Application Watch: New batteries expand solutions for storing green energy

A few key players in China’s manufacturing industry for power storage batteries pursue alternatives to lithium and lead-acid types.

With heightened awareness of environmental issues, the power industry has been exploring solutions that will harness renewable energy sources and make their benefits far-reaching and sustainable.

In the power storage sector, there is continuing research on battery concepts that offer higher performance in this long-duration application. The requirements include a cycle life of more than 3,500 times and an operating life span surpassing 10 years, in addition to enhanced safety features and low prices.

This has led to the emergence of chemistries such as lead-carbon, sodium-sulfur and sodium-nickel as alternatives to traditional lead-acid and mainstream lithium kinds.

In China, some large manufacturers have already been engaged in the development and production of these new variants. They include one of the major local battery suppliers, the Chilwee Group, which has a cooperation with GE on sodium-nickel units. The company’s products operate in as low as -40 C to as high as 64 C and have safety features such as explosion and burning protection. Compared with lithium counterparts, these have two to five times longer operating life span but are about half the size and price.

For most local companies, production of power storage batteries covers mainly lithium, lead-acid and flow types. Driven by the environmental-protection trend, the lithium category has eroded the share of once-dominant lead-acid units. It now represents more than 60 percent of China’s shipments for power storage applications. LiFePO₄ and NCM/NCA models lead, with lithium-titanate variants anticipated to join the lead pack as maker interest builds up. LTO variants exhibit high density and safety but are reasonably priced.

As for flow batteries, only a few companies are involved in development and manufacture. They include Rongke and Dali. Based on the electrolyte used, there are zinc-bromine, sodium polysulfide or bromide, and vanadium options.

Globally, energy storage systems will continue to expand. Recent years saw demand growth of 15 to 20 percent, a trend anticipated to persist in the next two years, according to Technavio.

In China, the renewable energy market will have a total installed capacity of 680 million kW by 2020, generating 1.9 trillion kWh and accounting for 27 percent of aggregate electric power generation, according to Zhiyan Consulting.

From this, domestic suppliers of power storage batteries expect to realize 10 to 15 percent increase in sales in the years ahead.

The application, however, is still small, representing up to 30 percent of local shipments. This will change as companies such as Kaiying Power Supply & Electrical Equip Co. Ltd boost production in anticipation of demand in this burgeoning market. The maker has invested $30.8 million in a new factory and is looking to raise output by 10 to 15 percent in coming months.

Most manufacturers export their products, with allocation ranging from 30 to 80 percent of total deliveries. They foresee 10 to 15 percent annual growth in overseas business. Europe and North America are the main destinations.

China is one of the major production bases for power storage batteries, responsible for more than 40 percent of shipments worldwide. It has at least 400 makers, over 80 percent of which are locally owned. CATL, BYD, Shuangdeng and Narada are among the key players. The foreign-invested suppliers there include industry leaders such as LG Chem and Samsung SDI.

More than 60 percent of the manufacturers are in the Pearl River Delta region, specifically in Guangdong and Fujian provinces. There are also companies in noncoastal areas such as Sichuan province, which has attracted a number of local and foreign makers.

Mainstream options from 20Ah

Lithium batteries dominate China makers' shipments for power storage applications, followed by lead-acid and flow types.

Commonly available lithium-based products come in 20 to 200Ah variants with rated voltage of 12, 24 or 36V and life span of up to 3,000 cycles.

The lead-acid category has gel and semigel units with capacity ranging from 40 to 3,000Ah, rated voltage of 2, 6 or 12V and life span of 600 cycles.

High-capacity flow batteries support more than 15,000 cycles.

Manufacturers purchase separators from foreign companies, including Asahi Kasei, Celgard and Exxon, and local providers such as Yunnan Energy, Senior Material and Suzhou Victory.

Cathode and anode materials, and cases are obtained from local and overseas sources, depending on customers' requirements.

The cost of production inputs is expected to remain steady until end-2019 and keep power storage battery prices at current levels.

The products in this gallery have been handpicked by our China-based market analyst for representingcurrent trends in power storage batteries from China makers.

12V VRLA battery delivers 100Ah capacity

From Kaiying Power Supply & Electrical Equip Co. Ltd, this lead-acid battery, 6FM100S model, has 12V voltage, 100Ah capacity at 10-hour rate and less than 30A initial current. Its standby and cycle use voltages are 13.5 to 13.8V and 14.4 to 15V. The unit meets CE and UL standards.

The maker requires a minimum order of 100 units for delivery within 25 days.

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LiFePO₄ battery offers 100Ah capacity

This 12V LiFePO₄ battery from Shenzhen Eastar Battery Co. Ltd, EA12100Z model, provides 100Ah capacity. It has 100A nominal discharge and 225A maximum continuous current. The maximum charge voltage is 14.6V. The charge and discharge temperatures are 0 to 45 C and -20 to 60 C.

The required minimum order is 20 units. Delivery takes 20 days.

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12V, 200Ah deep-cycle gel lead-acid battery

Shenzhen Key Power Co. Ltd markets the model KG12-200A deep-cycle gel lead-acid battery with 200Ah capacity and 12V voltage. It measures 522x240x216mm and weighs 65kg.

The 20-unit minimum order is delivered within 25 days.

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LiFePO₄ battery with >2,500 cycles

The VP-LF12-50-1 model from Shenzhen Vcell Power Technology Co. Ltd is a LiFePO₄ battery with 12.8V, 50Ah rating. Its charge cutoff voltage is 15.6V and end-of-discharge voltage 8V, while the standard discharge and peak discharge rates are 1C and 3C. The unit has a life span exceeding 2,500 cycles. It operates in -20 to 80 C.

An order of at least 50 units is for delivery within 25 days.

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