Another Battery Research Breakthrough

[skyote]

https://phys.org/news/2020-02-scientists-hours-lithium-ion-battery-life.html

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[ajdelange]

The only thing the article does not mention (or I didn't notice it) is the significance of the SEI to battery longevity. If you can get it to form on the first charge and keep it from growing thereafter Bob's your uncle. At least that's my limited understanding of it.

 

[skyote]

I'm neither a battery expert nor a chemist, but the molecular understanding of the SEI could affect improvements to overall composition, electrolyte chemistry, or manufacturing process improvement. Any or all could lead to better batteries.

 

[Boeing787]

Can the rivian shut off power to from wheels when not needed to conserve batteries? Like stuck in traffic cruising on a highway. Load shedding is a great way to conserve batteries

 

[ajdelange]

Yes. Each motor is connected to the battery through 6 transistors (electronic switches). If a motor needs no torque they are all turned off. If it does they are turned on briefly to allow current to flow to the motor. The length of time they are on determines the relative amount of current flow.

Conversely when the vehicle is slowing they are switched on and off in a different pattern to allow current to flow from the motor to the battery. This is even better than load shedding.

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