UC develops technology that gives lithium a second life
The first smart charger developed in the country could massify the use of electric vehicles, by recovering 70% of this type of discarded batteries.
UC Electrical Engineering researchers presented an innovative charger capable of storing energy in homes, buildings, and charging stations, which would maximize the use of electrical infrastructure, one of the great challenges of global electromobility.
It is a pioneering technology in the country and the world, which gives a second life to lithium , by recovering 70% of this type of discarded batteries. This advance could reduce the rate of extraction of this mineral and spread the use of electric vehicles.
“Charging is one of the main problems of electromobility, because the current electrical infrastructure is not capable of supplying the demand that is projected. In addition, the increase in charging points has not gone hand in hand with the growth in sales of electric vehicles” , highlighted Javier Pereda.
The UC Electrical Engineering professor, who leads technological development together with academic Félix Rojas, added that the smart charger contributes to reversing this scenario, by allowing consumption to be distributed during the day, optimizing the electrical infrastructure.
“After eight years, lithium batteries in electric cars lose about 20% of their capacity, so they are discarded. It is estimated that by 2030 there will be a US$30 billion market for second-life batteries in different industries ,” Pereda said.
Regarding where these chargers could be seen, the academic Félix Rojas announced that they would be available in buildings and houses, where they would reduce the current charging time of an electric vehicle by five times. Also, he said, in shopping malls, offices, electric stations and public charging points.
“With a charger without batteries, only the energy that the splice gives can be delivered. On the other hand, with a battery charger, energy can be stored during times of low demand and delivered when demand increases” , added the UC Electrical Engineering professor.
The researchers hope to bring this technological solution to the market in a viable way. Likewise, they seek to inspire new ventures (spin-off) to promote electromobility in Chile and help reduce the carbon footprint of this type of source.
The academics Feliz Rojas and Javier Pereda say that this technology could be available in buildings and houses, where they would reduce the actual charging time of an electric vehicle by five times. Also in shopping centers, offices, charging stations and public charging points.
The launch of the smart charger was presented during the meeting “Charging infrastructure, technological and regulatory challenges of the incorporation of second-life batteries” , organized on the San Joaquín campus.
The Chilean innovation is part of a research project financed by FONDEF, which also had the support of the Energy Conversion Laboratory (PEClab) of UC Electrical Engineering, Andes Electronics, Emoac and Clever Group.
Current chargers for light vehicles
Lentos (houses or buildings); full charge time 8-16 hours; power 1-3.7 kW
Semi rapids (malls, charging stations and public charging); full charge time 2-4 hours; power 3-22 kW
Rapids (electric stations and public charging); full charge time 15-16 minutes; power 45 kW