Background

Modern security devices typically consist of highly sophisticated electronic circuits and often rely on batteries as a power source. Security agencies need to purchase and import such devices from abroad at high price. When parts in such devices including batteries are damaged or degrade, these devices  are prevented from reaching their full potential. Thus, the capability to manufacture replacement parts including batteries for domestic use especially for security applications is crucial.

Lithum-ion battery pack and battery charger for security applications were developed under research collaboration between National Energy Technology Center (ENTEC), National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC), National Security and Dual-use Technology Center (NSD) under National Science and Technology Development Agency and its counterpart, Army Research and Development Office (ARDO).  The projects were supported by  Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI) Year 2015, Energy Policy and Planning office (EPPO) Year 2017 and under Research Gap Fund Program, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) Year 2019. As of 2021, this work has been elevated from field tests to industrial production and usage. The design and production technology has been transferred to Oska Holding Company Ltd..

Goal

To analyze the root cause of silver streaks and propose solutions to the problem precisely.

What did the research team do?

ENTEC team conducted research, developed, and transfered technology know-how on battery pack design and production to private licenser. The details of the operation are as follows:

• Collected usage data of the original product and additional usage requirements through interviews and actual site visits.
• Carried out product design and tested out production feasibility.
• Prototype production and performance testing.
• Field test (2 years).
• Established materials flow and production processes for technology transfer.
• Conveyed an overview of product features and production processes to potential licenser.
• Performed licensee readiness assessment.  Provided key information to improve readiness for technology transfer including raw material handling and equipment.
• Transferred technology through intensive training including technical background, workshop on production process, product quality control and trouble shooting at ENTEC and at the actual manufacturing site.
• Tracked the technology transfer results of the battery pack used in the field.

Background

The National Energy Technology Center (ENTEC) in collaboration with the Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency (DEDE) works on the project “Implementation of Higher Blend of Biodiesel” under financial support from the Energy Conservation Fund. The project encompasses various stakeholders, e.g., government, research institutes and industries, both domestic and international, to push forward the policy on increasing biodiesel blending ratio in diesel from 7% to 10% (B10) by biodiesel upgrading technology. The collaborative effort also focuses on setting the B10 as conventional diesel in Thailand from October 1, 2020 onwards.

Research objectives

• Promote the use of biodiesel while reducing crude oil imports and increasing palm oil consumption which are indigenously produced in the country.
• Raise palm oil price, thus increasing income of oil palm farmers in Thailand.
• Build trust with engine manufacturers and consumers on using biodiesel B10 from on road test with vehicles over 100,000 kilometers.
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• Promote and push policies on biodiesel in the country.
• Reduce greenhouse gas emission and PM2.5 for environmental friendliness.

What did research team do? 

• Research team, together with two commercial biodiesel producers, expanded the production capacity of highquality biodiesel to demonstrate the use of biodiesel upgrading technology, incorporating both technical and economic considerations, to produce upgraded biodiesel at the capacity of 10,000 liters.
• Research team performed a quality check for biodiesel according to the criteria of Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA), to prevent clogged fuel injector problem before blending as B10 to be tested with 8 pickup trucks over a 100,000 km distance.
• Research team assured the Department of Energy Business to issue B10 national standard from successful usage onroad in 158 vehicles consuming B10 over 99,000 liters.

Background

Acetylene black is produced by the decomposition of acetylene gas in petroleum and petrochemical industries. Typically, it is used as a material in printing ink, compound in rubber products and materials for alkaline batteries. Thailand is one of the leading acetylene black producers in the world and IRPC Public Company Limited is one of the business operators of the acetylene black business in Thailand. 

The company recognizes the competence of the research personnel at the National Energy Technology Center (ENTEC) and the availability of the facilities to support research and development on batteries materials. Therefore, IRPC collaborates with ENTEC research team to conduct the research and development projects of acetylene black products to support business expansion in the next generation of batteries industry. This also helps create added value of the products by improving the production process and promote social and environmental sustainability in accordance with the shifting of the global energy transition.

Research objective

To develop acetylene black products with specific properties suitable for energy storage applications and create higher value so that the company can be competitive in the global market.

What did the research team do?

ENTEC and IRPC Public Company Limited research teams joined hands to develop acetylene black products by:

• Analyzed characteristics and properties of the original acetylene black products of IRPC.
• Matching the properties with possible applications as a product in battery industry.
• Performed market analysis of carbon used the battery industry in terms of quantity, price, market structure, key market leaders and market values.
• Analyzed technical property gaps of the company’s acetylene black vs. that in the market. Putting on targeted property and find market positioning.
• Developed and improved acetylene black production process to obtain acetylene black products suitable for the utilization of battery industry.
• Characterized and tested the new grade of acetylene black products of the company against the standard for commercial batteries. Formulate the composition of acetylene black with other materials to be used as lithium-ion battery terminals and validate its electrochemical properties and applicability.
• Developed Technical Data Sheet of the product to as a support information for customers.
• Transfered knowledge of the new products to the company.

Background

Remote and rural areas always faced with a lack of electricity and an inaccessibilty of phone signal. These two problems are major causes of the barrier to human resource development for learning society in digital age and causing disparities in access to technology. To reduce these disparities, an ICT project for lifelong learning for marginalized communities under the Royal Initiative of The Office of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s Projects

(OPSP) has been initiated. This project has been operating since 2016. In 2021, the project is in the third phase, which was expanded from the “Pilot project for managing of solar power generation systems in educational institutions and learning centers for hill tribe communities in the project area under the Royal Initiative” that has been operating since 2008 (Phase 1-2 Project) in collaboration with the Information Technology Foundation under the Royal Initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

Research objectives

Technology for generating electricity with Stand-Alone or Off Grid PV/Hybrid System and remote monitoring or telemetry with ICT systems that are suitable for forests, upland, and remote areas or at the edge of the country which does not have access to an electric power grid. The application of these systems during the year 2016-2021 are as follows:

• Development of teaching competency of the Royal Thai Police for the application of ICT
• Development of career skills about Digital Marketing for students in school
• Development of telemedicine service system for the Royal Thai Government’s Suksala and the infirmary of BorderPatrol Police School
• Promotion of the capability of a community to improve the quality of life on the topic of “Manufacture of self-reliant LED lighting kits” 

What did the research team do?

In Phase 1 and 2 of the Project (2008-2015) two solar power generation systems in schools and remote communities has been installed: (1) a small system of 480 watts (Wp) capable of generating electricity up to approximately 1.5 kilowatt-hours/day (kW-h/day) and (2) battery systems that can back up electricity for 2 days 

During Phase 3 of the project (2016-present) the Stand-Alone or Off Grid PV/Hybrid System will be designed and developed to be able to produce energy together with an electric power supply from other sources available in the area such as wind power, hydropower, and generators. The project in this phase also includes design and development of the electricity generation system to attain a higher power capacity and durability. In addition, a monitoring system has been designed to monitor the electricity generation and performance system.

Background

Global Power Synergy Public Company Limited (GPSC) plans to invest in lithium–ion batteries in Thailand to strengthen the competitiveness and create the stability of the country’s electrical and energy system. The company, therefore, has signed an MOU with 24M Technologies Inc. and MTEC in the research and development of high–performance lithium–ion battery technology. The goal of this undertaking is to support the market growth of energy storage systems that will help promote the stability of transmission systems and electricity generation from renewable energy.

Goal

The research team conducts a feasibility study and facilitates personnel’s readiness preparation for the research and development of lithium-ion batteries with Semi-Solid technology.

What does the research team do?

The research team has studied the technical and marketing feasibility of energy storage systems, been a consultant on energy storage technology, developed lithium-ion battery system, given advice and provided training on lithium-ion battery knowledge and energy storage system to the company’s employees.a