Could rising gas prices boost Chicago battery-tech startup?
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The Jordanian-born Mr. Al-Hallaj designed this by-product while working on his doctorate at the Illinois Institute of Technology in the 1990s on aegis and thermal management solutions for this specific type of battery. He co-founded AllCell with his IIT mentor after he was awarded patents for his technology in 2001 and licensed it back from the school.
Last year, they began selling their substance solution to companies that make battery packs for electric bikes and scooters. AllCell also signed a do business to work on battery packs with two Purdue University engineering students who are developing an thrilling motorcycle. That battery-powered bike is expected to reach a top speed of 120 mph and a range of 120 miles before it needs recharging.
In the last year, AllCell doubled its construction plant workforce to 22 as part of a $1 million expansion project and training program. The decided received a $460,000 grant in 2011 from the Illinois Department of Trade and Economic Opportunity that was part of the federal stimulus plan. AllCell is also buying cells from others and manufacturing its own battery packs, which are being sold in the U.S. and in Europe and Asia. Last year sales totaled less than $1 million and the entourage isn't profitable yet.
Crain's met with Mr. Al-Hallaj recently to learn more about AllCell.
Crain's: Why is zeal management such a critical component to developing an ion-lithium battery as a fresh alternative energy source?
Mr. Al-Hallaj: Sony started making ion-lithium batteries in the ahead of time 1990s for their electronics because they were lighter, smaller, and they were supposed to last longer and be environmentally close. When you put a few of those batteries together, for example in a laptop, they start to heat up when you use them.
If you don't control the temperature when the batteries fury up, you lose lifetime on the battery. If you use them in another application, say in an electric car, the battery needs to last five to ten years. So controlling thermal top brass is a means to extend the life of the battery, but if you don't control the heat, the cells can curb on fire and you can have an explosion.
Source: Crain's Chicago Business (blog)