Pioneering the future of the market by developing lithium-ion batteries for motorsports, special vehicles and next-generation vehicles.
In order to reduce CO2 emissions, the spread of next-generation vehicles, including
electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), is expected to
expand, and international competition for their commercialization is
intensifying.
In particular, lithium-ion batteries used in motor sports vehicles
and special-purpose vehicles such as heavy machinery and construction equipment must have
performance capable of ultra-high input/output, high quality stability, and safety, which
are major challenges in battery development.
This page introduces the
next-generation pouch type lithium-ion battery that can be installed in mobility, and
ENAX's technology and know-how in development.
The performance of a lithium-ion battery can vary greatly depending on the composition
ratio, process conditions, and other factors, even for the same material. Therefore, the
design must be optimized for the battery's application and purpose.
For example,
compared to general electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid cars, batteries for motorsports
vehicles and heavy and construction machinery require performance that can handle power
regeneration such as rapid deceleration in addition to high instantaneous power. In this
case, the key is how to reduce the internal resistance of the battery. It is essential to
optimize the mixing ratio and process conditions and to utilize multiple manufacturing
facilities that can achieve the performance to maximize the performance. We have been a
pioneer in the development of ultra-high input/output lithium-ion batteries (SHR) with
extremely low internal resistance.
The main components of a battery include the positive electrode, negative electrode,
separator, electrolyte, battery tab, and packaging material (cylindrical or prismatic),
etc. Considering these components, we design a battery design (recipe) with low resistance
and stable quality. In battery design, the selection of the optimal shape is also an
important point. The main shapes of batteries currently in production include cylindrical,
prismatic, and pouch types, each with different characteristics.
We believe that
the pouch type is suitable for ultra-high input/output lithium-ion batteries because of
its superior heat dissipation compared to the cylindrical type, its light weight, and its
suitability for designs that can handle high currents. ENAX has consistently conducted
research and development of pouch lithium-ion batteries since its establishment.Our
extensive knowledge and experience in commercializing lithium-ion batteries of various
material types and our alliances with many partner companies and research institutes
enable us to achieve optimum and rapid product development.
Once the recipe for developing ultra-high input/output lithium-ion batteries has been
established, the next step is to develop a process that can fully demonstrate the
performance of the battery.
For example, electrode thin-coating technology is
achieved by precisely controlling coating material properties, coating with coating
machines, drying, and tension of the base material. These advanced technologies can also
be applied to battery design recipes developed by our customers.
The key to maximizing the performance of ultra-high input/output lithium-ion batteries is
optimal pressurization and temperature control for the battery. In general, the electrodes
of a battery expand and contract during charging and discharging. This change in the
distance between the electrodes impedes the movement of ions and changes the internal
resistance of the battery.
Minute changes in resistance can be a major concern when
high currents are applied. On the other hand, applying too much pressure to the battery
can lead to an increase in internal pressure, which may reduce the safety of the battery
itself. ENAX has the design technology and know-how, including battery modules and packs,
to address these issues.
As the global trend toward "decarbonization" accelerates, solutions such as electric
vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems that utilize renewable energy are attracting
attention.
Lithium-ion batteries have generally been used in the ICT field, such as
cameras, smartphones, and tablet devices. Along with the spread of new solutions such as
those mentioned above, the market for lithium-ion batteries is expected to expand rapidly
as performance is required to meet even higher demands. ENAX is accelerating its R&D
business with an eye on the global market by developing batteries for vehicles with major
domestic and overseas automakers and Tire1 manufacturers, based on its long-standing
battery development technologies.
The ultra-premium output lithium-ion battery has
an input/output characteristic of more than 100C, which is about 10 times higher than that
of a typical lithium-ion battery for hybrid vehicles, while achieving stable performance
even in high temperature environments. It has a proven track record of being used in a
large number of devices and products for motorsports, electric and hybrid applications.
Please feel free to contact ENAX if your company is facing challenges in realizing
mobility that requires high power.
For more information, please see "Development
Case Studies".