Introduction of large-sized nickel–metal hydride battery GIGACELL® for industrial applications

Abstract Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHIs) has developed a large-sized nickel–metal hydride (Ni–MH) battery, called the GIGACELL®. The bipolar 3D design of the GIGACELL® reduces the energy loss between single cells, thus allowing a high power and large capacity. KHI has successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of this battery for industrial applications, such as a battery-driven light rail vehicle (LRV), Battery Power System (BPS) for railways, and stabilization of power grids. This new energy-storage device will suppress the occurrence of regenerative failure in a railway and enable the use of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. Widespread use of this battery will significantly contribute to energy savings in the social-infrastructure.