In this episode, longer-lasting batteries for heavy machinery. This is your Manufacturing Minute.
Lithium-ion batteries are already used in everything from electric cars to your smartphone, but there are limitations to the technology.
The batteries use an organic electrolyte solution to complete their charge and discharge cycles, but the material is particularly sensitive to temperatures above about 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
As a result, conventional lithium-ion batteries also require cooling systems.
Researchers from Japan's Tohoku University, however, recently announced the development of a solid electrolyte.
Although it's not as conductive as the conventional solution, it also isn't as volatile and works at temperatures ranging from room temperature to more than 300 degrees.
That could help reduce costs and advance the development of more compact battery systems.
It could also allow the use of lithium-ion batteries in high-temperature environments from medicine to heavy industry.
So, What Do You Think?
How would the addition of lithium-ion batteries alter large industrial operations?
Could this technology be a game-changer for the manufacturing economy?
Email us or leave your comments below.
That’s all the time we have today, but tune in every weekday for your next Manufacturing Minute.