Toshiba has developed a battery that can be recharged in five minutes with a lifespan of 10 years. Toshiba has trademarked the new accumulator, the SCiB. The new quick charge-Super Charge ion Battery will go to market in March, 2008. Initially, the SCiB distribution will focus on the industrial equipment sector.
In practical use of the new SCiB its unique composition allows for 4.2 Ah, (ampere hours) on 10 cells for recharging by standard or alternative energy sources. The monitoring system within the battery controls voltage temperature, and cell balance adjustments. This safety precaution minimizes or eliminates the possibility of short circuits or explosions by ignition within the battery. In an industrial setting, the safety precautions features alone sell the product.
The SCiB may be recharged in as little as five minutes time. The unique feature of the new product is that after 3,000 recharges the battery only lost less than 10 percent efficiency. In further company tests after 5,000 recharges the SCiB was still viable. This amounts to 10 years of continuous use for the SCiB. This feature reduces the need for battery waste management, by extending the use of the battery. The battery´s longevity and versatility in utilizing energy sources qualify it as a Green Technology.
The standard or SCiB mode features extensive safety precaution for high power charges. The battery may be charged to 90 percent or more in five minutes. Other batteries do not have the same level of safety built-in that will allow heavy current charges, (50A). This feature suits the industrial setting in providing quick charges without the obvious hazards of fire and explosions.
An additional feature of the SCiB is its ability to run at extremely cold temperatures. Toshiba warrants that the SCiB can work efficiently in minus 30 C which is minus 22 F. This is a welcomed attraction for many areas of the world where frigid temperatures are a factor.
Toshiba has not released details on when it will be released to a broader sector of the market. In addition, the company has not indicated the various modifications they may be considering for future development.
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