New technology with lower cost, higher safety, and longer life expands the possibilities of energy systems.
PROFILE
- Name
- Sarah Cole
- Company
- 24M Technologies（USA）
- Department / Position
- Manager, Advanced Process Development
- Favorite Words
- Always do your best!
Pursuing possibilities through new technologies.
24M Technologies, Inc. (24M) is working with Kyocera to develop the technology and mass-produce battery storage products using 24M’s SemiSolid™ manufacturing platform. 24M’s SemiSolid™ has a simpler manufacturing process than conventional batteries, meaning it is less expensive. But, that's not all. It has higher energy density, improved safety, and a longer service life. It is the first of its kind,* and its potential applications for storing electricity are drawing a lot of attention. We have been developing products together with manufacturers of hybrid and electric vehicles, as well as with partners who provide wind- and solar-powered energy management systems. As manager of the advanced process development team, I am responsible for improving existing technologies and production lines as well as spearheading new innovations. I am constantly trying to see what we can do to improve quality, not only for the issues at hand, but also for the environment in which the next generation of products will be developed.
The fascination of doing what no one has been able to do before.
We work on initiatives that have never been undertaken by anyone else. There are always difficulties and hardships, and there are no answers to be found on the internet. But, it is a great pleasure for me as an engineer to be able to make new discoveries through my own efforts. The fun of creating something that no one has ever worked on is what makes this job so rewarding. The starting point of my career as an engineer was an experience I had as a child when a favorite toy broke and I had to repair it by myself. I still remember the excitement and pride I felt when I was able to fix it. In my current position as a manager, it gives me great pleasure to lead my team to take on technical development challenges, make projects a success, and guide my team members and myself toward further growth.
I want to tackle the challenge of solving global problems and enjoy the quest.
Manufacturing of SemiSolid™ batteries requires unique facilities and advanced technology. Based on our expertise with SemiSolid™ and its manufacturing platform, we were able to establish mass-production technology and implement a production line through our partnership with Kyocera. I was impressed with the work of Kyocera engineers, who were very meticulous and thought through every detail of what they were doing. I often felt that we were working together to address our problems and challenges, and we were undeniably one team. I still have the greatest respect for Kyocera, and I believe we have built a good relationship of trust so that we can consult with them immediately if we need anything. One of the products that resulted from our partnership is “Enerezza,” an energy storage system for home use (available in Japan only). Enerezza has many advantages over conventional products, not only in battery capabilities, but also in manufacturing costs and safety, and is expected to become even more widely used. My future goal is to improve and spread the technology of SemiSolid™ storage battery technology, and at the same time contribute to the development of clean energy. Protecting the Earth's environment is a global challenge, and I believe that the development of clean energy as an alternative to fossil fuels is a very meaningful one. My goal is to use my skills and experience to tackle global issues while enjoying the challenge of exploring the uncharted.
*As a semi-solid storage battery (survey by Kyocera in March 2021)
- For more information about our project with 24M Technologies:
- https://global.kyocera.com/newsroom/news/2020/000186.html
- To learn more about 24M Technologies:
- https://24-m.com/
Enerezza is a registered trademark of Kyocera Corporation in Japan.
SemiSolid™ is an unregistered trademark of 24M.
(Information as of October 2023)
