White PaperRobotics, Automation & Control
Is a 40-year Battery Life a Reality
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Battery-powered remote wireless devices are being deployed throughout the IIoT, bringing real-time connectivity to remote sites and extreme environments. Since rplacing the batteries on these low-power devices is costly, and sometimes impossible, ultra-long-life batteries are required to maximize return on investment. This white paper explores the unique advantages of lithium thionyl chloride (LiSOCL₂) batteries that can last up to 40 years while delivering the high pulses required for two-way wireless communications.
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Overview
The white paper discusses the capabilities and advantages of Lithium thionyl chloride (LiSOCl₂) batteries, particularly in powering remote wireless devices for extended periods, potentially up to 40 years. These batteries are favored in various industrial applications due to their high capacity, energy density, and low self-discharge rates, making them ideal for environments where access to AC power is limited.
The paper highlights the importance of accelerated testing methods, such as the Arrhenius test, which simulates long-term battery performance by exposing cells to elevated temperatures. This testing reveals significant differences in performance between various battery types, particularly in terms of self-discharge rates and available capacity under different discharge conditions. For instance, while Tadiran XOL cells may show low capacity under rapid depletion, Tadiran iXTRA cells demonstrate better performance at high discharge rates, although with higher self-discharge rates.
The document emphasizes that the longevity of LiSOCl₂ batteries is closely tied to their low self-discharge rates, which can be as low as 0.7% per year for high-quality cells. This characteristic allows them to retain a significant portion of their capacity even after decades of use. The paper also notes that applications requiring high pulse currents may benefit from hybrid solutions that combine LiSOCl₂ cells with hybrid layer capacitors.
Real-world examples from the mid-1980s illustrate the reliability of these batteries, as many installed in wireless meter transmitter units were found to retain substantial unused capacity nearly three decades later. The white paper concludes by underscoring the critical role of LiSOCl₂ batteries in enhancing network reliability and reducing maintenance costs in various sectors, including smart metering, healthcare, and environmental monitoring, thereby supporting the growing demand for remote wireless connectivity in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).