National Technology Day is right around the corner! Originally celebrated in India, we’re proud to honor this day each year. On May 11, 2024, we will join engineers, scientists, and researchers worldwide to celebrate the incredible accomplishments and innovative technologies on the horizon.
The urgent need for sustainable and longer-lasting batteries is rapidly growing as the demand for new technologies emerges. In response to the market changes this year, Associated Environmental Systems (AES) is thrilled to spotlight recent battery technology trends shaping the future of battery testing. Whether you’re an EV manufacturer or a battery storage manufacturer, revolutionary battery technologies will affect your products and consumer interest.
Battery Trends to Expect in 2024
Change is coming. Battery technology advancement is continuing to accelerate in 2024, and there’s a new player in the field: grid-scale battery storage systems (BSS). These systems can be intertwined with EVs, as they can provide a second life to old EV batteries, which are becoming more popular among residential and commercial customers. Instead of tossing away your EV battery once it's gone bad, you can repurpose storage systems to provide power to isolated systems that are not connected to the primary electrical grid. This opportunity expands the purpose of the battery, stretching beyond EVs to other industry applications.
The Rise in Sodium-Ion Batteries and Lithium-Ion Batteries
While lithium-ion batteries will remain dominant in the battery market, rising battery chemistries are surfacing. One alternative chemistry peaking interest is sodium-ion batteries. In fact, the sodium ion battery market is expected to grow by USD 414.4 million by 2028, according to Technavio. Although discovered in the 1980s, their benefit hasn’t been capitalized on until recent years. But now, the benefits are clear; not only are they inexpensive and widely available, but they are also environmentally friendly. And don’t sleep on lithium-ion cathode batteries. Seen as a strong chemistry contender, Tesla has begun using this battery type, and Ford and Volkswagen have announced that they are considering offering EV models with LFP batteries.
The Solid-State Battery Revolution
In 2024, the quest for solid-state batteries will continue to surge. These new batteries could be leveraged for EVs, consumer electronics, grid-scale battery storage systems, and more. Replacing the liquid electrolyte with a solid ceramic gives batteries a higher energy density, faster charge, and improved safety. Mega-corporation Microsoft recently announced that it would collaborate with researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to learn more about this battery chemistry. With the assistance of AI, they narrowed down 32 million potential inorganic materials to 18 promising candidates. From these results, they created a solid-state electrolyte that could power a lightbulb. This AI-assisted breakthrough could change the approach to battery testing and discovery.
The Impact of Battery Technology
Battery chemistry technology is making a huge impact on the machines and devices we use today. eVTOL, a battery-electric, hybrid-electric, and hydrogen-electric powered vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, is only possible through battery technology advancements. Its design enables greener and quieter flights and can potentially lower aircraft costs. eVTOL has inspired countless companies, including Boeing, that are looking for innovative ways to leverage its technology into other vehicles.
Additionally, virtual and augmented reality are increasingly in demand for recreational and professional applications. These technologies are beneficial for manufacturing, surveyance, and more. Without the current battery technology we have today, these devices would not be possible. Thanks to ongoing advancements, including novel solid-state lighting designs and innovative electronic circuits by researchers at University of Waterloo, the potential to increase optical brightness is possible, as the energy-efficient displays provide up to 30% power savings, lowering the cost of manufacturing.
AES’s Role in Shaping Battery Technology
We're in an exciting era of rapid battery technological advancement. As we commemorate National Technology Day, AES stands ready to lead the charge. With our unique contributions to the field, we're not just keeping pace with new technologies-we're shaping them. As industries increasingly adopt these innovations, we're here to provide our renowned battery test chambers, including our compact benchtop chambers and innovative fixtures that are designed to meet the evolving needs of our clients.
Browse through our services and products, and reach out to a sales engineer to find the best environmental chamber for battery testing. We can’t wait to hear about your latest project!
