Battery experts team up to provide higher performance for tomorrow’s consumer technology
03rd April 2003
A new collaboration announced today between two world leaders in battery technology promises to deliver higher performance batteries for the next generation of consumer electronics, such as mobile phones and laptops.
The UK's AEA Battery Systems and FMC Lithium of the US will work together to develop the next generation in cell chemistry, which could potentially replace AEA's current market leading lithium-ion cell technology. The collaboration will enable both companies to develop and license the next generation enabling technology, allowing licensed manufacturers to develop specialised derivatives for their own markets. The materials technology experience of FMC Lithium along with AEA's manufacturing and technology licensing experience means that the new technology could lead to an increase in performance of a further 30 - 50 per cent.
AEA Battery Systems' batteries are already widely used, in specialist applications, by the UK government, the European Space Agency and other nations. It was recently appointed sole supplier of the batteries and chargers in all the equipment for a new communications platform designed for the UK armed forces.
Advantages offered by AEA Battery Systems' Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries include:
- reduced weight and size
- more energy - 3 times that of NiCd batteries currently in use
- little reduction in performance or life - unique amongst rechargeable batteries
- the ability to perform in extreme temperatures, ranging from -51°C to +75°C
- A more reliable and robust battery achieved through the most rugged construction
- lower whole life costs via 1200 charge and discharge cycles
Dave Loughborough, Managing Director of AEA Battery Systems commented:
"Continuing technological developments in consumer electronics are constantly demanding higher performance from power sources. Our collaboration with FMC Lithium will help us to spearhead developments in battery technology, delivering even lighter, more durable, portable power solutions with longer life, higher performance and lower whole life costs."
The collaboration agreement will lead to improvements in power technology for a wide range of industries and consumer goods such as mobile phones and laptops. Existing customers from both companies will be offered the improved technology as soon as it becomes available.
Victor Maurtua, FMC Lithium Primaries Sales and Marketing Director, said:
"This collaboration is an excellent 'fit' for FMC Lithium. AEA Battery Systems is a premier battery system developer and manufacturer, widely respected throughout the industry for its expertise in R&D, technology licensing, and cell and battery manufacture. FMC Lithium brings our battery material experience, advanced chemistry expertise and recent process innovations to this alliance which will provide value-added solutions to meet growing customer demands around the globe."
--Ends--
Notes to editors
AEA Battery Systems
AEA Battery Systems is a world-leading power solutions and battery technology supplier with its reputation stemming from the key role it played in the invention of Lithium-ion technology. The company researches, develops, designs and manufactures advanced cells and battery packs for specialist markets which include Defence, Homeland Security, Marine and subsea, Aerospace and Medical applications. Incorporating its specialist cell manufacturing Joint Venture Company, AGM Batteries, the company employs 170 people in the UK between sites in Culham, Oxfordshire and Thurso, Caithness.
AEA Battery Systems is a wholly owned subsidiary of AEA Technology plc. AEA Technology plc has core businesses in environment and rail and several portfolios of smaller businesses in which AEA Battery Systems features. FMC Lithium
FMC Lithium Energy Storage Group develops and produces cathodic and anodic battery materials under the LectroŽ family brand of products serving battery manufacturers worldwide. FMC Lithium is one of the world's largest producers of lithium chemicals and employs nearly 600 people worldwide.
The organisation produces a family of speciality inorganic, organic, and metal compounds serving these major markets: air treatment, construction, energy storage, fine chemicals, glass and ceramics, greases and lubricants, polymers, and pool water treatment. Production facilities are located in Salta, Argentina; Bessemer City, North Carolina; Bayport, Texas; Bromborough, England; and Japan, through a joint venture.
FMC Lithium is a division of FMC Corporation, a global diversified chemical company serving agricultural, industrial and consumer markets for more than a century with innovative solutions, applications and products. The company employs 5,700 people worldwide. FMC Corporation divides its businesses into three segments: agricultural products, specialty chemicals and industrial chemicals.
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