Altairnano
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Altair Nanotechnologies is a Reno, Nevada-based research company that develops nanotechnology-based solutions for energy storage and the life sciences. In particular, the company is well known for its "NanoSafe" lithium-ion battery technology that is used in battery-electric vehicles. The firm is publicly-traded on the Nasdaq.
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[edit] Battery technology
AltairNano's primary product is the "NanoSafe" lithium ion battery. NanoSafe replaces the conventional anode with one made of a lithium titanate oxide formed into the spinel cubic structure. The titanate replaces the graphite anodes of normal batteries. NanoSafe is not the only battery to use nanostructured spinels, but other batteries, like those from A123 Systems generally replace the cathode rather than the anode.
The primary advantage of the NanoSafe battery is that it can be charged very quickly. In testing a NanoSafe 35 kWh battery pack was charged in ten minutes.[1] Other advantages include longer life with up to 25,000 deep cycles, higher power density than other nanostructured cells, wider operating temperatures, and greater stability under electrical and mechanical stress (i.e. the cells cannot catch fire). On the other hand they have lower power density that the best conventional cells,100 versus 120 Wh/kg.[2] They are also more expensive to produce, US$2 per Wh, due to low manufacturing volumes.
Dennis “Kilowatt” Berube set the National Hot Rod Association’s (NHRA) Super Pro class world speed record for electric dragsters driving an vehicle powered by NanoSafe battery packs. Berube's electric dragster, named the Current Eliminator V, accelerated to a speed of 153.6 mph at the Speedworld Motorplex drag strip on December 15, 2007 covering a quarter-mile in 8.10 seconds.[3]
[edit] Partnerships
AltairNano shares its battery technology with battery electric vehicle manufacturers. Phoenix Motorcars of Ontario, California is planning to use NanoSafe batteries in its sport-utility vehicles, currently slated to ship in 2010.[4] The Lightning Car Company in the UK has a license for using NanoSafe cells in its upcoming sports cars.[5]
Altair also has a working relationship with AES Corporation, thus linking it to the stationary energy storage industry. In June 2007, AltairNano entered an agreement with ISE Corporation to jointly develop and commercially supply the "NanoSafe" battery technology for use in hybrid electric and all electric heavy duty vehicles.[6]
[edit] Competitors
- A123 Systems produce lithium based batteries using technology with similar advantages over Li-Ion and Li-Polymer cells, namely faster charging, longer cycle life, and reduced volatility.
[edit] References
- ^ autobloggreen.com, AeroVironment successfully quick charges Altair Nanotechnologies battery, May 30, 20 Greater stability under electrical and mechanical stress (i.e. the cells cannot catch fire) 07
- ^ autobloggreen.com, Q&A: AltairNano CEO Alan Gotcher, May 7. 2007
- ^ Steve Bayless, My Car of the Future, Today, Nova, PBS
- ^ The All-New Phoenix SUV
- ^ Lightning Car Company, Technology: NanoSafe
- ^ June 4, 2007, b2i.us: ISE Corporation and Altairnano to Jointly Develop Rechargeable Lithium Titanate Battery Packs for Heavy Duty Vehicle Applications
