Rare Earth News

New Types of Batteries Will Increase Energy Storage

Details: Category: Tungsten Information; Published on Thursday, 07 March 2013 12:04

Industrial chemists at Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, near Chicago, wave a tube of white powder in the air emphatically. A mere pinch of the contents is sufficient for analytical colleagues to work out if it has the potential to be the next whizzy material in battery research.

Batteries are a hugely important technology. Modern life would be impossible without them. But many engineers find them disappointing and feel that they could be better still. Produce the right battery at the right price, these engineers think, and you could make the internal-combustion engine redundant and usher in a world in which free fuel, in the form of wind and solar energy, was the norm. That really would be a revolution.

It is, however, a revolution that people have been awaiting a long time. And the longer they wait, the more the doubters wonder if it will ever happen. The Joint Centre for Energy Storage Research (JCESR), at which Dr Pupek and his colleagues work, hopes to prove the doubters wrong. It has drawn together the best brains in energy research from America’s national laboratories and universities, along with a group of interested companies. It has money, too. It has just received a grant of $120m from the country’s Department of Energy. The aim, snappily expressed, is to make batteries five times more powerful and five times cheaper in five years.

Most batteries, from the ancient, lumbering lead-acid monsters used to start cars, to the sleek, tiny lithium cells that power everything from e-book readers to watches, have three essential components: two electrodes (an anode and a cathode) and a medium called an electrolyte that allows positively charged ions to move between the electrodes, balancing the flow of negatively charged electrons that form the battery’s useful current. The skill of creating new types of battery is to tinker with the materials of these three components in ways that make things better and cheaper. The white powders are among those materials.

New battery will be to beat the most successful electricity-storage device to emerge over the past 20 years: the lithium-ion battery. Such batteries are now ubiquitous. Most famously, they power many of the electric and hybrid-electric cars that are starting to appear on the roads. More infamously, they have a tendency to overheat and burn. Two recent fires on board Boeing’s new 787 Dreamliners may have been caused by such batteries or their control systems. Improving on lithium-ion would be a feather in the cap of any laboratory.

George Crabtree, JCESR’s newly appointed director, thinks such improvements will be needed soon. He reckons that most of the gains in performance to be had from lithium-ion batteries have already been achieved, making the batteries ripe for replacement. Jeff Chamberlain, his deputy, is more bullish about the existing technology. He says it may still be possible to double the amount of energy a lithium-ion battery of given weight can store, and also reduce its cost by 30-40%.

This illustrates the uncertainty about whether lithium-ion technology, if pushed to its limits, can make electric vehicles truly competitive with those run by internal-combustion engines, let alone better. McKinsey, a business consultancy, reckons that lithium-ion batteries might be competitive by 2020 but, there is still a lot of work to do. Moreover, pretenders to lithium-ion’s throne are already emerging.

The leader is probably the lithium-air battery, in which metallic lithium is oxidised at the anode and reduced at the cathode. In essence, it uses atmospheric oxygen as the electrolyte. This reduces its weight and means its energy density is theoretically enormous. Bringing that ratio down would make electric vehicles more attractive.

The lithium-air approach has consequently generated a lot of hype. It has problems, though, which will take years of research to resolve. Lithium-air batteries are hard to recharge and extremely temperamental. The chemical reaction which powers them is not far removed from spontaneous combustion. Lithium-air batteries are thus highly inflammable and require heavy safety systems to stop them catching fire.

Luckily, the researchers at JCESR have other irons in the fire. One is the multivalent-ion battery. A lithium atom has but a single electron available for chemical reactions. A magnesium atom, by contrast, has two such valence electrons, and an aluminium atom three.

Theoretically, says Dr Chamberlain, this means it might be possible get two or three times as much energy out of a magnesium or aluminium battery. Though these metals are not as light as lithium, their extra valence electrons increase the amount of energy they can store, thus pushing them forward in the competition with petrol. They are also cheaper than lithium and safer. Their ions, however, are harder to move around inside a battery, which is why they have not been used much in the past, and this is where new materials will need to be sought out.

The second transformation, besides electric cars, that better batteries might bring about is what is known as grid-scale storage. If this could be done cheaply enough it would revolutionise the economics of wind and solar energy by making the main problem with such sources—that the sun does not always shine and the wind does not always blow—irrelevant. To this end, Argonne’s researchers are working on what are known as flow batteries

In a conventional battery the electrolyte is contained within the cell and serves to transport ions between the electrodes. The battery’s charge is held as chemical potential energy in those electrodes. In a flow battery the charge is held in the electrolyte itself, which is stored in a tank and then pumped through the cell to the place where the electrochemical reactions occur.

Unlike batteries based on cells, flow batteries can be made very large indeed, so they can store vast amounts of energy. Hence the idea of using them to collect surplus power from wind turbines and solar panels and squirrel it away for use later. But their water-based electrolytes limit their potential, because of water’s tendency to decompose by electrolysis. That restricts the voltage at which they can operate. Replacing their aqueous electrolytes with organic ones would overcome this limitation, and Argonne’s researchers are endeavouring to do so.

A battery-driven world, then, would electrify parts of the economy, such as transport, that have been recalcitrant, and would encourage the shift from costly (and polluting) fossil fuels to “fuels” such as sunlight that cost nothing.

Tungsten Manufacturer & Supplier: Chinatungsten Online - http://www.chinatungsten.com
Tel.: 86 592 5129696; Fax: 86 592 5129797
Email: sales@chinatungsten.com
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The Shanghai Period of Rebound in Metal today

Details: Category: Tungsten Information; Published on Tuesday, 05 March 2013 18:34

Shanghai period metal today as scheduled rebound, the stock market also rose sharply, recycling yesterday's decline; headed to Shanghai copper base metals rebound force is not very strong, so rely on such a rebound to reverse the pattern is not very realistic, so the top of the 10thaverage material there is still a lot of pressure, but the trend of the outer disk metal stronger, so the short-term Shanghai metal or into low sideways pattern, however, which makes the pattern of the previous decline eased, despite the rebound relatively weak, but can continuea long time, can also play a role in market sentiment conversion; overall the Shanghai period of the metal is Change conversion stage, the material will be time-consuming. The rebound limited the Shanghai period lead today, an increase of more than 60 tons of lead warehouse receipts, the lead spot short-term pressure exists on the whole, but it is difficult up rather than down.

Creation Of Fine Tungsten Rings And Jewelry

Details: Category: Tungsten Information; Published on Monday, 04 March 2013 18:05

The growth of ornamental industry could be seen to a larger extent in the economy.People from all phases of life maintain their life style according to their social culmination.Contributing to this several manufacturers and distributors have been successfully providing and serving the needs of various people by incorporating newer and exclusive designs in their businesses. The success lies on how effectively they are able to capture the attention of the people towards them. These days with the advent of internet, once can find that there are well designed web sites that provide excellent range of Tungsten Rings to its customers. Since people from various nations are looking for some fashionableTungsten Wedding Rings and jewelry it becomes obligatory to meticulously design the Tungsten Wedding Rings. It is because of its best service and quality products it is celebrated among the customers in Australia.

“Our portfolio includes tungstencarbide rings, tungsten rings, tungsten bands and many other men’s bracelet,” says the marketing head of the company. Since each day technology is changing innovation in the designs of jewelry could also be seen. Here is an announcement by the MD of the company who says that new turnkey designs are planned and it would be provided to customers shortly some of their designs are listed here.He also concluded that high quality materials are used which would make it a worthy purchase for life time.

The MD said, “The verdict of conferring some of the best designs to our customers has further led to the development of our company. We have been serving our customers for several years and provide good training to our staff so that they can attend them politely and follow what them fulfilling their requirements when they are around here. We try to provide them with the best shopping experience”.

The management of the company is excellently capable and contains dedicated team of workers who give their fullest aptitude and knowledge in performing various activities of the company. The success is the result of the hard work of every employee.

We are a professional company now being engaged in this business and serving International clients, our business is heaving ahead with plenty of plans and schemes, we are developing ways to meet our potential customers and improving Quality and designs of tungsten carbide rings”. It has become one of the best suppliers of tungsten rings and won the appraisal of several customers. The company announces its new plan that it has prepared recently to launch several new designs swiftly in near future. This package includes several rings and other value added services. Right from consultation to that of purchases and after sale service you can relax and make yourself feel at ease as you would get the fullest satisfaction from the service that they offer and feel that you are at the right place.

Tungsten Manufacturer & Supplier: Chinatungsten Online - http://www.chinatungsten.com
Tel.: 86 592 5129696; Fax: 86 592 5129797
Email: sales@chinatungsten.com
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Tungsten Department Mainstream Stabilized

Details: Category: Tungsten Information; Published on Monday, 04 March 2013 16:54

The recent mine after another to return to work, the market supply is replenished, to some extent, will hinder its price momentum, sodium tungstate market supply and demand is relatively weak, narrower price fluctuations, scrap tungsten aspect of the business mentality optimistic, they will not rush to the transaction.

Downstream business needs a slight increase in the actual turnover of the tungsten market is expected to improve, we expect the tungsten Department of mainstream short term stabilized, individual within a narrow range.

Tungsten Concentrate Prices After The Holiday Up

Details: Category: Tungsten Information; Published on Monday, 04 March 2013 14:37

After the Spring Festival, the tungsten concentrate prices rose slightly to 65 degrees today dayu, Rucheng, Ganzhou scheelite prices 11-11.4 yuan / ton, up 3,000 yuan / ton higher than before the holiday. Today wolframite Price dayu, Rucheng, Chenzhou 65 degrees 11.2-11.5 yuan / ton, representing over preganglionic rose 3,000 yuan / ton.

Tungsten series products have a slight increase, the APT price today for 16.7-17.0 yuan / ton higher than before the holiday 17-17.4 yuan / ton, up 3,500 yuan / ton; tungsten carbide by the preganglionic 262-265 yuan / kg rose today 265-268 yuan / kg, one kg up $ 3.

The Ferrotungsten in a rising channel, the around 70 Ferrotungsten tax price for 17.3-17.8 yuan / ton, higher than yesterday tungsten iron price 1500 yuan / ton. The tungsten iron exports also rose tungsten iron w80-c (GB) Ferrotungsten by the preganglionic $ 47.45 / ton rose to $ 48 U.S. dollars / ton.

Mine Secretary of tungsten improved industrial demand the greatest impetus overwhelmed prices, we all know, Jiangxi is the world's tungsten, is one of the main producing areas of China's tungsten ore, Jiangxi Province Geology and Mineral Bureau, said recently Jiangxi copper, tungsten, the rare earth shortage of silver and the province of geothermal, coal, iron, and other aspects have made new progress. Scheduled resources of tungsten ore reserves target of 100 million tons, now has control of more than 1.5 million tons.

Tungsten Ore Prices Slowly Uplink

Details: Category: Tungsten Information; Published on Friday, 01 March 2013 18:46

Start of the mining area in general, to gradually reduce the market spot the recent tungsten ore prices slowly uplink; APT cheap resources diminished, the business firm prices, the actual settlement price was concentrated in the vicinity of 175,000 increase in, tungsten iron consultation single market of tungsten carbide powder temporarystability, scrap tungsten steel prices stable and inflation.We expect that the short time tungsten market prices continue to be a good trend, some tungsten products prices climb up might greatly.

The Tungsten Market Conditions Remain Steadily Trend

Details: Category: Tungsten Information; Published on Thursday, 28 February 2013 19:27

Hold stocks of tungsten ore businesses reluctant to sell emotions hard to retire, offer climbing up all over the world, has reached 65 degrees wolframite part of more than 1.55 yuan / kWh; the tungsten iron market slightly confusing, currently offer a minimum of 173,000 yuan / ton, up180,000 yuan / ton, the market spot unusual; tungsten carbide powder being steady and the high maintained at 270 yuan / kg near the actual delivery in the low.We expected the tungsten market conditions in the short term or remain steadily trend.

Tungsten Ore Market Gradually Recovery Or Tentative Prices

Details: Category: Tungsten Information; Published on Wednesday, 27 February 2013 17:50

Tungsten ore market part of the business after another encore, and wait for the market reaction after a slight rise in the APT offer, tungsten Rail offer unrealistically high, the actual delivery price no significant uplift, tungsten carbide powder hidden gains but yet to make the trip, scrap tungsten steel still will be steady. We are expected to rise in the short-term tungsten-based prices of some products or tentative.

Domestic miners bullish market outlook, tungsten ore prices a good trend, 65 degrees wolframite actual transaction concentrated to around 1.5 yuan / kWh; caution APT some businesses, the low of the market price go up to 170,000 yuan / ton, powder and alloy market prices, lack of motivation to continue the maintenance of stability, the tungsten market or remain stable in the short term is expected to trend up trend.

Tungsten Manufacturer & Supplier: Chinatungsten Online - http://www.chinatungsten.com
Tel.: 86 592 5129696; Fax: 86 592 5129797
Email: sales@chinatungsten.com
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Tungsten Ore Market Conditions Today

Details: Category: Tungsten Information; Published on Tuesday, 26 February 2013 19:17

Recent the tungsten ore market is bullish mood darker held cargo miner gradually shill to test the market, the APT side low-key follow-up powder market has been improvement, prices began to climb up, tungsten carbide parts to 270 yuan / kg nearby.Tungsten price fully buoyant, optimistic about the business mentality, we expected a short time the tungsten market or keep the uplink, the actual turnover also improved.

Tungsten Manufacturer & Supplier: Chinatungsten Online - http://www.chinatungsten.com
Tel.: 86 592 5129696; Fax: 86 592 5129797
Email: sales@chinatungsten.com
Tungsten News & Tungsten Prices, 3G Version: http://3g.chinatungsten.com
Tungsten News & Tungsten Prices, WML Version: http://m.chinatungsten.com

The Tungsten Materials Flashlight Using A USB

Details: Category: Tungsten Information; Published on Monday, 25 February 2013 16:45

Armament Systems and Procedures (ASP) expanded its Tungsten light family with the introduction of the new Tungsten USB.

The Tungsten USB can be recharged on the go using a laptop computer or any micro USB cellphone charger.

ASP's Transitional Lights are intermediate size lights with full size performance. They have machined grips and advanced user interfaces.

Powered by ASP's custom-made 18650-Lithium Ion battery, the Tungsten USB's latest XPG2 LED light produces a powerful 275 lumens of ultra-white light with a continuous runtime of approximately three hours. The Tungsten USB's battery has a protection circuit module to prevent overcharging or short–circuiting, and the battery indicator on the light blinks red when charging and turns solid green when fully charged.

The linear form factor of the Tungsten USB makes it easily carried lens up or lens down. It’s built with precision-machined high strength aluminum with a Type 3 matte black, hard coat anodized finish. It has a 3-position switch (intermittent, locking and constant-on). The center locking position guards against accidental activation.

The Tungsten USB comes with a detachable and reversible pocket clip, a Micro USB to USB retractable cord, a car charger, a wall charger and a zippered travel case.

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