How to Prevent Battery Disasters

Battery technologies have enabled an unparalleled level of mobility and freedom to users of medical systems around the world. Battery technologies have redefined the power cord from being a mobility obstacle which regulates patient movement to a maximum distance from the nearest power outlet, to simply existing simply as a nuisance or a chore, as users of battery-powered medical systems can enjoy the freedom of portable power but still must remain vigilant to recharge the battery via a power cord when the battery is empty. This remaining nuisance has sent device manufacturers on a quest to further improve the patient experience by finding ways to extend the portability of their battery-power solution. Many manufacturers are evaluating convenience technologies such as wireless charging or energy harvesting to help increase the time span between corded-recharges, and most are emphasizing reducing the overall power requirements of their systems, thereby achieving a longer runtime through lower rate consumption of battery energy. A concerning trend has emerged, however, where device manufacturers are achieving greater runtime for their systems by simply using a larger and more energy-dense battery, as empowered by continuous developments in battery technology. Lithium-ion technologies are widely adopted into medical devices due to their best-in-class energy density (250-700 Wh/L) and specific power (250-330 W/kg). The ability to fit substantial amounts of energy into a small vol...
Source: MDDI - Category: Medical Devices Authors: Tags: Electronics Source Type: news