No. 379: Controlling multiple storage batteries for optimal charge and discharge (December 13, 2011)

Toshiba will commercialize a new storage system that combines multiple storage batteries with different characteristics to allow for the optimal charge and discharge of the storage depending on the usage. It is designed for the back-up system in power outage, control of power consumption, and charge of an electric vehicle. The system is called “smartbattery” that incorporates Toshiba’s self-developed lithium-ion battery SciB and a lead battery. The SciB is suitable for the back-up power supply for emergency because it allows for quick charge and discharge, while the lead battery is suitable for leveling off power consumption because it can store power in the night.

The system controls each battery depending on the usage and frequency. It allows for the connection to a photovoltaic generation system and power interchange between batteries. The company offers the optimal system that satisfies the requirements of a user at the lowest cost with the longest life. It sets a storage capacity of 10 kW/h as one unit. The price varies with the architecture and the number of units to be incorporated. A system consisting of an SciB and a lead battery, one unit of each, will be about 5,000,000 yen. The company plans to market the system to buildings, apartments, and plants beginning in 2012.