Session 16: Sensors & Power

Ultra-Thin, solid-state recharageable battery with vertically integrated solar cell
Thursday, February 15, 2018
11:00 AM - 11:20 AM

ITN Energy Systems, ENrG, and Luctintech have teamed to develop and demonstrate novel ultra-thin, flexible integrated power packs (FIPP) that combine promising new thin, flexible solid-state rechargeable batteries (SSLB) with high efficiency CdTe solar cells in a single, vertically integrated package with a total thickness less than 250 microns. Combining ITN’s SSLB technology with ENrG’s ultra-thin flexible ceramic solves the capacity and packaging issues that have thus far limited the thin film battery technology to limited niche markets. With capacity 1-300 mAh in a thickness less than 250 microns, including hermetic packaging, the new SSLB enables energy density >1,000 Wh/l while maintaining the long recognized benefits of enhanced safety and durability provided by the all solid state chemistry. Using similar packaging, the Team introduces a new product combining the SSLB with high efficiency CdTe photovoltaics. The resulting FIPP offeres wireless, in-field SSLB recharging in ~1 hour while maintaining total energy density >400 Wh/l and package thickness <250 microns. This paper presents results from FlexTech Alliance funded projects enabling the demonstration of the new SSLB and FIPP employing 10-20 micron thick, flexible ceramic substrates as both substrates for the thin film devices and the packaging material. The new SSLB, FIPP can provide power to devices operating across a wide range of duty cycles including high current pulses required for many wireless, display, and medical device applications. Results are presented for the batteries/FIPP performance, including environmental and safety compliance testing.