Quote:
Originally Posted by OceanPlanet
Great info Lifetech!!
Do you happen to have a list of the cell manufacturers that you know are using Phostech powder? Thundersky, Sky Energy,...others? I hear that Valence is doing something a bit different (Li-Mn?) as is Corvus (Lithium NMC?), what are their respective advantages/disadvantages vs. LiFePO4?
From the marine safety perspective, I never considered the early Li-Co systems a good idea when they showed up on boats. Now I've been convinced that LiFePO4 is good and am recommending it, but would like to know more about the alternatives touted by Valence/Corvus/others.
Info greatly appreciated!
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None of the Chinese LiFePO4 battery manufacturers use Phostech powder. The Chinese manufacturers such as Sky Energy and Thundersky use a low grade LiFePO4 powder in their batteries which has been copied (to varying degrees of success) from the original LiFePO4 battery as invented by the University of
Texas / Phostech Hydro -
Quebec.
It is no different to any other product which was invented in the
USA or
Europe or some other western country then simply copied in
China cheaply with no respect or recognition for the actual inventor / patent holder.
A bit like the choice in
buying a genuine pair of Nike running shoes compared with a
cheap copy from a factory in
China which were pirated with a Nike label or a Rolex watch compared with a copy made to look like the original in China.
People can form their own views about originals and copies and their quality of manufacture and how they perform.
The handful of companies which use genuine Phostech product in some or all of their LiFePO4 batteries include LiFeTech Energy, PHET and SAFT amongst a few others.
These companies generally make specialised batteries which serve a particular market segment. For example PHET has the market in LiFePO4 batteries used for electric
wheel chairs and mobility scooters while SAFT is the major battery manufacturer of
lithium batteries to the military.
Valence is "doing something different" as a way to try to get around the patent issues since they are being sued by Phostech.
A123 Systems is also in the next round of law suits brought about by Phostech for patent infringement.
Phostech is taking
legal action against the US companies who manufacture good quality batteries who are major competetors with Phostech.
It is virtually impossible to sue a Chinese company. They don't recognise patents and simply do as they like. In any case the Chinese companies don't have the technology as yet to make a good quality, high
power LiFePO4 battery which is why Phostech is not so concerned about them and is focussed on the US manufacturers.
I have not heard of Corvus. I will check out their website and let you know what I think of their product.
You can read about the latest in the battle between Phostech and A123 Systems here-
Second Amended Complaint Filed in UT v. A123 Lithium Battery Case - Philip Brooks' Patent Infringement Updates