Page 32 - TTG-Taiwan Transportation Equipment Guide (TTG)-2021-09 Edition

30
Feature Topic

Made-in-T
Made-in-Taiwan Electric aiwan Electric
Bus Battery Module solution ttery Module solution
Bus Ba

targets range, effi ciency, and gets range, effi ciency, and
tar
sustaina
sustainabilitybility

Electric vehicles (EV) and related technologies for quick-swapping of the battery cells should any
were the major highlights at this year’s Taipei AMPA problems arise, as the back-end system can detect
show. For instance, the pavilion from the mobility damaged cells.
Taiwan Automotive Research Consortium (mTARC),
an entity under the Economic Ministry Department Due to demands for increased range, Huang
of Industrial Technology, showcased EV and self- said most e-bus batteries on the market are rated
driving vehicle technologies developed by domestic at least 200KWh but would require seven to eight
companies and research institutions. hours for a full charge. If operators changed the
batteries to the LTO fast-charging battery systems,
Among their offerings is the LTO Fast- setting up strategic fast-charging stations en route,
Charging Battery Unit Module for E-Bus Battery a bus would only require a 1/3 charge. For example,
Systems, developed by the Industrial Technology a fully-charged e-bus departing from Taipei Main
Research Institute (ITRI) and Taiwan’s state-owned Station can choose to fast-charge to full battery in
petroleum, natural gas, and gasoline company CPC 10 minutes at the Taichung bus stop and allow the
Corporation. The product was regarded favorably by driver to rest before continuing the next leg of the
buyers inquiring about the new technology, as the trip.
battery cells feature safe fast-charging capabilities,
a long life span, thermal runaway prevention On the other hand, battery lifespan is also a
designed into the module for easier maintenance. major focus among system operators. Huang
pointed out the additional advantage of using LTO
The battery unit module was developed as a battery modules, is that with the 10,000 cycle rate,
technology transfer project from ITRI to CPC’s the specification equaled to a 15-year lifespan for
green energy department, which produces the an e-bus battery. In contrast, traditional batteries
LTO anode material. They also outsourced the would need to be replaced after eight to 10 years.
battery cell production to battery cell maker Amita With a battery lifespan on par with the longevity
Technologies. ITRI would then assemble everything of an entire vehicle, operators wouldn’t need to
into the LTO battery module. Currently, the plan is prioritize considerations like battery maintenance
to implement the technology into on-road vehicles and costs after procuring the e-bus alongside
for system certification by the end of the year. the battery module. Aside from e-buses, other
Huang Li-chung, a researcher at ITRI Energy applications for the LTO battery module include
Storage Materials and Technology Division, Material electric ships, electric shipping trucks, and AFC
and Chemical Research Laboratories, pointed out fast-response energy-saving systems.
that since LTO anode materials and electrolytic
solutions will not create a passivation
layer, it could help stop impedance
temperature from rising when
charging the battery and improving
fast-charging safety.

Also, due to LTO’s spinel nano
grain structure, it causes very little
volume change when discharging,
making the battery cells capable
of over 10,000 cycles. The ITRI-
developed battery unit operates at a
nominal voltage of 48V and can reach
600V under a series and parallel
circuit. The module unit is designed

Photo courtesy of CENS