Battery lifecycle

The value of backup power is as much as three to four times the value of primary power on a kilowatt basis. For example, the lifecycle cost of the backup power systems found at the base of a cell tower, which now consists of a bank of lead acid batteries and a diesel or natural gas fired combustion engine, is between 3000 and 4000 per kW. Critical power facilities for data processing centers and the like are also in this cost range. The simple fact is that customers need electricity and will pay a considerable insurance premium to obtain assurance of uninterruptible power. In the case of cellular phone service providers, their federal FCC license may be at risk if they are unable to demonstrate adequate operating capability in the event of grid outages. 

Safety of prototype batteries it tries to integrate risk management throughout the lifecycle of new materials (maintenance, safety, toxicity and recycling) at the early stages of integration. 

Many types of ECSCs have yet another advantage, that is, their environmental safety. The fact is that, for example, billions of lithium batteries are thrown to garbage dumps or buried in the earth and pollute the environment after their lifecycle is over. Thus, such toxic elements as lithium, fluorine, sulfur, nickel, and so on are released. As opposed to this, the widespread types of ECSCs with carbon electrodes and aqueous electrolytes are quite environment-friendly, that is, practically safe. 

Lithium-ion batteries ( LIBs ) are the key cost drivers in hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles. Significant improvements in the last few years with respect to performance, safety and lifecycle now make it possible to produce these technologies at a reasonable cost. As a result, the automotive industry has become a major potential customer for the LIB industry. At the same time, the door has been opened for new players to enter the market. 

Hwang J, et al. (2013) Lifecycle performance assessment of fuel cell/ battery electric vehicles. Int J Hydrogen Energy 38 3433-3446. doi 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2012.12.148... 

Backup power system Initial system cost ( ) Maintenance cost ( ) Battery replacement cost ( ) PV lifecycle cost ( ) ... 

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