For large medical devices, battery power is mainly used as a backup in case of mains failure. For handheld and wearable devices however, they are the primary power supply. Any downtime could threaten the well-being of the patient, which makes the efficacy of the batteries just as vital as the monitors or sensors they might be powering.
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?
Measurement is a fundamental requirement of scientific and engineering disciplines. Without precise measurements as a basis, all future work is doomed to inaccuracy or ineffectuality. As such, it’s vital that test and instrumentation equipment can be relied on to provide consistent, accurate measurements. Here, we explore the role batteries play in achieving reliable instrumentation — and the challenges design engineers should consider.
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.
Closed circuit television (CCTV) has been a feature of our world for almost a century now. First conceived in 1927 by gifted Russian inventor Léon Theremin, it is estimated there are over six million cameras in the UK alone — one for every eleven citizens. The need for video surveillance for safety and security is clear, but what are you supposed to do when mains power is unavailable?
The global home security systems market size is expected to reach $78.9 billion by 2025, with smart security systems becoming increasingly prevalent in people’s homes to protect against intruders, monitor entrances and detect floods. With sensors now dotted around the home, the power requirements of smart security devices have changed from traditional alarm systems.
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.
