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Tamiya Toys History Blog
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Sat, 22 Mar 2008
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| lithium-ion high-power battery knowledge |
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Most lithium-ion batteries for portable
applications are cobalt-based. The system consists
of a cobalt oxide positive electrode (cathode) and
a graphite carbon in the negative electrode
(anode). One of the main advantages of the cobalt-
based battery is its high energy density. Long run-
time makes this chemistry attractive for cell
phones, laptops and cameras. The
widely used cobalt-based lithium-ion has
drawbacks; it offers a relatively low discharge
current. A high load would overheat the pack and
its safety would be jeopardized. The safety
circuit of the cobalt-based 346970-
001 battery is typically limited to a charge
and discharge rate of about 1C. This means that a
2400mAh 18650 cell can only be charged and
discharged with a maximum current of 2.4A. Another
downside is the increase of the internal
resistance that occurs with cycling and aging.
After 2-3 years of use, the pack often becomes
unserviceable due to a large voltage drop under
load that is caused by high internal resistance.
Figure 1 illustrates the crystalline structure of
cobalt oxide.
The battery industry
is making incremental capacity gains of 8-10% per
year. This trend is expected to continue. This,
however, is a far cry from Moore's Law that
specifies a doubling of transistors on a chip
every 18 to 24 months. Translating this increase
to a presario r3000 battery would mean a
doubling of capacity every two years. Instead of
two years, lithium-ion has doubled its energy
capacity in 10 years. Today's lithium-ion
comes in many "flavours" and the differences in
the composition are mostly related to the cathode
material. Table 1 below summarizes the most
commonly used lithium-ion on the market today. For
simplicity, we summarize the chemistries into four
groupings, which are Cobalt, Manganese, NCM and
Phosphate.
Definition of Energy
Density and Power Density Energy Density
(Wh/kg) is a measure of how much energy a pavilion
zv5000 battery can hold. The higher the energy
density, the longer the runtime will be. Lithium-
ion with cobalt cathodes offer the highest energy
densities. Typical applications are cell phones,
laptops and digital cameras. Power Density
(W/kg) indicates how much power a battery can
deliver on demand. The focus is on power bursts,
such as drilling through heavy steel, rather than
runtime. Manganese and phosphate-based lithium-
ion, as well as nickel-based chemistries, are
among the best performers. nx9600 batteries with
high power density are used for power tools,
medical devices and transportation systems.
An analogy between energy and power
densities can be made with a water bottle. The
size of the bottle is the energy density, while
the opening denotes the power density. A large
bottle can carry a lot of water, while a large
opening can pore it quickly. The large container
with a wide mouth is the best combination.
Confusion with voltages
For the
last 10 years or so, the nominal voltage of
lithium-ion was known to be 3.60V/cell. This was a
rather handy figure because it made up for three
nickel-based pavilion
zd8000 batteries (1.2V/cell) connected in
series. Using the higher cell voltages for lithium-
ion reflects in better watt/hours readings on
paper and poses a marketing advantage, however,
the equipment manufacturer will continue assuming
the cell to be 3.60V. The nominal voltage of
a lithium-ion 319411-001 battery
is calculated by taking a fully charged battery of
about 4.20V, fully discharging it to about 3.00V
at a rate of 0.5C while measuring the average
voltage.
Because of the lower
internal resistance, the average voltage of a
spinel system will be higher than that of the
cobalt-based equivalent. Pure spinel has the
lowest internal resistance and the nominal cell
voltage is 3.80V. The exception again is the
phosphate-based lithium-ion. This system deviates
the furthest from the conventional lithium-ion
system
In 1996, scientists succeeded
in using lithium manganese oxide as a cathode
material. This substance forms a three-dimensional
spinel structure that improves the ion flow
between the electrodes. High ion flow lowers the
internal resistance and increases loading
capability. The resistance stays low with cycling,
however, the battery does age and the overall
service life is similar to that of cobalt. Spinel
has an inherently high thermal stability and needs
less safety circuitry than a cobalt system.Low
internal cell resistance is the key to high rate
capability. This characteristic benefits fast-
charging and high-current discharging. A spinel-
based lithium-ion f4809a in an 18650
cell can be discharged at 20-30A with marginal
heat build-up. Short one-second load pulses of
twice the specified current are permissible. Some
heat build-up cannot be prevented and the cell
temperature should not exceed 80°C.
The spinel battery also has weaknesses. One of the
most significant drawbacks is the lower capacity
compared to the cobalt-based system. Spinel
provides roughly 1200mAh in an 18650 package,
about half that of the cobalt equivalent. In spite
of this, spinel still provides an energy density
that is about 50% higher than that of a nickel-
based equivalent.
Types of lithium-
ion batteries Lithium-ion has not yet reached
full maturity and the technology is continually
improving. The anode in today's cells is made up
of a graphite mixture and the cathode is a
combination of lithium and other choice ls. It
should be noted that all materials in a zd7000
battery have a theoretical energy density.
With lithium-ion, the anode is well optimized and
little improvements can be gained in terms of
design changes. The cathode, however, shows
promise for further enhancements. nx9500 battery research is therefore
focusing on the cathode material. Another part
that has potential is the electrolyte. The
electrolyte serves as a reaction medium between
the anode and the cathode.
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Posted 07:36
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Tue, 11 Sep 2007
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| Tamiya Introduction |
It all started in 1946, when Mr. Yoshio Tamiya, the
founder, opened a saw mill and lumber business in
Shizuoka. Tamiya ventured into modeling in 1948,
with a scale wooden ship model kit. Since then,
Tamiya has continued to grow, producing models
known as "First in Quality Around the World".
1946 May: A sawmill/lumber company is founded in
Oshika, Shizuoka-City, Japan and named Tamiya Shoji
& Co.
1948 Apr: A wooden model department is organized
within the lumber company.
1953 Jun: Sawmill is closed, and Tamiya becomes a
specialized wooden model kit maker.
1955 May: Tamiya releases a wooden motorized tank,
whick becomes immensely popular.
1956 Mar: A boom in wooden ship models allows
Tamiya to be-
come widely known.
1960 May: Tamiya begins producing plastic model
kits, with 1/800 Scale Battleship Yamato.
1961 Dec: Tamiya releases the first 1/35 scale moto-
rized tank, Panther.
1962 Dec: The Tamiya Plastic Kogyo Co. is founded
as a plastic molding company with a capital of 4 mil-
lion yen.
1963 Tamiya introduces the follo-
wing categories: 1/21 Scale Deluxe Tank Series with
M4 Sherman, 1/50 Scale Japa-
nese Aircraft Series with Type 52 Zero Fighter, 1/72
Scale Aircraft with Type 32 Zero Fighter.
1965 Mar: Tamiya goes into slot-car production with
the release of 1/24 scale Jaguar D type
1966 May: Tamiya ventures outside of Japan by ex-
porting to countries abroad, such as the U.S.A.,
Australia, Europe and South East Asia.
Dec: The 1/25 Scale Military Tank Series is
introduced with the German Panther tank.
1967 Jan: The first issue of Tamiya News is published.
Aug: The first issue of Tamiya Junior News is
published.
Oct: The 1/12 Big Scale Series is introduced with
the Honda F-1 racer (RA273).
1968 Jan: Tamiya participates in the German Nurem-
berg Toy Fair for the first time.
Apr: The Tamiya Plastic Kogyo Co. builds a new
factory. Capital increase to 10 million yen.
Jul: The 1/35 Scale Military Miniature Series is
intro-
duced with a WW2 German Army Tank Crew.
Dec: The 1/100 Scale Mini-Jet Series starts with
the Mig-19.
1969 Aug: The Tamiya Plastic Kogyo Co. is renamed
the Tamiya Plastic Model Co., and
capital in-
creased to 14 million yen.
Dec: 1/18 Scale "Challenge" Series is intro-
duced with the Porsche 910.
1970 Jan: Tamiya organizes their first photo album
contest.
Dec: 1/6 Big Scale Motorcy-
cle Series is started with the Honda CB750.
1974 May: 27 European agents gather in Shizuoka for
the first Tamiya agent meeting.
Nov: Tamiya releases their first R/C model, M4
Sherman tank.
1976 Nov: Yoshio Tamiya is awarded The Fifth Order
Of The Sacred Treasure, by the Japanese Go-
vernment, for his commit-
ment to the industry.
Nov: Tamiya releases the 1/12 R/C Porsche 934 Turbo
that triggers the R/C car boom.
1977 Apr: The 1/24 Scale Sports Car Series is
started with the Porsche 935.
Apr: The 1/20 Scale GP collection is started with
the Tyrrell P34.
Nov: A shipping facility is completed next to the
production factory. Tamiya's first R/C Racing
Circuit is completed.
1978 Jul: 1/350 Scale Ship Series is started with
the German Battleship, Bismark.
Oct: A new Tamiya Circuit is completed
near the production factory. Tamiya Plastic Co.
Ltd. is founded.
1979 Feb: Tamiya releases 1/100 Scale Space Shuttle
Orbitor.
Dec: Begins construction for headquarters office.
1980 Jan: Tamiya News becomes a monthly issue.
Dec: Finishes the 6 story headquarters building.
1981 Mar: Celebration for completion of the new
headquarters office.
May: 72 Tamiya agents gather in Shizuoka for
a meeting and celebration of the new
headquarters. Jul: 1/12 Scale Motorcycle Series is
introduced with the Yamaha YZR500.
1983 Jan: The production facilities are automated
and expanded for better productivity.
Mar: Tamiya Shoji & Co. completes a 3 story
warehouse and paint storehouse.
1984 Feb: Tamiya releases the Sound Activated
Temple with great success.
Mar: Tamiya Shoji & Co. establishes Tamiya, Inc.
with a capital of 50 million yen.
Oct: Tamiya sponsors a televised R/C car racing
program that stimulates the market. R/C off-road
cars become big sellers.
1985 Mar: The first issue of Tamiya Model Magazine
International is published.
Nov: Tamiya Plastic Co. Ltd., completes its own
injection molding factory.
1986 Mar: 1/32 Scale Mini 4WD Racing Series is
started with the Hotshot Jr.
Oct: The 1/24 Scale R/C Tamtech Series is intro-
duced with the Porsche 962C.
1987 Oct: Begins the expension of the headquarters
facilities. Tamiya News clebrates its 200th issue.
Nov: More than 10 million 1/32 Scale Mini 4WDs sold.
1988 May: 1/14 Scale QD (Quick Drive) Series is
introduced with the Thunder Shot QD.
Jul-Aug: The first Mini 4WD Racing Japan Cup is
held at 16 locations around Japan.
Dec: Tamiya sponsors a private team "ACP" to
compete in the 11th Paris-Dakar Rally.
1989 Jan: More than 23 millions Mini 4WDs
sold.
Apr: The 8 story east wing addition to the head-
quarters building is completed.
May: Tamiya America, Inc. is established in Cali-
fornia, U.S.A.
Jun: Tamiya Europe GmbH. is established in Neuss,
West Germany.
Dec:More than 44 million Mini 4WDs sold.
Dec: Tamiya again sponsors a private team "ACP" to
compete in the 12th Paris-Dakar Rally.
1990 Feb: Tamiya, Inc. completes its Abe factory.
Apr: Tamiya, Inc. completes its second shipping
facility, a 5,317m2 in Oshika, Shizuoka.
Jul: Monetary Donation to Tank Museum Bovington
England. New hall named "Tamiya Hall".
Jul: Sales of Mini 4WD exceeds 50 million kits.
Sep: 1/24 Scale Sports Car Series reaches 100 cars
with the Honda NSX.
1991 Mar: Tamiya becomes a sponsor for Team Lotus'
1991 F-1 Grand Prix Season.
Apr: 1/35 Military Miniature Series reaches 150
items with the creation of U.S.Navy PBR 31 Mk.II
"Pibber".
May: First solar powered item, Solar Car Assem-
bly kit is released, starting the Solar Mechanics
Series.
Oct: Tamiya ties exclusive contract with McLaren
International for replication of F-1 cars.
Nov: 1/28 Mini F-1 Series is started with Lotus 102B.
Nov: 1/10, 1/12 Radio Con-trol Car Series reaches
100 cars with the release of "Top Force".
1992 Jan: Tamiya Model Magazine International
becomes bi-monthly.
Feb: As the year before, Tamiya sponsors Team
Lotus' F-1 season for 1992.
May: R/C racers from 12 countries across Eu-rope
gather for the Tamiya Euro Cup R/C Cham-pionships.
Jun: The die-cast Lotus 102B is released as the
first model in the 1/20 Collectors Club.
Jun: Headquarters for Tamiya America is founded, a
6,800m2, two story complex in Aliso Viejo, Ca-lifornia.
Sep: "Solar Eagle", the first solar battery powered
R/C car is released.
Sep: The All Japan R/C Championships is held, using
only Tamiya cars. Qualification races are held
around the country, and winners are invited to
Shizuoka to determine the best R/C driver in the
country.
1993 Jan: It is decided that Tamiya sponsorship of
Team Lotus' F-1 season will continue through 1993.
Jun: 1/32 Super Mini 4WD is kicked off with
"Liberty Emperor".
Jul: 1/14 Scale R/C Tractor Trucks Series is
started with "King Hauler".
Jul: The Dinosaur Diorama Series is started with
the first set, "Chasmosaurus".
Sep: "Yamaha Round the World" starts the R/C Yacht
Series.
Oct: The R/C Glow-Engine Car Series is strated with
the TR-15T.
1994 Mar: 1/12 Scale Master's Coachwork Series
is started with the Caterham Super Seven BDR.
Jul: 1/32 Fully Cowled Mini 4WD Series is started
with
"Magnum Saber", which goes on sale at this year's
Japan Cup.
Sep: Tamiya Philippines is established.
1995 Mar: TamiyaCon, a U.S. national scale modeling
contest sponsored by Tamiya America is inaugurated.
May: Tamiya Philippines production
facility is established on Cebu Island, Philippines.
Aug: Radio Controlled gli-der, "Peak Spirit RU", is
released and the R/C Aviation Series is started
Dec: Total Sales of Mini 4WD exceeds 100 million units.
Dec: The 1/12 Scale Collector's Club Special Series
is started with the release of the die-cast Honda
F-1 RA272.
1996 May: Kakegawa Circuit, a 320m race track for
R/C cars is opened in Kakegawa City, Shizuoka. As
well as being open for public use, it serves as a
testing ground for development of new R/C cars.
May: Winning modelers from American scale modeling
contest "TamiyaCon", are invited to the Shizuoka
Hobby Show to display their creations at a modeling
club exhibition.
Jul-Aug: Popularity of Fully Cowled Mini 4WD
explodes. Over 300,000 people in 15 venues across
Japan take part in Mini 4WD Japan Cup.
Jul: "Spin Cobra" starts 1/32 Scale Real Mini 4WD
Series.
Nov: United States (TCS) and European R/C
Championships (Euro Cup) are held, and winning
drivers are invited to Japan to participate in the
World R/C Championships.
Dec: 1/43 Scale Collector's Club-Mini, which
features metal die-cast models, is started with the
Kure Nismo GTR.
1997 Apr: Tamiya establishes scholarship for
students of San Carlos University, Philippines.
Sep: Tamiya Philippines production facility
receives ISO9002 certification.
Oct: 1/10 Scale R/C Boy's 4WD Racer Series
starts off with release of "Voltec Figther", which
comes complete with R/C system and battery.
1998 Feb: The 1/32 Scale Aero-Mini 4WD Series is
started with "Max Breaker".
May: Additional production plant (8,000m2) is added
to existing Tamiya Philippines facility, further
improving production capability.
May: 1/32 Scale Mighty Mini 4WD Series is started
with "Dyna Hawk".
Nov: Tamiya R/C World Championships adds the Asian
R/C Championships to the Japanese, American and
European events, expanding the challenge of R/C
driving to an international level.
1999 Oct: Subaru Impreza WRC '99 marks the debut of
the new QD (Quick Drive) Sports Series, which
features pre-assembled 1/10 scale R/C cars for
entry level users.
Nov: For the first time, Australian drivers attend
R/C World Championships, which this year is held
concurrently with "Tamiya Fair in Shizuoka" hobby
exhibition.
2000 May: Fully operational 1/16 R/C Tiger I, which
sets a new standard of sophistication in R/C
tanking world, is revealed at the Shizuoka Hobby
Show.
May: "Flash-Trigger", first car of the 3-D track
racing, Dangun Racers Series, is also introduced at
the same show.
Sep: XB (Expert Built) Series, which features R/C
built-up and ready to run versions of existing
Tamiya chassis, is inaugurated with the 1/10 Scale
Mitsubishi Pajero.
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Posted 21:11
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