A lot has been written regarding rechargeable lithium (LI) batteries and sustainability. Primary (non-rechargeable) Li batteries can also make major contributions to improving the sustainability of the systems where they are used. This FAQ reviews some of the factors related to the sustainability of primary Li batteries including key performance indicators (KPIs), downcycling versus recycling,…
Renewable energy
Copolymer resin meets stricter regulatory requirements for 1.5Kv solar systems
SABIC launched a breakthrough polycarbonate (PC)-based copolymer resin, well-suited for photovoltaic (PV) connector bodies, that meets stricter performance and regulatory requirements for emerging 1.5Kv solar systems. The new LNP EXL9334P copolymer resin achieves the highest comparative tracking index (CTI) level (UL PLC0) and IEC as Material Group 1 (IEC MG 1). It also delivers low-temperature […]
When does DC coupling maximize the performance of battery storage plus solar?
System architecture choices can significantly impact the delivery of reliable and sustainable energy from solar energy systems with integrated battery storage. DC-coupled systems can deliver improved energy production but can have less operational flexibility. And, while DC-coupled systems are more straightforward in terms of hardware, their control and management software needs can be more complex.…
SiC devices provide high-efficiency for energy infrastructure and industrial apps
onsemi introduced “EliteSiC” as the name of its silicon carbide (SiC) family. This week, the company will showcase three new members of the family – the 1700 V EliteSiC MOSFET and two 1700 V avalanche-rated EliteSiC Schottky diodes – at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. The new devices provide reliable, high-efficiency performance for energy […]
World’s highest-power MEMS switch handles 10 A
The new MM9200 is the world’s first micromechanical power switch capable of handling 10 A in a miniature 5×5-mm surface-mount package. With its ultra-low 0.010-Ω contact resistance, the new MM9200 is said to be the lowest-loss and highest power capable micro-mechanical switch ever created. The MM9200 targets a wide range of applications including industrial automation, […]
High-density power supplies available in 32mm x 70mm packages
OmniPro Electronics has announced the release of the Altech Ultra-Compact PSC family of power supplies. The series has five models ranging from 75 to 480W of available power, with some of the highest power density in the industry, ranging from 32mm wide (75W) to 70mm wide (480W). All models have a universal input voltage range […]
Co-polymer resin meets strict requirements for 1.6Kv solar systems
SABIC launched a breakthrough polycarbonate (PC)-based copolymer resin, well-suited for photovoltaic (PV) connector bodies, that meets stricter performance and regulatory requirements for emerging 1.5Kv solar systems. The new LNP EXL9334P copolymer resin achieves the highest comparative tracking index (CTI) level (UL PLC0) and IEC as Material Group 1 (IEC MG 1). It also delivers low-temperature […]
Balancing chip for supercapacitors rated at +3 V prevents overvoltage failures
The quad family of Supercapacitor Auto Balancing (SAB) MOSFETS offers a simple, economical and effective method to balance and regulate supercapacitors rated at a higher voltage. The chip is built using ALD EPAD proven production technology. The ALD810030 stabilizes supercapacitors that can be used in a wide variety of applications such as actuators, telematics, solar […]
Cars powered solely by solar energy? Sure…but with a very big “but”
Lately, I’m seeing a lot of cases where solar power is posited as the energy solution for “everything.” And why not? It’s free and ubiquitous, and it feels good to say you are using it. I recently read a column by someone (sorry, I couldn’t find it afterward) about the easy practicality of cars powered […]
Proof-of-concept platform evaluates ambient light and heat micro-power sources
Trameto has introduced a proof-of-concept platform for evaluating how to generate a reliable micro-power source from ambient light and heat. Called Severn, the compact platform can be used as a prototype because its size and form factor could be adopted for production. An engineering sample of the TM2040, a four-input, smart EH PMIC is at […]