Balqon Corporation introduces HIQAP industrial lithium-ion packs to replace lead-acid batteries
30 July 2012
Balqon Corporation, a developer of heavy-duty electric vehicles, drive systems and lithium battery storage devices, has introduced high-capacity lithium-ion batteries as an alternative to the current industrial deep cycle lead acid batteries. The new HIQAP batteries are available in 12, 24 and 48 Volt configurations with an amp hour capacity ranging between 700 Ah to 1000 Ah.
HIQAP battery packs include Balqon proprietary Battery Management System (BMS) and related power electronics components for direct replacement of current lead-acid battery packs. HIQAP lithium battery packs are designed to support large daily loads requiring deep depth of discharge and high energy transfer efficiency for solar, micro-grids, off-grid storage and telecom applications.
HIQAP batteries include large format 1000 Ah and 700 Ah, 3.25 VDC folded prismatic cells connected in a series, available in 12V, 24V and 48V configurations. Life cycles of HIQAP batteries vary from 2500 cycles to 5000 cycles based on depth of discharge. Low internal resistance allows for more than 95% efficiency during energy transfer compared to 80% efficiency of equivalent deep cycle lead-acid batteries.
The significant growth of solar installations in the United States combined with an increase in lead acid battery pricing makes HIQAP batteries cost competitive for large energy storage applications. With estimated life of over 10 years and high energy transfer efficiency of lithium batteries, users can now capture 15% more energy from the solar panels. Growing worldwide concern over lead contamination resulting from lead acid batteries can hamper sustainable growth of the solar industry. HIQAP low cost, high efficiency, long life and zero maintenance can help long term growth of the industry.
—Balwinder Samra, CEO of Balqon Corporation
"Life cycles of HIQAP batteries vary from 2500 cycles to 5000 cycles based on depth of discharge. Low internal resistance allows for more than 95% efficiency during energy transfer compared to 80% efficiency of equivalent deep cycle lead-acid batteries."
So, how much higher priced than LA?
Posted by: kelly | 30 July 2012 at 06:29 AM
Good question Kelly. Current price could be 10X LAs but it could become more competitive when mass produced in C or in I for multiple uses (electrified vehicles, tools, solar systems, power grid regulation, EPUs etc)
Posted by: HarveyD | 30 July 2012 at 07:53 AM
Trojan lead acid 225 Ah = $330 or $1.47 per Ah
HIQAP 700 Ah = $2640 or $3.77 per Ah or 2.5 times more expensive.
HIQAP=5000 cycles
LA= 2000 cycles (depending on depth of discharge)
Or 2.5 times the cycle life for HIQAP.
Posted by: Brotherkenny4 | 30 July 2012 at 08:19 AM
Harvey, Balqon is affiliated with Winston Chung. So their cells are already made in China and I suspect the packs are as well.
http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/plugged-in/2012/05/21/lithium-ion-batteries-help-to-reduce-peak-load-at-uc-riverside/
Posted by: A Yahoo! user | 30 July 2012 at 08:33 AM