High voltage smart battery drives device innovation

Accutronic's PH2059 Lithium Ion standard smart battery

Accutronics has launched the Inspired Energy PH2059 Lithium Ion standard smart battery across Europe. The product will find a home in sectors including the medical, military, portable electronic and industrial electronic industries. The PH2059 features a host of design innovations that will make it easy to integrate and manage, including an innovative connector, flexible mounting and SMBus and SBS compliance.

Accutronics is the sole distributor for the wide range of smart batteries, chargers and accessories from US manufacturer Inspired Energy. With a nominal voltage of 28.8V the PH2059 is ideal for applications where higher voltages are required and is the highest voltage battery in the range. Applications include all kinds of uninterruptible power supply systems and low-current motors.

The PH2059 is part of Inspired Energy’s growing 'Power Series' and features a mixed D connector, allowing both power and communication in the same interface. The battery also has a five-bar LCD fuel gauge, allowing the user to easily see how much power remains in 20% increments.
Tough plastic housing allows for fitting into a device cavity or hard fixing to a chassis using four bolts, making this battery extremely easy to integrate for design engineers. 

SMBus and SBS compliance means that information such as battery voltage (mV), temperature (°C) and current (mA) can be read from the battery. In addition, the PH2059 can provide calculated information such as remaining runtime (min), time to charge (min) and cycle count.

The new battery uses Lithium ion cell technology to provide the highest energy density possible. At just 82mm wide, 168mm long and 28mm high and with a weight of just 533g, the PH2059 is ideal for applications where space is at a premium.

As the stored energy of the PH2059 is only 83.5Wh, and because it has passed all UN T1-T8 transportation tests, the battery is exempted from dangerous goods shipping regulations, making transportation simpler and lower cost. This stands in direct comparison to units exceeding 100Wh, which must be shipped as class nine dangerous goods.

When used in conjunction with a smart charger, the PH2059 will broadcast its required charging voltage and current which the accessory will then supply. This ensures safe and efficient charging and allows for future chemistry changes as the battery is always in control of its charging parameters. This chemistry independence allows the PH2059 to be designed into devices that have product life cycles of many years, with the battery capable of evolving as cell chemistry technology develops.

The new smart battery can be customised to meet the OEM’s requirements. The label can be changed to reflect corporate livery and firmware modifications can be made to enhance the use of the battery in specific OEM applications.

“Customisation of standard products allows our OEM customers to take a tried and tested platform and have it modified to reflect their exact needs” explained Neil Oliver, Technical Marketing Manager at Accutronics. “Our high level technical support service ensures that customers can design an Inspired Energy battery into their new device with total confidence. We can provide CAD models, application support and design advice to ensure the product development process is short and problem free.”

As well as the PH2059 battery, Accutronics also stocks the PH4000 charger and a range of accessories including a PCB mount connector, a wired connector and a wired connector complete with shell and mounting hardware, all of which make it easier to integrate the PH2059 into a device.

Accutronics Catalogue for Inspired Energy Products - Available Now

You can now get your hands on the new 2012 Accutronics printed catalogue covering all of the standard smart batteries, chargers and accessories from Inspired Energy.

2012 Catalogue

Accutronics is the sole distributor for the Inspired Energy range of standard smart batteries, chargers and accessories. This extensive range of products offers OEM customers a high performance, timely solution that avoids the time and costs associated with designing a custom solution.

You can request your printed copy by sending an email to our Sales and Customer Services team. Remember to include your name, position, company name, telephone number and postal address so we can ensure your catalogue finds its way to you quickly.

The 2012 catalogue includes:

• The entire range of batteries which are available in voltages betwen 3.6V and 28.8V and now in 17 different mechanical footprints.
• Desktop chargers in 1 to 6 bay formats
• Single and dual bay embeddable chargers
• A wide range of accessories to help integrate an Inspired Energy battery into your new system.

You can find out more about the wide range of batteries, chargers and accessories by visiting the Inspired Energy section of our website..

Neil Oliver, Technical Marketing Manager



‘A’ is for Asplin… and his views on custom battery design

By Neil Oliver, technical marketing manager at Accutronics

This post is the first in a series of 26, entitled ‘The Accutronics A to Z of batteries’. As you would imagine, today’s star is the letter A and, with this in mind, we’d like to welcome our newest colleague; David Asplin. David’s role as senior mechanical engineer involves working closely with our clients throughout the custom battery design process.

David Asplin discussing a new prototype
with battery Technician Michelle Eardley

Asplin specialises in the mechanical aspect of the design and prototyping of custom batteries. The first step in this process is to discuss every aspect of the application with the customer. Accutronics develops batteries for professional markets where the requirements for size, weight and environmental performance are very high on the list of customer needs. David’s objective is to incorporate all requirements into a battery that is both strong and durable whilst remaining light and compact.

Accutronics takes full advantage of the latest digital prototyping techniques to get the design to market quickly. We perform finite element analysis of the CAD models and employ 3D printing technologies such as stereo lithography apparatus and selective laser sintering to generate physical prototypes. Mould flow simulation is used to test and validate the injection moulding design prior to tooling.

When compared to those who select an off the shelf solution, customers that choose a custom battery have the benefit of an optimal solution where every facet of the design can be tailored to meet their device and market requirements.

“Well designed and efficiently manufactured-to-order batteries will guarantee that you get exactly what you want, with minimal compromise on performance, shape, colour or other physical qualities,” explained Asplin. “Although the initial costs can be higher than for an off the shelf solution, custom design allows the Accutronics customer to brand the product in whatever way they want and guarantee its performance. I can say this with confidence as we also offer a range of standard smart batteries for markets that don’t warrant the investment in a custom smart battery solution,” he continued.

“Furthermore, in some industry sectors, such as medical and healthcare for instance, a bespoke battery design is often the only viable option. Innovative mechanical engineering is the only way of ensuring the product can withstand chemical corrosive cleaning, and unusually high levels of user abuse”, concluded Asplin.

If you are interested in learning more about our custom battery design and manufacturing service, please contact our Sales and Customer Service team on+44 (0) 1782 566688 to discuss your requirements

Credit card sized rechargeable battery for medical applications launches at Compamed

Accutronics, the UK based designer and manufacturer of professional battery solutions, is set to launch a range of credit card sized batteries for medical applications at Compamed 2011. These new smart batteries are ideal for portable applications including tele-healthcare devices, data recorders and monitors. Compamed is taking place at the Dusseldorf Trade Fair Centre in Germany between November 16 and 18. 

The credit card batteries have been developed by Accutronics in response to OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) demand for a short lead time, compact and rechargeable Lithium Ion battery solution for their portable devices. The products feature accurate impedance tracking fuel gauges, an active protection system, and a compact connector, all contained in a package with a footprint identical to that of a credit card. CE marked, IEC62133 and UN38.3 tested, the batteries are supplied with comprehensive technical back-up and a number of useful accessories which enable the OEM designer to easily integrate the battery into the device system.


“The demand for this kind of product might seem surprising, given the abundant availability of Lithium ion batteries in consumer electronic devices such as mobile phones and laptop computers,” explained Neil Oliver, technical marketing manager at Accutronics. “However, consumer-market batteries do not satisfy the requirements of OEMs in the quality-driven medical sector and other professional markets, so we’ve created these new credit card batteries to satisfy OEM demand.

Other products on show at Compamed include the range of Inspired Energy batteries for which Accutronics is the sole distributor. The range now includes the new 28.8V ‘PH2059’ Lithium Ion smart battery which opens up a whole new range of application possibilities where higher voltages are required. The PH2059 can be used in a device cavity but also features threaded inserts so it can also be bolted onto a chassis if required. The PH2059 includes a five bar visual state of charge indicator allowing the user to easily see how much energy is in the battery in 20% increments.

“The crux of all of our products is the technical support that goes hand in hand with them,” explained Oliver. “We believe that our credit card battery fills a gap in the compact battery market for a fully-supported, OEM oriented battery solution. Device design engineers need technical guidance and feedback when they specify battery products and Accutronics are one of the few companies who provide that support as standard. Add to this our excellent quality and delivery performance, and you have a valuable total package that will get the medical device OEM to market quickly and confidently.”

Battery Researchers Look To Seaweed

I have heard of people eating seaweed, but now it seems that it might be used in Lithium ion Batteries as a new binder material. Take a read here.

Neil

Accutronics Stock the Inspired Energy PH2059 and Accessories

Accutronics now stock the new PH2059 Lithium Ion Smart Battery from Inspired Energy. This 28.8V 2.9Ah battery is part of the 'Power Series' from Inspired Energy that uses a mixed D type connector allowing both power and communication in the same connector block.

As well as being capable of sliding into a device cavity the PH2059 is the first battery from Inspired Energy to feature threaded inserts so it can be bolted to a chassis if required. As with many other batteries from Inspired Energy the PH2059 includes a 5-bar visual state of charge indicator so you can easily see how much charge is in the battery in 20% increments.

As the PH2059 is <100Wh and has passed the UNT1-T8 tests it is excepted from Dangerous Goods shipping regulation which means that transportation is more simple and less costly than units which exceed >100Wh. 

As well as the PH2059 battery, Accutronics also stock the PH4000 charger and a range of accessories including a PCB mount connector, a wired connector and a wired connector complete with shell & mounting hardware - all of which make it easier to get the PH2059 designed into your next device.

If you need additional information please visit the Accutronics website or feel free to email me directly.

Neil Oliver

Technical Marketing Manager
Accutronics

Getting more out of your EC9600 Smart Battery Reader

The EC9600 handheld Smart Battery reader is a very popular Accutronics product - it allows users to easily access smart battery data by just plugging it in and toggling through the data using one of two buttons. The data is read from a two line LCD display. If you need to quickly read data from a smart battery then the EC9600 is invaluable.

What many users don't know is that the EC9600 can also be connected directly to a PC and ALL of the Smart battery data transfered to the computer at the touch of a button. All you need is a serial cable and a PC. The Hyper Terminal application on the PC does all of the hard work for you.

We have step by step instructions on our website - click here to take a look.

Once you are up and running you can quickly transfer the data and save the file for later reference. If you have any questions please feel free to drop me an email.

Neil

Accutronics Take-Back Scheme

Accutronics take its environmental responsibilities very seriously and encourages the recycling of batteries of all types. In accordance with the Waste Batteries and Accumulators Regulations (2009), Accutronics is happy to take back (for recycling) industrial batteries of the following chemistries:

•Rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH)
•Rechargeable Lithium Ion (Li-Ion)

To find out more click here or to register your interest in this service please contact us by telephoning +44 (0) 1782 566688 and quoting "Take-Back Scheme".

Neil

http://www.accutronics.co.uk/

Lithium ion - The Rise of NMC

Battery specifiers can now choose Lithium ion cells with a range of alternative cathode formulations, each delivering different performance characteristics. Neil Oliver summarises the mainstream choices available today, and the pros and cons of each option...

Click here for the full article

Confused about the regulations concerning the transportation of Lithium ion batteries?

The regulations concerning the transportation of Lithium ion batteries can be confusing to those who are designing in their first battery using this technology. It is a subject that I am asked about at most customer meetings that I attend. To aid all of our customers the Accutronics website contains a valuable resource which should help in this matter. You can read it here

If you have any questions you are welcome to drop me an email

Neil Oliver

1st Israeli Power Sources Conference (Batteries, Fuel Cells & EVs)

I would like to thank Mr Shmuel De-Leon for allowing Accutronics to present at the 1st Israeli Power Conference which was held yesterday at the Daniel Hotel, Herzelia, Israel. My presentation which was entitled "When Power Failure is not an option" covered Lithium ion technology, safety, Smart Battery functionality and Lithium Ion transportion regulations.

Thank you also to our colleagues at Alexander Schneider who hosted us for the day on their exhibition booth. I know that the event generated a great deal of interest from the large number of delegates who attended this excellent conference and exhibition.

Shmuel De-Leon Energy Ltd Website: http://www.sdle.co.il/

Alexander Schneider Website: http://www.schneider.co.il/

Accutronics Website: http://www.accutronics.co.uk/

KTP Poster Competition, Aston University Birmingham

The competition attempted to highlight the research ties between Aston University and industries across UK. The event showcased over 19 projects in different industry sectors, covering various aspects on business. KTP associates showed their contribution within the length and breadth of the industrial world covering marketing, manufacturing, finance and strategic areas.


Accutronics has collaborated with Aston University to develop a manufacturing strategy to support the growing business and its increasing product range. The company gains benefit from the knowledge and experience of the University and well as the associate. This event also gave Accutronics an opportunity to learn about researches in related sectors and fields and gain more insight by collaborating with different on-going projects and further developing its competitiveness.

Prabhjit Singh, Accutronics KTP Associate

Accutronics introduces new test equipment into its smart battery production

Accutronics is pleased to announce the implementation of new smart battery test equipment in its UK battery assembly operation. The 'DBT' MKII represents a huge leap forward in the way Accutronics conducts post assembly performance and functionality tests on its smart battery products and allows the factory to test a greater number of batteries for its worldwide OEM customers... Read more...

Lithium ion Battery Market to Quadruple

Greater demand for lithium ion batteries means the market is set to quadruple between now and 2020, a new report suggests.

Click here

Neil

Electric Car Batteries to be made in Portugal

25% of the batteries for the European electric car market are to be produced by Nissan in Portugal. 

Click here to read more.

Neil

South Korea plans to Extract Lithium from Seawater!

As electronics proliferate around the world, South Korea plans to meet demand by extracting Lithium from seawater, according to a new report... click here

Neil

Safety End Caps for Standard Lithium ion Smart Batteries

When transporting any battery is is very important that the positive and negative terminals are insulated to avoid short circuits. When transporting Lithium ion batteries this requirement is written into the regulations and anyone offering these batteries for transport must ensure that the terminals are correctly insulated. For OEM shipments this requirement is usually met by the original packaging. When end customers transport their batteries the requirement may be met by using electrical tape, a plastic bag or similar crude means.

At Inspired Energy, their solution is to provide a flexible bright yellow end cap which can be fitted over the end of their standard smart batteries. These provide insulation over the already recessed terminals and prevents any chance of short circuit from loose metal parts such as keys, paperclips etc. They also keep the terminals free from dirt and other contaminants.

These end caps will soon be available from Accutronics, contact me for details. You can view all of the Inspired Energy standard smart batteries and accessories here.

Insulation for Transportation