Panasonic has developed a flexible lithium-ion battery for smart clothing and wearable devices

Panasonic Corporation presented its new development – a flexible lithium-ion battery. Battery thickness is about 0.55 mm. the Battery is suitable for use in Wearables: smartwatches, fitness bracelets, smart clothing and other devices.
 
The battery recharges and maintains its performance after repeated bending (radius up to 25 mm) and twisting (25 degrees on its axis). This is the main advantage of a novelty: unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries, this battery is not deformed and thus does not break when bend.
 
Such properties were achieved by radically new internal structure of the battery using a laminated outer layer. According to Panasonic, the flexible battery retains up to 99% of its original capacity after thousands of consecutive flexion or turning. However, as indicated above, the maximum allowable bending radius is 25 mm, and the angle – 25 degrees.
 
In addition, the battery is securely protected from leaks and heating that allows its use in devices in close proximity with the human body (hence the possibility of integration with wearable gadgets and “smart” clothing). The development is protected with 25 patents in Japan and 15 international patents, counting claims.
 
Panasonic will show the new product in the near future at the international exhibition CEATEC 2016, which will be held from 4 to 7 October in Japan.
 
Delivery of the first samples of flexible battery is scheduled for late October of this year. Meanwhile, Panasonic will work to further reduce the thickness of the batteries, so they can be used in even more wearable and IoT devices.

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