AllCell and Matra Debut Solar Energy Storage Battery Swap and Charging System at Paris Motor Show

 http://ee2020.wordpress.com/2010/10/01/allcell-and-matra-debut-solar-energy-storage-battery-swap-and-charging-system-at-paris-motor-show/

Posted on oktoober 1, 2010 by jarmotuisk| Lisa kommentaar

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.

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.
Green Car Congress
=> AllCell and Matra Debut Solar Energy Storage Battery Swap and Charging System at Paris Motor Show.