Atlanta-based Johnson Battery Technologies has made strides in its battery development work, specifically in terms of being able to create batteries that function well even at high temperatures. The batteries are also designed to be non-explosive.
Some key aspects of JBT batteries are:
- High temperature threshold: The batteries can withstand temperatures up to 120–150° C (250–300° F).
- High and low voltage: The batteries can withstand higher and lower voltages than most conventional batteries.
- Small size: JBT batteries can be made small enough to fit most sensors and monitoring devices.
- Safety: With no liquid or gel electrolytes, JBT batteries safely address the risk of explosion.
- Curvature: The custom battery designs can be formed with curvature.
- Moisture-Resistant: The JBT batteries can survive autoclave, pasteurization, and other industrial processes.
- Rechargeable: Many high-temperature batteries are primary, while JBT’s batteries are rechargeable.
- Long Life: JBT batteries are designed to last for years.
- Low Self-Discharge: The batteries are designed to manage thermal runaway situations that cause batteries to short-circuit and overheat.
These innovations are well-timed, considering how much the energy storage market is expanding. Founder Dr. Lonnie Johnson generously answered some questions about his battery technology for CleanTechnica.
Harsh industrial and/or natural environments are mentioned in your press release. What are some examples?
Our battery technology can function in high temperatures up to 150°C, be stored and survive sub-freezing temperatures. The batteries can withstand moisture, shock and vibration.
Are your batteries completely non-explosive?
Yes.
You may have orders for tens of thousands of batteries soon, what will they be used for?
A confidential industry application. The initial technology design will not be for immediate consumer or military use, however we are discussing additional uses beyond the initial confidential application.
What technology does your batteries use that allows them to operate in such a wide range of temperatures?
Our batteries are made of metal and metal oxides.
Would you considering licensing your technology?
Yes.
Do you hold the patents for the technology and would you ever consider selling them, or would you prefer to retain them?
Yes, we hold patents for the technology. With acceptable terms, yes, we would consider selling patents.
Can you disclose what your electrolytes are made of?
Metal oxides.
How long do your batteries last per charge?
This varies depending upon the application. For example, one application may be switched on and drawing continuous current from the battery, while another application may go dormant for a period and only draw intermittent current from the battery. Also, as we custom-design battery solutions for our partners, the batteries that we are asked to design may vary from each other on this measure.
Do they cost the same as your competitors, even though they are more temperature-resilient?
Once again, that depends upon the specific custom battery that we are asked to design for any given partner.
Will you make batteries that withstand even greater temperatures, or have you reached your limit?
We still have a way to go before we reach the theoretical limit of the technology. Our goal is definitely to make batteries that withstand even greater temperatures.
Image Credit: Johnson Battery Technologies
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