The first Firefly Energy battery aimed at the plug-in hybrid market was mounted on a plaque presented to U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., on Friday January 11. This was the company's way of thanking Durbin for helping get federal funds for research into the high-tech batteries being developed at Firefly since the companies start-up in 2003.
Firefly co-founder Mil Ovan said Firefly planned to send samples of hybrid batteries to the Argonne National Laboratory near Chicago this spring for testing.
Ovan said the company now employs 45 people, up from three when the firm was spun off from Caterpillar five years ago.
Firefly has two similar, but different, technologies using Microcell Technology™, designated as the 3D and 3D2. Their breakthrough foam electrode structure results in a redistribution of most of the electrolyte (the biggest “resistor” in a lead acid battery) into the pores of the foam plate, in closer proximity to the lead chemistry. The 3D cell architecture involves replacing the conventional lead metal-based negative plate with a foam electrode. The 3D2 battery uses the porous material for both the negative and positive plates, replacing up to 70% of the lead utilized in traditional lead-acid batteries.
See their Technical White Paper for more details on their technology.
It is speculated that batteries using the 3D2 technology, which is lighter in weight and has higher energy density, will be required to meet the needs of the PHEV market. If so, this is the first public indication of the status of that technology. Their website, in a 2006 statement, says:
. . . we hope to be making batteries for this (automotive) important application. We have no plans however to offer individual batteries to the general public for at least the next two years.
Firefly is already producing 3D batteries for trucks and for mobile lawn equipment.
I understand that they are using lead-acid batteries in this dive system:
http://www.afstrinity.com/press-release-1-13-08.html
So this Firefly battery technology should tie in really well with this, particularly in it's CD2 incarnation, with either greatly reduced weight and costs, or a still more powerful system capable of going much farther on electric, of the order of 120miles.
In addition it might be possible to reduce the weight and cost of the capacitor system, as the Firefly batteries are quicker to charge and discharge, and are much less sensitive to deep discharge.
Posted by: DaveMart | January 18, 2008 at 01:15 PM
I just want them to sell them at Walmart, so I can use those instead in my EV conversion. 2 years? I hope so. It sounds like it will be a replacement for the NiMH batteries that GM bought, sold to Chevron (Cobasys) and then sat on. The Cobasys patent expires in 6 years, these will be sold in 2, and should be cheaper? I hope Firefly stays as far away from Chevron Investments as possible.
Posted by: Paul H. | January 19, 2008 at 03:14 PM
Did they ever get around to publishing the spec sheet for their OASIS battery? Checked the website, but the "coming soon" blurb is still up. Anyone have better luck?
Posted by: averagejoe | January 19, 2008 at 06:26 PM
Looks like Firefly finally posted a spec sheet for their Oasis battery:
http://www.fireflyenergy.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=273&Itemid=100
Posted by: Ed Harley | November 30, 2008 at 05:24 PM
Great work! I'd be interested in hearing more of your views!
Posted by: Enersys Odyssey Batteries | March 17, 2010 at 12:03 PM
Finally one such reliable battery that is capable to give longer life to the EVs on road. The new microcell foam technology can rule out all the other patented technologies. I wish they sell these batteries from all the local stores.
Posted by: Used Cars for Sale | August 19, 2011 at 02:22 AM
I think that's quite an honor that they gave Durbin the first one. I hope he put it in a nice place in his house!
Posted by: SEO Services | December 02, 2011 at 07:45 PM
So nice of them to give Durbin the very first one.
Posted by: dentist west hollywood | December 06, 2011 at 05:19 PM
That's great that Durbin helped them and they were able to finish their work!
Posted by: Filipino Car Lease Broker Los Angeles | December 06, 2011 at 05:20 PM
Are they offering individual batteries yet?
Posted by: parking sensor system | December 06, 2011 at 05:27 PM
Good technology, I am so glad they made so much progress.
Posted by: Rug Cleaning Los Angeles | December 06, 2011 at 05:42 PM
An increase up to a staff of 45 is wonderful, they must be doing well.
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