Novel coin-type cells handle extreme temperatures

The European launch of a new range of coin-type of lithium manganese dioxide power cells is billed as the dawn of new era of battery functionality.

The European launch of a new range of coin-type of lithium manganese dioxide power cells is billed as the dawn of new era of battery functionality.

Key to the innovative properties of the new battery range is the broad temperature spectrum within which they operate.

The batteries can withstand temperatures from as low as -40C to as high as +150C, without power or performance capabilities being compromised.

This makes huge inroads into previously problematic applications in the automotive, utility, logistics, freight and transport sectors and the armed and emergency services, where sudden changes in temperature or unexpected mechanical shock and vibration might otherwise preclude battery use.

Customers in the Formula 1 industry, for example, rely on Maxell batteries to power safety-critical tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS).

The battery is also used as long-life backup power for real-time clocks in computers, mobile phones, wireless devices and other IT systems.

The temperature properties of the new battery are made possible by using specially developed gasket material, proprietary cell construction and a new combination of active materials and electrolyte.

In addition to the extreme temperature operational capabilities, Maxell's CR2450 batteries also have an enhanced shelf life of 10 years' service.

In the automotive trade the new range of batteries will be particularly suited to TPMS systems which are becoming increasingly common in the manufacture of high-end cars.

This system uses a small transmitter and pressure monitor fitted to the exterior of the tyre.

As the transmitter is totally exposed to the outside environment, it must be able to withstand the extreme weather temperatures and, importantly, the heat generated by the tyre as it rotates.

In the logistics, freight and transport sector, the wide variation of extreme temperature capabilities of the new Maxell batteries will support RFID, which is fast becoming the preferred way more effectively to control and verify inventory levels and track and manage the distribution of manufactured goods.

RFID chips and tags require their own power source in the form of a battery.

As pallets can be left outside in winter or exposed to extreme heat when transported by sea freight in the summer, this application also requires a wide range of temperature operability.

The batteries can also be used to facilitate RFID luggage and cargo tagging by global airlines, supporting the demand for continuous tracking and monitoring of passenger and cargo shipments.

In the area of public utilities, remote meter reading is fast becoming the preferred and most convenient method of monitoring the use of domestic and industrial utilities.

The long-life capabilities and the ability to withstand cold, inclement climates and extreme summer heat could help in making remote meter reading more prevalent across all utility sectors.

Toshi Yoshiba, European Primary Battery Engineer, Maxell Europe, said: "Batteries provide clean energy and are becoming more and more indispensable in all areas of business and society".

"The extreme temperature capabilities and extended shelf-life of the coin-type range of lithium manganese dioxide batteries have been developed to open up new applications across many diverse industries and market sectors and are now being launched in Europe".

"The evolution of innovative battery technology is at the heart of our organisation and we will continue to lead the way in making advancements within this market".

Maxell has an extensive heritage in battery technology.

It was the first company to develop alkaline batteries in Japan and is one of the largest manufacturers of coin cell batteries in the world.

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