120x faster charging for Lithium Ion batteries thanks to new research

[Brandon J.F.]

This would help most of us here...

New research has shown that a modification in the way Lithium Ion batteries are constructed could reduce the charging time from hours to minutes. Current batteries charge from the outside in. This means the center part of the battery isn't receiving any current until the end of charging.
By putting "a dense network of conductors throughout the electrodes of the battery," researchers were able to charge the entire battery at once. This resulted in charging times that were 30 to 120 times faster than a standard Lithium Ion cell. The only issue is that filling the battery with conductors lowers the capacity or increases the size, albeit only slightly.

http://www.tweaktown.com/news/25359/...rch/index.html

[Matt Gerard]

Not knowing much about battery design and such "large head science geeky stuff", I wonder what they are doing to dissipate heat during the charging process? I did read that the problem with charging batts too fast was they would heat up and destroy the chemical content that makes the battery work. Oh, and they tended to explode when they got to hot as well. Minor point, I'm sure :)

This is interesting though. Charging times are one of 2-3 major drawbacks in all aspects of using batteries from cars to cell phones. Think of charging your cell phone in 3-5 minutes? Take it one step further - conductive charging. So, you are at a bar, and you sit on a bar stool that has a conductive charge built in, and it charges your iphone that is in your pocket.

OK, a little sidetracked there.

On the other hand, I was at the Mall of America in MN last week when they had their 20th annaversary. Never seen it that busy, both ramps were pretty full. Tons of cars. Except for these 2 spots right next to the front door on level 3. Ah well, gotta start somewhere..

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[David Wyatt]

Wow, the "New" iPad could certainly do with something like this...it spends more time on charge than in use :-(

[Brandon J.F.]

Wow, the "New" iPad could certainly do with something like this...it spends more time on charge than in use :-(

Something may be wrong with your iPad. I've never had mine go under 60% even if I use it all day...

[KETCH ROSSi]

This is why, no matter how many R&D facilities they are, and people think there are in off, there never are in off, as a DISCOVERY can come from any one of this, or from any NEW one, and we do need DISCOVERIES that help us improve our lives and the health of our Planet.