AllCell and Matra Debut Solar Energy Storage Battery Swap and Charging System at Paris Motor Show
30 September 2010
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| Solar Flow-R system distributes solar energy to light electric vehicle batteries and utility consumers. Click to enlarge. |
The Paris Motor Show saw the debut of a solar energy storage system to support light electric vehicle battery swaps and charging. Designed and developed by AllCell Technologies for Matra Manufacturing Services, the Matra Solar Flow-R energy storage system (ESS) stores solar energy in an array of 12 swappable high energy lithium-ion battery modules using AllCell’s proprietary Phase Change Material (PCM) technology. (Earlier post.)
Electric scooter and light electric vehicle drivers can exchange depleted AllCell battery modules from their vehicles for fully charged battery modules from the Flow-R or charge the vehicle directly through the power plugs located on the front panel of the ESS. France-based Matra offers a line of electric bikes, scooters and quads.
An extra option allows the solar grid-integrated system to supply energy to utility customers during high-rate and peak demand periods, reducing energy costs and increasing renewable energy usage.
The cornerstone of the system is AllCell’s 1.44 kWh (48.1 V, 30 Ah) high energy lithium-ion battery pack. The 8 kg module has a high energy density of 180 Wh/kg, made possible by AllCell’s proprietary phase change material (PCM) technology that surrounds each cell in the pack to provide optimal heat management and safety control.
With 12 modules, each Flow-R ESS has a total capacity of 17.28 kWh. They will primarily charge using solar energy, but can give and receive energy to/from the grid. The full 17.28 kWh unit can handle 3 kW of power flow in or out. Each 1.44 kWh battery can do 2.88 kW charge/discharge.
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| AllCell’ PCM surrounds each Li-ion cell to absorb and conduct heat away from the battery. This maintains a constant temperature throughout the battery pack, which effectively doubles the pack’s life and prevents catastrophic thermal runaway (i.e. a fire or explosion). Click to enlarge. |
AllCell’s PCM uses paraffin wax microencapsulated in a custom designed graphite matrix to provide superior cooling. As the battery discharges, the graphite matrix conducts the heat evenly throughout the pack while the PCM absorbs the heat as it melts to control the temperature. During resting or charging, the PCM re-solidifies and becomes ready for re-use.
In addition, PCM’s thermal properties extend the life of the battery, allow for use in extreme climates (45 °C+), and enhance the battery’s power (1/2 hour full discharge versus 1 hour discharge industry standard for high energy cells).
The Matra Solar Flow-R also enables consumers to tap into the previously unutilized value of their batteries. Typically end-of-service-life for most batteries comes when the battery’s capacity has degraded beyond the useful drive range in an electric scooter or light electric vehicle and the battery is either recycled or thrown away.
The Matra Solar Flow-R uses new and recycled battery modules, extending the useful life of the battery packs and improving the economics for consumers. In addition to controlling energy flow between modules, the smart electronics optimizes the flow between the solar panels, modules, and grid to increase renewable energy usage and minimize cost.
Matra is exhibiting a system at the 2010 Paris Auto Show (Pavilion 3/Row B/Stand 219) from 2-17 October and will be taking orders soon for units for fleet applications.
If metal/air batteries make it to market, this could be one option. They are small and light, so people could swap packs without a fork lift. The full data log of usage is read out of each pack and the swap fee is computed.
Posted by: SJC | 01 October 2010 at 12:03 PM
A similar larger unit over commercial parking lot places could (DC to DC) recharge users a few times a day without using much grid energy (if any). It could reduce liquid fuel consumption, crude oil imports, grid e-energy, and GHG at the same time.
Posted by: HarveyD | 01 October 2010 at 02:56 PM
AS long as it doesn't rain.
Posted by: Mannstein | 01 October 2010 at 04:15 PM
1.44 kWh (48.1 V, 30 Ah)
total capacity of 17.28 kWh
180 Wh/kg
These are for bikes and scooters, but if metal/air can get to 1000 Wh/kg then they could be used for cars. At 10 kWh for 22 pounds lots of things are possible. At 50 miles per pack, two 22 pound packs can take you 100 miles.
This would be for people where quick charge is not an option but they need the extra range now and then. It could be one way of doing things. 20 kWh in 10 minutes would require 440 VAC at 300 amps which reduces the life of the batteries.
Posted by: SJC | 01 October 2010 at 10:30 PM
Mann: The grid would be used (more) during rainy days and get the energy back during sunny days. The average parking place is 10 x 25 = 250 sq. ft. and 10 x 35 = 350 sq. ft (about 32.5 sq m) aisles included. When covered with 18% solar cells, each parking place could produce (32.5 x 200 x 6 = 39 Kwh/day. That could be enough to recharge 3 to 4 PHEVs/BEVs every (sunny) day.
USA has close to 100 M commercial/private type outside parking places that could eventually produce 40000 million Kwh/day or enough for 120 M to 160 M BEVs/PHEVs or the equivalent number of private residences.
In other words, no imported oil and no additional grid power would be required for 160+ M BEVs.
Posted by: HarveyD | 02 October 2010 at 07:48 AM
The WattStation decreases average charging times from 12-18 hours down to just four-eight hours compared to standard level one, assuming a full-cycle charge for a 24kWh battery.
Posted by: Eco SolarGen | 26 October 2010 at 03:48 AM