CHARGING SOLUTIONS
Siemens extends DC fast charging offering with Heliox
It is an extension of DC fast charging solutions that led Siemens AG to acquire Heliox , a Netherlands-based technology leader in fast charging solutions , serving e-Bus and e-Truck fleets and passenger vehicles , earlier this year , with the acquisition expected to complement Siemens ’ existing eMobility charging portfolio .
Heliox is known in mining circles , having , in 2022 , been named by Shell as part of its consortium to create electrification solutions for mine sites along with Skeleton Technologies , Microvast , Staubli , Carnegie Robotics , Spirae , Alliance Automation and Worley .
“ This is an important milestone that adds value to our fast-growing eMobility charging business ,” Matthias Rebellius , Member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG and CEO of Smart Infrastructure , said when the deal was initially announced . “ In addition to expanding our offering , we see digitalisation and software potential with regard to energy and depot management and services .”
Siemens eMobility is part of Siemens Smart Infrastructure . It offers IoT-enabled hardware , software and services for AC and DC charging from 11-300 kW for a broad range of applications .
While Siemens has combined its business activities in the areas of low- to high-voltage motors , geared motors , medium-voltage converters and motor spindles into the spin-off company Innomotics , trolley-assist technology and infrastructure come under Siemens Mobility along with solutions for rail . Siemens eMobility offers electric vehicle charging solutions for numerous applications .
Cavotec adds watts to MCS
Global engineering group Cavotec has continued to refine its ultra-fast Megawatt Charging System ( MCS ) since debuting it at the bauma 2022 show in Munich , Germany .
Initially designed to provide up to 3 MW of power from a single connector , the MCS is a turnkey DC charging solution with grid-to-inlet functionality that supports the decarbonisation of industries including mining .
As a modular solution , it features either manual or automated connection to the vehicle inlet . It has three different power levels ( 350 kW , 1 MW , 3 MW ) with an active connector and cable cooling system ( included in 1 MW and 3 MW chargers ) and a vehicle inlet included in the 3 MW charger .
A specified connector size and minimum weight is used depending on the power level while an advanced power management system incorporates user dashboards and controls the charging process .
Cavotec ’ s Megawatt Charging System offers up to 4.5 MW of power with a single connector
Jörn Bullert , Vice President Product Management , Charging Solutions , said : “ MCS enables the safe and quick connection of heavyduty vehicles and ships to electrical power in a reliable , ergonomic unit . As the most powerful system on the market , MCS significantly reduces typical charging times , thereby minimising downtime .”
The company has since expanded this capacity of the MCS to 4.5 MW with a single connector . The system has also undergone significant testing charging BEVs in an open-pit mining application in Australia .
CATL debuts superfast charging LFP battery
Last year , Chinese battery technology and critical minerals major CATL launched Shenxing , the world ’ s first 4C superfast charging LFP battery , capable of delivering 400 km of driving range with a 10-minute charge as well as a range of over 700 km on a single full charge . Shenxing , it said at the time , “ is expected to considerably alleviate fast charging anxiety for EV users , and opens up an era of EV superfast charging .” The company stated in full : “ With the advancement of battery technology and the significant improvement of overall performance of EV batteries , the industry has achieved long driving range for EVs . Currently fast charging anxiety has become the top factor that stops consumers from shifting to EVs . Focusing on the very nature of electrochemistry , CATL continues its innovation in material and electrochemistry and system structure in an all-round way , achieving superfast charging , high energy density and high level of safety at the same time in a creative manner . Shenxing pushes beyond the boundaries of the performance of LFP chemistry , leading innovation in the battery industry .”
While clearly aimed for now at the automotive industry , it has great significance for mining fleets . CATL says Shenxing “ leverages the super electronic network cathode technology and fully nano-crystallised LFP cathode material ” to create a super-electronic network , which facilitates the extraction of lithium ions and the rapid response to charging signals .
For graphite innovation , CATL ’ s latest secondgeneration fast ion ring technology is used to modify the properties of graphite surface , which increases intercalation channels and shortens the intercalation distance for lithium ions , “ creating an expressway for current conduction .” Furthermore , a multi-gradient layered electrode design has been developed to strike a perfect balance between fast charging and long range , it says .
CATL has also developed a brand-new superconducting electrolyte formula , which effectively reduces the viscosity of the electrolyte , resulting in , it says , improved conductivity . In addition , CATL has improved the ultra-thin SEI film to reduce resistance of lithiumion movement . CATL also lowered the transmission resistance of lithium ions with high porosity and shortened average transmission distance .
In addition to achieving 4C superfast charging , CATL says Shenxing also achieves a long driving range , fast charging over a wide range of temperatures and a high level of safety through structure innovation and leveraging intelligent algorithms .
The company said : “ CATL has developed a trailblazing all-in-one grouping technology on top of the integration of the internal crossbeam and end plates featured in its CTP 3.0 technology , achieving high integration and high grouping efficiency . It enables Shenxing to reach a range of over 700 km , breaking the limits of the performance of LFP chemistry .”
At room temperature , Shenxing can charge to 80 % state of charge ( SOC ) in 10 minutes . Meanwhile , CATL leverages cell temperature control technology on system platforms to ensure that cells heat up to the optimal operating temperature range rapidly , allowing a 0-80 % charge in just 30 minutes in temperature as low as -10 ° C , and uncompromised 0-100 km / h acceleration performance at low temperatures , it claims .
The upgraded electrolyte and the separator with a highly safe coating are used to provide a dual protection of the Shenxing battery . By regulating the global temperature field inside the cells using intelligent algorithms , CATL has built a real-time fault testing system that can solve the problems brought about by fast charging , enabling a high level of safety for the Shenxing battery .
“ The future of the EV battery technology must remain steadfastly anchored at the global technology frontier as well as the economic benefits ,” Dr Wu Kai , Chief Scientist of CATL , speaking at the launch event , said . “ As EV consumers shift from pioneering users to ordinary users , we should make advanced technology accessible for all and enable everyone to savour the fruits of innovation .”
IM
MAY 2024 | International Mining 67