Shigehiro Kawauchi

Title: Shigehiro Kawauchi: A Pioneer in Lithium Battery Technology

Introduction

Shigehiro Kawauchi, an innovative inventor based in Aichi, Japan, has made significant contributions to the field of battery technology. With a total of two patents to his name, Kawauchi has focused on enhancing the safety and efficiency of lithium secondary batteries.

Latest Patents

Kawauchi's latest patent is for a lithium secondary battery that exhibits very high safety. This innovation is achieved by minimizing the generation of flammable gas from electrolyte decomposition and reducing oxygen emission from the positive active material, even during overcharging. The battery includes a positive electrode made of a lithium transition metal composite oxide, a negative electrode composed of a carbon material, and a nonaqueous electrolyte containing an organic solvent with dissolved lithium salt. Notably, the nonaqueous electrolyte incorporates conductive polymer-forming monomers and film-forming agents that work together to enhance performance and safety.

Another important patent by Kawauchi is a fault determination apparatus and method for battery sets. This technology enables accurate fault detection by analyzing the voltage difference between the maximum and minimum values of each cell in a battery set. By combining this voltage difference with the current passing through the battery, Kawauchi’s method allows for the determination of internal-resistance differences, improving the accuracy of fault detection despite variations in electromotive force caused by charge-and-discharge patterns and temperature changes.

Career Highlights

Kawauchi has worked with noteworthy companies such as Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha and Toyota Central R&D Labs, which are recognized for their commitment to research and development in automotive technology. His experiences at these organizations have undoubtedly influenced his innovations in battery technology.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Kawauchi has collaborated with talented individuals like Yoshiaki Kikuchi and Tohru Shiga. These partnerships have enriched his work and contributed to the development of advanced battery solutions.

Conclusion

Shigehiro Kawauchi stands out as an inventor dedicated to advancing lithium battery technology. His patents not only enhance safety standards but also demonstrate his expertise in addressing complex challenges within the field. As battery technology continues to evolve, Kawauchi’s contributions will likely play a vital role in the future of energy storage solutions.