin bipolar plate allows batteries to be manufactured cost effectively.”
Take a look at this new battery technology.
It’s never been a more exciting time for energy harvesting technologies.
The German Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and energy technology (UMSICHT) has come up with this new innovation.
It utilises a new kind of flexible yet very efficient thin bipolar plate. This allows these type of batteries to be manufactured cost effectively at high volumes.
The battery technology is being presented as a much more simple solution that isn’t as vulnerable to the usual battery problems like overheating and damage to component parts.
The packaging materials used on its components are drastically reduced allowing for a much more efficient and robust design. It also saves on weight and space too making it a good candidate for potential use in electric vehicles.
The bipolar plataes are manufactured from polymers made specifically to be electrically conductive. Dr Anna Grevé from Fraunhofer goes on to say it is this method that allows the very thin plates to be made, as opposed to traditional cells that are linked up by wires. This saves over 80% in total materials used.
The project did not come without challenges though!
Initially once the plates came out of finished production they showed signs of problems with VCI corrosion and uniform size. The problem has seemingly been solved with the introduction of VCI Bags as well as other corrosion treatment solutions.
On top of this the plates show outstanding resistance to thermal and mechanical stresses. They can even be welded together which in turn allows for a more tight battery construction.
Embracing Flexible Bipolar Batteries
The foreseeable future of technologies will become more adaptable, from rollable screens for computers to " intelligent " clothing. These technologies require the adoption of energy sources that can keep up with the rapid growth of these new systems. Rigid batteries can become obsolete as flexible batteries emerge. These flexible batteries are lightweight, which most consumers want.
These cutting-edge power solutions offer an exciting range of possibilities for the electronics industry, and this article delves into the world of flexible batteries and their applications.
Flexible Battery Technology
Right now, consumers can choose from many versions of bendable or flexible batteries that are reliable and reusable. Often, zinc-carbon or lithium-ion combined with polymer as current collectors are the raw materials for these batteries. Additives are also included for enhancing flexibility and conductivity. Also, flexible substrates use carbon-based raw materials such as carbon fibers, graphene, or cloth. These materials are coat-able and printable.
Applications Across Industries
The adaptability of flexible batteries has led to their incorporation in a multitude of fields. Applications of these flexible batteries include wearable devices with biomedical sensors and flexible displays. Other flexible devices are smartwatches.
These batteries can transmit or transfer data wirelessly. These devices facilitate and monitor patients remotely in healthcare. Furthermore, as the demand for textile-based electronics continues to grow, flexible batteries integrated into clothing will be pivotal in powering innovations. These innovations are heating systems built-in clothes and health monitoring devices.
Market Growth and Key Players
This market is poised for rapid expansion during the next several years. A study forecasts a substantial growth of approximately $240.47 million for the years 2022 to 2027. The compounded yearly growth rate is 22.79%. The biggest stimulants for this growth include the growing popularity of wearable gadgets, as well as the trend toward reduction in size and mobility in devices.
Many companies are developing and innovating flexible batteries. They’re trying to commercialise these technologies and make them available to consumers who need them. Samsung, LG Chem, Apple, Front Edge, and Nokia are just several of the giant companies that are doing research and development for these technologies. Despite the many innovations, emerging players will still introduce new technologies as these evolve throughout the years.
Future Outlook
Their unique characteristics include bend-ability, twistability, and stretchability. These position them ideally for wearable devices. The market for wearables is showing no signs of slowing down. The future of wearables is highly encouraging, and further advancements are expected.
Nevertheless, similar to all batteries, there's a need to address the challenges of safe disposal, reusing, or recycling. These challenges are part of growth and success. As the industry matures, circular solutions are likely to emerge.
In conclusion, flexible batteries and electronics are taking over the technology industry and market. Revolutionary advances will continue to emerge for an extended period. Whether we like it or not, a new era is coming. The future of flexible technology is here and will continue to dominate the market.
