Did you know that the lead acid battery is over 160 years old? Since its invention there have been many improved variations, including the first sealed, or maintenance-free, lead acid (SLA) that was introduced in the mid-1970s. However, in 1996, an alternative chemistry – Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) – was introduced that can serve the same applications with significant advantages.
Rob Brown
Recent Posts
Robots for military, medical, surveillance and logistics purposes are all assisting humans by undertaking dangerous or monotonous tasks but can still have very different power needs, based on the legislations they are subject to and their reliance on battery power. Here we examine the vital functionalities of bomb disposal robots, drones, surgical robotics and logistics robots that can influence the power solutions they require.
For over 130 years, engineers have sought to assist those who struggle with walking through the use of wearable mobile machines called exoskeletons. Many and varied power sources have been trialled for these machines over time, from compressed gas bags to steam power. So, what led to batteries being selected as the modern-day power source of choice and will they still be relied upon in the future?
Ultralife has taken steps towards enhancing its battery portfolio for the renewable energy sector – with the addition of the URB0023 stackable battery and by approving SuperWind Turbines for use with it and other Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries.
Scientists require accuracy in their measurements, which is why – in early 2019 – the definition of a kilogram was modernised.
As measurements become more precise; demands for accuracy are also placed on the equipment that calculates, interrogates, monitors or communicates them; which is where selecting the optimum battery can prove invaluable.
Most Inspired Energy batteries contain ‘18650’ size cells, however demand for increased battery run time means that ‘21700’ cells are gaining in popularity. As a leading manufacturer of standard smart battery packs, Inspired Energy have incorporated 21700 cells into a new range of batteries for the new decade; which includes the company’s first 18V battery.
Most of the work that takes place inside the battery manufacturing facility of Accutronics Ltd in Staffordshire, UK is highly confidential (bespoke batteries built under strict non-disclosure agreements). In this rare glimpse behind-the-scenes, we discover how the pre-engineered range of Entellion credit card batteries evolved from the drawing board to the production line.
In 2019, Southwest Electronic Energy (SWE) was acquired by Ultralife Corporation. We sat down with SWE’s VP of Sales Leon Adams to learn more about the company and its products and to see how the acquisition has benefited the company so far.
