Designed for ocean racing, the trimaran Arkema 4 was launched in September to begin its first trials.
For this new competition trimaran, PowerTech developed very specific servitude batteries, using fluoropolymer separator films in Kynar® technology from the company Arkema.
This new material has very high resistance characteristics, with an extremely low film thickness. The result is the development of even safer battery cells with a 4% reduction in weight.
This battery powers the vital equipment of the racing boat. It is recharged via solar panels.
In the recent presentation of Tesla’s 2nd quarter results, Elon Musk confirmed that Tesla migrates batteries to Lithium Iron Phosphate Technology (often referred to as LFP) will play a key role in powering the company’s larger vehicles, starting with the Shanghai Model 3 :
Total vehicle efficiency has gotten good enough — with Model 3 for example — that we actually are comfortable having an iron phosphate battery pack in Model 3 in China. That will be in volume production later this year. So we think that getting a range that is in the high 200s — almost 300 miles — with an iron phosphate pack taking into account a whole bunch of of powertrain and other vehicle efficiencies.
And that that frees up a lot of capacity for things like the Tesla Semi and other projects that require higher energy density [batteries]. So you have two supply chains that you can tap into: iron phosphate or nickel-based chemistries.
The fundamental advantage of LFP is that, compared to the nickel-based cathodes traditionally used, its main constituent minerals – iron, phosphates and, more recently, traces of manganese – are very abundant and relatively inexpensive. Iron ore, for example, is mined at a volume of nearly 3 billion metric tons each year, a thousand times more than the approximately 2.5 million tons of nickel that are mined annually.
Then there are the well-known problems surrounding cobalt, with ethically complex supply chains, limited quantities mined (most of which are already claimed for battery manufacturing), and high prices.
Tesla uses at least two varieties of nickel-cobalt batteries, from Panasonic (NCA) and LG Chem (NCM), and has tried to minimize the amount of cobalt needed, but there is always some exposure to cobalt, and exposure to nickel is obviously unavoidable, it is the key ingredient in this class of battery chemistry.
Overall, therefore, key minerals for LFP batteries are much more abundant, and prices are cheaper (and more stable) than those for nickel-based battery minerals. This translates into the fact that LFP batteries are already slightly cheaper than nickel-based batteries per kWh. Because the constituent minerals are so inexpensive, and the energy density of LFP cells is constantly improving, this price per kWh could drop even further in the coming years.
This new building, completed this year, provides the company with a workspace of nearly 800 m2 to manage its manufacturing and assembly activities, but also to house its employees in more spacious and comfortable offices.
Our new head office is located approximately 20 minutes from Paris and benefits from multiple means of access (bike track, Tramway, Train, A12 and A13 motorways).
PowerTech Systems has obtained ISO 9001 quality certification from the AFNOR certification body.
This certification validates the implementation and application of organized and structured internal processes. It also endorses the implementation of an effective quality policy and the implementation of a continuous improvement strategy.
This is an important milestone in the company’s growth and once again demonstrates our commitment to continuously improve our products and services to satisfy our customers and partners.
PowerTech is pleased to announce the launch of the new version of the PowerModule modular battery system. This product completes the PowerRack range for medium to high power applications.
The design of the product has been engineered to reduce space requirements and facilitate integration.
The vertical and horizontal assembly of the modules allows a large number of combinations and meets a maximum of needs (Vehicles, marine, industrial machinery, rail, robotics, etc.)
Watch a one minute video presentation of new PowerModule :
This new version brings its share of new features:
“Plug-and-Play” and flexible system : Easy and fast commissioning
Scalable system : Serial and/or Parallel assembly up to 128 modules to fullfill the most complex appplications
Embedded Cell heating system for sub 0°C operations
Stainless steel housing with waterproof connection (IP67)