Matsushita Battery to Start Mass Production of New Li-Ion Polymer Battery
Matsushita Battery Industrial Co. (Tokyo, Japan) announced that in May 2001 they will begin the mass production of a new type of lithium-polymer batteries with capacities ranging up to 1,650mAh. The new lithium-polymer batteries employ an integrated structure of positive/negative electrodes and a separator, which can change its thickness and size. The power capacity can be changed by altering the size of the stack, which consists of its electrodes and separator, and the number of stack layers. In the new battery, Matsushita has made many changes from its other battery products. For example, a new material Matsushita has not used in any other products will be employed for the negative electrode. An aluminum-laminated soft outer case will be used to make it lighter. Also, Matsushita claims that improvements were made in the production process for this battery.There are four models of the new battery. The first, called the FP-256370, measures 2.5mm by 63mm by 70mm. It weighs 17g and has a capacity of 700mAh. The second model, named the FP-366370, is 3.6mm by 63mm by 70mm, weighs 27g and has a capacity of 1,150mAh. The FP-256395, or third type, measures 2.5mm by 63mm by 95mm, weighs 24g, and is capable of 1,000mAh. The last model, FP-366395, is 3.6mm by 63mm by 95mm, with a weight of 38g and a capacity of 1,650mAh. The energy density of all models is 152Wh/kg, and the recharging cycle is greater than 500.The production rate of the new Matsushita batteries will be five million units per year when the mass production begins in May 2001.
