Battery Power Source Options for Mission-Critical Applications

Sunday, July 01 2007

Selecting power source technology for mission critical devices is crucial to ensure success. Whether it is a monitor at the bottom of the ocean, a drill system at 30,000 feet into the Earth’s crust, or hand warmers on an astronaut in Earth orbit, the cost of failure in these situations far outweighs the cost of a battery. Equipment used in these and other mission- critical situations must perform under environmental conditions that would destroy most commercially available components and energy sources. Every element must be capable of operating in environments where extremes in temperature, pressure, shock, vibration, and corrosive exposure are the norm. Selecting batteries for these vital activities must include consideration for the high level of reliability and performance required to ensure these significant and often costly programs stay on target.

There are various battery technologies available to consider when designing devices for mission-critical applications. One of the first considerations that must be evaluated is whether a primary (non-rechargeable) or secondary (rechargeable) system will best suit the application. In making this assessment, consideration must be given to planned deployment duration, battery accessibility, logistical support for recharging or replacement, and battery system monitoring. Is it a remote application or within easy reach for recharging or changing batteries? Is there a viable power source and means to recharge if the device is isolated? Is the mission a “set it and forget it” assignment where maximum volumetric energy density is required? Full consideration of these application issues will start you on the decision path towards either a primary or secondary battery type.

Once a decision has been made with respect to primary or rechargeable systems, additional technical application requirements must be considered. These include volumetric or mass energy density, storage and operating temperatures and duration, safety, disposal, and construction features for some of the most popular battery systems utilized in mission-critical applications, including lead acid, lithium-ion, alkaline, and lithium.