Electronicsunit Blog

508.19.09 Make A Remote Control In Home

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ipod

ipod

For years people have been hacking gadgets and electronic devices, to find new and fun ways to use them. There are those who enjoy the challenge of being able to direct an existing device to function in another way. They push the limits and make the device go beyond its capabilities. In a way, they reinvent a device by exploring its functions and tweaking its components. The iPod hasn’t been spared from these hacks, and one of the functions that can be created with the iPod is a remote control. You can turn your iPod into a remote control that can switch your television set on and off or change the channels. It can also become a universal remote control for all the other electronic devices in your home like the DVD player or audio component. The infrared technology on a remote control can be used to make the iPod function the same way.

1          Prepare materials to be used. You’ll need a few materials before starting the project. First you’ll need an iPod, and you can use the one you already have or an old one you haven’t used in a while. Then you also need a pocket pc, a TV remote control, a 3.5mm stereo cable and some software like Sony’s Soundforge, Total Remote software from Griffin Technology, and the IR device.

2          Capture infrared signals. Install the Total Remote program on your pocket PC to capture the infrared signal from the remote control. Once the program is installed, start the program and click Edit on the bottom, then select Start One-Shot Sampling. Next, select the power button so we can control the on and off functions on the television set. The pocket pc has an infrared port, and you will need to align the infrared port on the remote control with the one on the pocket pc while holding down the power button. After the signal is captured you can then test it with the IR device by plugging it into the earphone input on the pocket pc.

remote

remote

3          Use Soundforge to record the IR signal. Install the Sony Soundforge software on your computer, and plug the stereo cable from the earphone input on the pocket pc into the microphone input on your computer. In Soundforge, click the record button on the tool bar and make sure it is configured for 44,000HZ 16-bit PCM. Select the record button on the interface so it starts recording, then on your pocket pc click the assigned power button in the Total Remote software. Stop recording, then play back the signal, you’ll notice graphs on the interface and hear an electronic sound. The graph is divided in two, which signifies the left and right channels. Select the right graph or channel and highlight this with the cursor, then mute this channel. Proceed to save the file by naming it and save as .WAV.

4          Load the file onto your iPod. Connect your iPod to your computer and wait for iTunes to launch. When iTunes is up and running and you see your iPod on the interface, add the .WAV file to the library then drag it to your iPod. Now that the file is on your iPod, disconnect it from the computer and plug the IR device into the earphone jack above the iPod. Locate the file you uploaded onto your iPod, point your iPod to the television set and click the file. You are now controlling the power function of the television set from your iPod.

Turning your iPod into a remote control is a handy way of controlling different electronic devices in your home.

108.18.09 Discharge The Capacitor Carefully

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capacitors

capacitors

Any electronic device has the essential component: capacitor. It has a variety of types and uses. Take an example, a capacitor must be used on audio device such as in a car sound system setup. The capacitor is the one responsible for storing sufficient energy into the amplifier so that it won’t have to steal for electrical currents from the car battery to be able to output energy-consuming low frequency bass sounds. A capacitor can be extremely dangerous when not discharged correctly, Since capacitors can store electric currents for an indefinite period of time even if it is not hooked up to any power source. So if for some reason you will need to have the capacitor uninstalled or removed, it has to be discharged properly and completely. This is so accidental electrocution which could be potentially fatal to you can be avoided. Also, damaging power surges that can burn up or cause short circuits on the components of the electrical device can be prevented.

As was earlier said, capacitors hold electric currents even when not connected to any power source. So observe the important safety measures prior to discharging the capacitor. It is important to arm yourself with the necessary safety gears especially if you’ll be discharging a high-voltage capacitor. Never attempt to discharge a capacitor without protective goggles shielding your eyes. Because capacitors, especially those with high capacitances, can hold substantial loads of electric currents for days. These could go off and spark causing electrocution and short circuits when discharging is not properly done. There have been cases where fragments of the tools used to discharge the capacitor flew off in sparks. Also, it would be advisable to wear a pair of highly insulated utility gloves for added safety as this will help minimize the electrical currents that will course through your body in case you get electrocuted. And of course, using the right tools and materials for discharging the capacitor is very crucial. While you can always improvise on these, you increase the odds of getting into accidents.

capacitor01

capacitor01

Discharging a capacitor simply means giving the stored electrical currents a path out of the apparatus. To discharge a small capacitor, touching the two lead terminals with the tip of screwdrivers with insulated handles should do the trick. However, this is not recommended, except of course if you’re a mechanic or electrician with years of experience in the said matter. Handling high-voltage capacitors, on the other hand, is a different story altogether. You have to attach the supplied resistor or test light onto the capacitor’s terminals to safely dissipate the stored electrical currents.

To make sure that you completely discharge the capacitor after following the aforementioned steps, you can touch the terminals with the tips of the screwdriver once more. Alternatively, have a light bulb handy for the purpose. Simply touch its threaded base onto one of the capacitor’s terminals. If it still contains electrical charges, it will light the bulb up.

008.18.09 Different Types Of Video Cable

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Video, which means “I see” in Latin, makes your daily life colorful. You are able to see captured, recorded, processed, stored, transmitted, or reconstructed images through video display devices such as television or monitors, of course. But without the use of video cables, all these would not be possible.

Video cables are wires that transmit video signals. To help you understand more, here are the different types of video cables.

BNC Cables

BNC Cables

a          BNC Cables. The BNC or Bayonet Neil-Concelman connector is a type of connector that uses radio frequencies in the multi-megahertz range. It is often used in place of a coaxial cable. There are a lot of consumer electronic devices with RCA (Radio Corporation of America) jacks that you can use with a BNC cable, but you have to use adapters to be able to do so. You will mostly find it being used for analog signals, Serial Digital Interface signals, and electronic devices used for aviation, or as antenna connectors for amateur radios. BNC cables come in both 50 and 75 ohm.

b         Component Video (RCA, RGB). The RCA connector is the most common cable used by audio/video electronic devices. It usually comes in three colors. Red for the right channel, white for the left channel, and yellow for the composite video. The RGB or red-green-blue connector is a type of connector that has pin-outs. It is commonly known as VGA cable. You will mostly find it being used with video cards, monitors, or HDTVs. It is more commonly known as a VGA connector.

RGB

RGB

c          HDMI, DVI, DisplayPort Cables. The HDMI or High-Definition Multimedia Interface connector is a cable that transmits digital data. It is the digital version of RF cables, RCA or RGB cables or S-Video cables. You will mostly find it being used on cable converter boxes, BD or Blu-ray Disc players, computers, Playstation 3s, or Xbox 360s. The DVI or Digital Visual Interface cable is a connector that transmits uncompressed digital video data. You will mostly find it being used on flat screen or LCD monitors, or digital projectors. The DisplayPort cable, developed by the Video Electronics Standards Association is HDMI’s strongest competitor. It uses more advanced technology in comparison to the other types of video cables. Companies like AMD, ATI, Genesis Microchip, Samsung, Dell and Apple commonly use DisplayPort cables for their products.

d          M1 Cables. The M1 cable is a video connector that can transmit digital, analog, or USB (Universal Serial Bus) signals. It is commonly known as EVC or P&D cable. You will mostly find it being used on new models of projectors.

e          S-Video Cables. The S-Video or Separate-Video cable is a connector that can transmit analog signals in lumen (luminance) and chroma (color). It carries videos that are normally at 488i or 576i resolution. You will mostly find it being used on televisions, DVD players, and new versions of cassette recorders, digital receivers, digital video recorders, game consoles, or video cards.

mini siamese cable

mini siamese cable

f            CCTV Cables (Siamese/Power). The Siamese cable is a connector that can transmit both power and data through a single connector. The Power cable is a connector that can only transmit power data. Siamese and Power cables are used in CCTV or closed-circuit television. You will mostly find them being used in surveillance or monitoring cameras

g          Composite Video Cables. The composite video cable is a connector that can only transmit analog signal. It has three types, NTSC, PAL, or SECAM. You will mostly find it being used on VCRs, game consoles or computers that were modeled during the 1980s.

h          HDTV Breakout Cables. The HDTV cable is a connector that is mainly to transmit signals for televisions that are using high definition broadcasting.

HDTV Cables

HDTV Cables

i            RF Cables (F-Type, Coaxial). The F-type cable is a connector that is used to transmit satellite television or data over cable modems. It is often used with a splitter for use in cable televisions. The Coaxial cable or coax is a connector that is used to transmit signal for home video devices or networking in computers. Long coaxial cables are also used for amateur radios.

Video cable is essential to all sorts of technology. It makes it possible to relive captured moments, or witness things without the need to be physically there. Technology will never cease to amaze us. As it advances, more things are made possible each day.

008.17.09 New Applications Of Braking Resistors

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application

application

Although the most common use for braking resistors is in motor drives, the resistors have proved to be ideally suited to other industrial applications including stairlifts, battery equipment, industrial welding, wind turbines and power generators

The ongoing demand for the resistors, and proof of their versatility, demonstrates Welwyn’s ongoing commitment in responding to market needs with innovative precision components which can be readily adapted across a wide range of market sectors to achieve customised niche applications.

Design engineers across a wide spectrum of market sectors are benefiting from the diversity, flexibility and versatility of braking resistors from TT electronics Welwyn Components.

Welwyn’s range of thick-film planar braking resistors on steel offer the ability to withstand high pulses and provide a compact footprint and a low profile.

Welwyn is also experiencing increased interest for the resistors from engineers in the avionics market, both civil and military.

They can be easily and economically adapted to demanding applications, particularly in industrial and defence markets.

The resistors are generally used for dumping energy from a motor when the speed is significantly slowed down.

truck braking resistors

truck braking resistors

  

braking resistors

braking resistors

In this instance, the motor behaves as a generator which then returns the energy to the circuit where it is dissipated as heat in the braking resistor.

An example of this application is found in a lift, where the smooth deceleration to a complete stop is achieved by braking the motor and this braking energy is subsequently lost as heat in the resistor.

The design of a braking resistor must consider peak power, average power, maximum applied voltage, ohmic value, duty cycle, temperature range and heat transfer conditions.

The resistor should also be intrinsically safe and flameproof.

008.17.09 Buy An International Power Adapter

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So why you need an international power adapter, you own should be aware of it, if you are such persons who will go between counties no matter as a result of your jobs, business, or your hobbies of traveling.

Since power adapters are commonly used for any electronic gadget. They are a must-have for people who are always traveling. Different countries have different types of power outlets. They is also used by people who use appliances made initially for other regions. This is why these power adapters are convenient for the international use of electrical appliances. If you are planning to travel, it is best to be equipped with international power adapters for all your electronic gadgets.

International Power Adapter01

International Power Adapter01

A power adapter is not a transformer or a voltage converter. It is a mechanical device that serves to connect or fit together two parts of an apparatus. It also permits the use of a device to adapt its plug shape to another. Adapters are very convenient as they can eliminate the need for bringing several plugs.

One example of an international power adapter is the Global Power Adapter Travel Kit. It is ideal for international travelers. It includes five adapter plugs that can be used in countries such as Africa, Europe, Asia, Middle East, Australia and even the Caribbean. Another international power adapter is the Ebags Universal Plug Adapter Kit. This is one of the finest international power adapters. It can be used in over 150 countries and is considered to be an all-in-one product. Produced by a company in Switzerland, this international plug is designed to adapt to different plug shapes. It can be used for a variety of electrical machines regardless of the primary source.

There are a lot of sources for buying international power adapters. No matter what country you need to go to, having this adapter will surely come in handy. It can be used for battery chargers, hair dryers, laptop computers or any other portable electronic device. Most power adapters do come with a voltage converter for different countries. They may even come with their own storage pouch for added convenience.

International Power Adapter02

International Power Adapter02

Here are some ways to obtain international power adapters:

  • Browse online. There are a lot of websites that sell international power adapters. There are online sites that provide products to make traveling a fun and less stressful activity. These websites have a large selection of travel converters, power plugs and other electrical machines for traveling.
  • Check local stores. There are a number of local stores that also sell international power adapters. You can check out shops like Best Buy, Circuit City and Radio Shack. These three stores have a large range of electronic equipment and are bound to stock power adapters. You can specify what type and they will supply you with what you need. You can even compare their prices and features so you can get the most out of your budget.
  • Read electronic magazines. There are a lot of electronic magazines that showcase electronic devices such as power adapters. They also indicate their features and prices which can be very convenient. Some magazines even list electronic shops so you can contact them first to inquire. You can ask what their available power adapters are and their prices. In this way, you can save time and energy in your search.

208.17.09 About Transformer’s Size

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isolation and auto transformer

isolation and auto transformer

Transformer has a big family. That is to say, there is a variety of types of it. For example, current Transformer, pole type transformer, isolation and auto transformer and so on.

The type we use of it depends on the use and role of it. And the size of transformer also has a wide range. Today let’s pay attention to the story of its size.

If you want to see the large transformers, you may go to a substation which contains a large capacity. Now let’s go to the Cathedral Square Substation in Vancouver.

To increase the reliability of existing electrical infrastructure and address growing demand for electricity in the downtown core, BC Transmission Corporation (BCTC) has installed a third electrical transformer at Cathedral Square Substation in Vancouver. BCTC worked closely with BC Hydro on this project.

The transformer was moved from the waterfront rail yard to Cathedral Square Substation in the early morning hours of Sunday, February 1 on a 150-ft-long trailer. A 500-ton crane was required to lift the transformer from the trailer and lower it into the substation.

Cathedral Square Substation Cathedral Square Substation is located underground on the corner of Dunsmuir and Richards Streets in downtown Vancouver. Constructed in the early 1980s, Cathedral Square Substation now serves approximately one-third of the downtown electrical load. Currently, two 25-year-old transformers that have a life expectancy of 50 years serve Cathedral Square.

Zero Phase Current Transformers

Zero Phase Current Transformers

Pole Type Transformer

Pole Type Transformer

The data of this transformer:

Weighs 176 tons

Measures 30 ft long by 12 ft wide by 16 ft high

Installation required a 500-ton crane

Transported by CP Rail from St. Louis to Vancouver waterfront Transformer cost is approximately $3.4 million.

Wow it’s amazing!

If you are a careful person and knows a little about electrical engineering, you can found the transformer applied in many respects in our life. And there are many transformers with much smaller sizes used in motor vehicle, family circuit, electronics product. So They all have play a great role.

008.14.09 Shopping Tips For People Of Fashion

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ipod

Ipod, Apple’s portable audio series, is most popular on young people of fashion. When you travel on line, in the train, or by bus, its unique wonderful sound effects makes you feel more comfortable. And its beautiful appearance also attracts more youngsters.

You know, Apple’s products are always different from other bands, they usually have compatibilities with other bands. So you should buy the accessories careful, in fact, you must get a certain understanding of Apple’s products. Today, let’s take Ipod power adapter for example.

The iPod power adapter allows you to charge your iPod away from a computer, using a simple wall outlet. This means never again having to deal with computer speed slowing down as the iPod charges. Not only that, but also traveling with music becomes far easier; with an iPod power adapter, all you need is access to a motel wall outlet in order to maintain access to your entire music library. So how to buy an ipod power adapter, here are some tips:

ipod01

  1. Functionality of the iPod power adapter. The iPod power adapter has two parts – the power adapter cube with either a USB or Firewire port, and the plug adapter that connects to a wall outlet. The power adapter can immediately determine the input power of the outlet and adjust accordingly. The iPod power adapter accepts any input power within a range of 100-240 V, 50-60 Hz, and 26-38 VA, encompassing the input power levels in a majority of the world’s countries, but be on guard for the exceptions so as to protect your iPod.
  2. World travelers. For those who travel the world and do not want the customary AC plug to limit their iPod use, the World Travel Adapter Kit offers six different AC plug adapters, all of which are compatible with either Firewire or USB iPod power adapters, to allow for use in Japan, China (including Hong Kong), Korea, Australia, and all of North America and Europe. All you have to do is substitute the appropriate traveler plug adapter for the original plug adapter that came with the iPod power adapter.
  3. Where to buy. IPod power adapters can easily be bought in stores or online. The Apple Store is a smart place to begin any search for your iPod power adapter, since it clearly states each power adapter’s compatibility with the various iPod models. All of the major retail electronics stores, and also gigantic stores like WalMart, sell iPod accessories as well.

    4. ipod usb adapter

    ipod usb adapter
     

    apple ipod adapter

    apple ipod adapter
  4. Compatibility. Though quite a few iPod models will be compatible with either Firewire or USB adapters, you’ll want to pay close attention to the information pertaining to compatibility, which does vary based not only upon iPod model but also upon generation. For example, the iPod Shuffle is incompatible with a Firewire iPod power adapter. It requires USB. If you choose a Firewire iPod power adapter, you must separately buy the right cable (if you have a dock connector, you will need a Dock Connector To Firewire cable, while iPods without dock connectors will simply require a Firewire cable).
  5. Other brands. You can find iPod power adapters for less money from other brands as well. Belkin and Sonnet, for example, both make iPod power adapters. As always, make sure the power adapter will be compatible with your iPod model before purchasing. You can find these different brands in stores or by visiting brand stores online. A Google search for “iPod power adapters” will let you explore the options and compare prices before buying one.

Shop around to find the best price when you buy iPod power adapters. Pay attention to compatibility and you will be pleased by how the iPod power adapter frees your iPod from the necessity of computer charging.

108.13.09 Advancement Of Sony’s Cyber-Shot

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Latest good news for photography enthusiast: Sony today announced two new Cyber-shot cameras (DSC-TX1 and DSC-WX1 models) that provide unprecedented advances in low-light performance with approximately twice the sensitivity of cameras with traditional image sensors.

Sony has always been a leader in the global electronic products industry. Its main market are notebooks, cameras, walkmans and so on. Today, let us focus on its new cyber-shot.

sony cybershot

sony cybershot

These Cyber-shot cameras are the first to employ Sony’s new “Exmor R” back illuminated CMOS sensor technology to improve shooting in low-light scenarios, enhancing image clarity and drastically reducing grain.

Conventional image sensor architecture has required wires and other circuit elements to be positioned above the light sensitive photo-diodes, limiting the imager’s light gathering capability. Positioning these elements behind the photo-diodes, Sony’s “Exmor R” image sensors can gather more light, resulting in approximately twice the sensitivity compared to conventional sensors.

To further extend low-light shooting performance, the TX1 and WX1 cameras incorporate the hand-held twilight and anti-motion blur multi-shot modes introduced in Sony’s breakthrough Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. Using “Exmor R” CMOS sensor’s high speed, these modes capture six separate images in less than a second and utilize Sony’s BIONZ processor to combine the shots into a single image of extraordinary detail and low noise.

DSC-TX1 Cybershot Blue

DSC-TX1 Cybershot Blue

Combining the “Exmor R” technology with hand-held twilight and anti-motion blur modes delivers a breakthrough in low-light photography. Users can now capture images of stunning detail and low noise in scenes with no more than candlelight—without flash or the need of a tripod.

In addition to their breakthrough low light performance, these new cameras also include Sony’s Sweep Panorama and 10 frames per second burst shooting features, which were introduced with the Sony DSC-HX1 camera. The TX1 and WX1 cameras offer these features in smaller, more compact bodies that match nearly any unique style.

Capturing wide landscapes is as easy as “press and sweep.” Sweep Panorama mode lets you reach beyond the traditional wide-angle lens and capture breathtaking shots. Using the high-speed “Exmor R” CMOS sensor, the cameras shoot continuously while you sweep across the scene. Using the BIONZ imaging processor, they automatically stitch the pictures together to create one stunning panoramic photo.

These cameras include the most recent Sony technology, including, Intelligent Auto (iAuto) mode which, recognizes scenes, lighting conditions and faces, and adjusts settings resulting in clearer images, faces with more natural skin tone and less blur; Face Detection that detects up to eight faces and optimizes focus, flash, exposure and white balance and intelligent Scene (iSCN) that delivers nine Scene Selection modes to quickly adjust for specific shooting conditions.

DSC-WX1 Cybershot

DSC-WX1 Cybershot

Pet mode is a new Sony feature that minimizes blur when shooting moving pets. This new mode also reduces glowing pet red-eye.

Additionally, the cameras have technologies Sony Cyber-shot customers have come to expect. These include Smile Shutter technology that automatically captures a smile, dynamic range optimization (DRO) that improves exposure and contrast, intelligent Auto Focus that captures fleeting moments and HD video capability that records HD movies in 720p high definition MPEG4 format.

With HD video capability, these cameras record HD movies in 720p high definition MPEG4 format for stunning large-screen home movie playback. You can record up to 29 minutes (or up to 2GB file size) in 720p format.

The TX1 camera will be available in silver, gray, pink and blue this September for about $380. The WX1 camera will be available in black this October for about $350.

008.13.09 New Thermostats Could Save Much Money

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Thermostat

Thermostat

Energy specialists have long known that programmable thermostats (PTs) have the potential to save homeowners money, reduce the need for new power plants and shrink the amount of pollutants and climate-altering CO2 pumped into the atmosphere. Originally deployed during the oil crisis of the 1970s, PTs and their digital descendants permitted consumers to instruct their thermostats to turn down the air conditioning at night when occupants were sleeping and during the day when no one was home.

News from US: Energy Star, a government-backed program that gives efficiency ratings to appliances, last year withdrew its “high” rating from PTs because their owners either find them too confusing to set, or just don’t bother to try, says William Burke, the lead grad student on Auslander’s team. That reluctance and confusion cost California and energy consumers billions of dollars each year.

“We expected those early thermostats to save a lot of money and energy,” says Ronald Hofmann, a senior advisor for the California Institute for Energy and the Environment and advisor to the California Energy Commission (CEC), which funded Auslander’s research. “But only if people used them. And unfortunately, fewer than 20 percent of Californians took, or take, the time to program their thermostats.”

Some time over the next five years, California’s major utility companies will install in homes new electric meters that can record usage on an hourly basis. The new communicating thermostats would receive hourly updates about electricity prices through a built-in module, Hofmann says; consumers would be able to program them to automatically minimize cost while maximizing comfort. Data entering the PCT can come from the utility through the meter, from the Internet through a router or over the airwaves.

PCT

PCT

The most dramatic savings to the state may come long before the utility companies succeed in actually installing smart meters, though. The new thermostats could receive FM-radio data system (RDS) transmissions, for instance, informing users when the grid is approaching peak load. This happens only on a few hot summer days each year, but meeting the demand is very expensive to the state.

A better strategy, the CEC believes, is known as demand response: using communications and information technology, utilities can signal consumers’ thermostats that the grid is stressed and ask them to reduce consumption. To speed the transition to residential demand response, the CEC backed Auslander’s project to include the creation of design standards that would work for industry, consumers and utilities.

A customer could set his or her thermostat so that, when it receives a warning from the utility that the region is nearing grid capacity, the PCT would automatically raise its temperature setting by a few degrees. If they choose to pay the price, customers can ignore the signal and set their own thermostat; they, not the utility or the government, retain the final say in the temperature set point.

Most customers, Auslander predicts, will gladly cooperate by adjusting their set points. And the combined effect of one degree or two of adjustment spread across large regions will often be enough to avert rolling blackouts.

008.12.09 Business Opportunities In Battery Industry

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Waste materials: Recycling worn-out batteries from electric cars produces a mix of finely shredded metals, consisting of cobalt, aluminum, nickel, and copper (show on the left), and a slurry that is processed into a cobalt cake (on the right).

Waste materials: Recycling worn-out batteries from electric cars produces a mix of finely shredded metals, consisting of cobalt, aluminum, nickel, and copper (show on the left), and a slurry that is processed into a cobalt cake (on the right).

As more and more products concern about environment friendly, one of the best energy solutions is using batteries. So the batteries will be used in large-scale now and much more in the future.

Shrewd businessmen will be soon aware of the opportunities inside the implication. Battery recycling industry and battery consumption industry are complementary industries. Experts predict that lithium battery recycling will get a boost. The US Department of Energy has granted $9.5 million to a company in California that plans to build America’s first recycling facility for lithium-ion vehicle batteries.

Experts say that having a recycling infrastructure in place will ease concerns that the adoption of vehicles that use lithium-ion batteries could lead to a shortage of lithium carbonate and a dependence on countries such as China, Russia, and Bolivia, which control the bulk of global lithium reserves. “Right now it hardly pays to recycle lithium, but if demand increases and there are large supplies of used material, the situation could change,” says Linda Gaines, a researcher at the Argonne National Laboratory’s Transportation Technology R&D Center.
This can be seen as a beginning, the more action will be taken in the future. If you take the chance, you can make big profits.

Waterproof power: This protective casing envelops a functioning lithium-metal battery electrode, excluding water but letting lithium ions pass. It’s part of a prototype battery made by PolyPlus Battery of Berkeley, CA.

Waterproof power: This protective casing envelops a functioning lithium-metal battery electrode, excluding water but letting lithium ions pass. It’s part of a prototype battery made by PolyPlus Battery of Berkeley, CA.

Also good news in battery industry: IBM Research is beginning an ambitious project that it hopes will lead to the commercialization of batteries that store 10 times as much energy as today’s within the next five years. The company will partner with U.S. national labs to develop a promising but controversial technology that uses energy-dense but highly flammable lithium metal to react with oxygen in the air. The payoff, says the company, will be a lightweight, powerful, and rechargeable battery for the electrical grid and the electrification of transportation.

IBM is pursuing the risky technology instead of lithium-ion batteries because it has the potential to reach high enough energy densities to change the transportation system, says Chandrasekhar Narayan, manager of science and technology at IBM’s Almaden Research Center, in San Jose, CA. “With all foreseeable developments, lithium-ion batteries are only going to get about two times better than they are today,” he says. “To really make an impact on transportation and on the grid, you need higher energy density than that.” One of the project’s goals, says Narayan, is a lightweight 500-mile battery for a family car. The Chevy Volt can go 40 miles before using the gas tank, and Tesla Motors’ Model S line can travel up to 300 miles without a recharge.

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