ActaCell Engages AVL To Support Development of Automotive Lithium-Ion Battery
28 September 2010
ActaCell, a spin-off from the University of Texas at Austin (earlier post), has engaged AVL to test ActaCell’s lithium-ion battery technology in a number of independent, simulated settings to determine viability and efficiency for commercialization purposes.
Based on positive test results, the two companies have identified the Power or Strong Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) market, primarily comprising medium- and heavy-duty trucks, as the initial best fit for ActaCell’s technology.
The ActaCell-AVL collaboration included developing a specific automotive-grade, large-format lithium-ion cell and module design to accommodate ActaCell’s battery technology. Next steps include pilot-scale manufacturing and demonstration vehicle testing of the cell and module with select medium and heavy-duty truck companies.
ActaCell’s lithium-ion battery technology is designed into thin pouch cells. Twelve cells are incorporated together to create a module. Eight modules are then packaged together to make a complete vehicle pack.
The ActaCell battery module was tested in five categories at multiple temperatures: Constant Current Discharge, Hybrid Pulse Power Characterization, Efficiency, Simulated Drive and Thermal Performance.
To date, ActaCell has received $6.1 million in funding.
Is this a modular battery pack made with 8 modules. Could more or fewer modules be used for added flexibility? If could be advantageous to start with 4 modules or so and add more latter when performance goes up and price comes down.
Posted by: HarveyD | 28 September 2010 at 03:29 PM
"Twelve cells are incorporated together to create a module. Eight modules are then packaged together to make a complete vehicle pack." = 20 kw hr, 200? not a spec in article or company web site.
Posted by: kelly | 28 September 2010 at 04:28 PM