The increasing uptake of battery technology is a critical step in supporting traditionally emissions-heavy industries to decarbonise their operations, but it won’t be conventional lithium batteries driving technology for the future.
Toshiba’s SCiB™ technology is a transformative force in the battery market. Unlike conventional lithium batteries, a SCiB™ cell utilises a lithium titanium oxide (LTO) in its anode. This chemistry means that if SCiB™ cells are pierced or damaged, the anode material transitions from a conductive phase to a high-resistance phase. This is key to limiting the flow of energy and preventing thermal runaway and subsequent combustion. Essentially, SCiB™ cells are self-protecting, which is a game-changing development.
Toshiba’s SCiB™ technology
Additionally, using an LTO anode means no possibility of lithium deposition or membrane-puncturing dendrite growth – meaning SCiB™ is exceedingly robust and far safer over time.
Toshiba have been manufacturing SCiB™ since 2010, with zero cell recalls or CPL (Contract/Product Liability) accidents – a claim that conventional lithium batteries can’t make.
Less waste, longer lifespans
Optimising the total lifespan and cost of ownership for battery technology are crucial factors in the decarbonisation process – another area where SCiB™ technology excels.
Compared to conventional lithium batteries, SCiB™ cells have a typical lifespan of more than 20,000 cycles. Even after the 20,000 cycle point they still retain 80 per cent of their original capacity. This means that after reaching the end of the first application, they can receive a second life where weight isn’t a factor, such as stationary solar support, creating a provable asset long into the future.
Faster charging means more efficient fleets
An exciting development for the technology is its rapid charging capabilities. With a high C-rate, charge times are measured in minutes, not hours, and an entire system can be charged to 80 per cent capacity in just six minutes and fully charged in ten minutes.
This is key for easy adoption. If a vehicle requires multi-hour charging times, workers must carefully plan their usage to ensure availability, but if their vehicle rapidly charges in the time it takes for a coffee break, this downtime disappears.
Battery technology designed for the future
With exceptional safety, improved lifespan and rapid charging, SCiB™ technology has the capability to be the cornerstone of a business’ decarbonisation plan. The Australian mining industry has started to take notice, with SCiB™ systems already deployed in underground electric vehicles.
More than just fleet electrification, there are also flow-on effects – faster charging enables a smaller fleet, fewer charging stations and more efficient use of the vehicles on hand. It allows businesses to improve safety onsite, while vastly reducing capital costs at the same time.
Does this signal the end for conventional lithium batteries? Not yet. As decarbonisation efforts ramp up across industry, they will still be used in low-challenge applications where low charge rates or lower lifetime is required. However, for operations that require rapid charging, uncompromising safety and extreme longevity, SCiB™ technology will lead the way.
For more information, visit tic.toshiba.com.au
This sponsored editorial is brought to you by Toshiba.
