Epec's Blog | Electronics Manufacturing Solutions

Around the world, battery pack manufacturers are dealing with supply chain issues. These issues are impacting lead times when they gain battery cell chemistry and battery management system materials.

Mil-aero devices live in a special place in the worlds of design and engineering. These are devices that are often subjected to extraordinary environments. They have extreme requirements, and they often must function in the harshest environments of the world.

Charging batteries, whether they are small batteries in laptops to large ones in electric vehicles, requires the right rate of charge based on the battery chemistry. While technology has provided more ways for people to charge their electronics, especially portable devices, customers are looking at ways to speed up the process so they can use their items faster.

Designing medical devices is no simple task. The stakes are higher for these devices compared to most other industries. Because of that, medical device engineers need to think carefully about which design elements should be prioritized.

Battery power constantly runs applications on a daily basis to perform a wide variety of functions. Yet, there will be certain instances where battery packs will be stored for short-term and long-term periods. This situation may occur due to infrequent use of the equipment or when storing extra battery packs.

More people are taking into consideration the types of vehicles they use for work, school, and to get around town. Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming a trend for both individuals as well as commercial operations. Aside from the tax benefits and reduced need for fossil fuels, battery technologies have matured enabling the EVs of today to offer comparable performance to the traditional internal combustion engine.

When machines operate, they generate internal heat that may compromise working components. The same situation holds true for battery cells. Cells undergo a chemical process that provides power to devices.

There's a lot of electrical, mechanical, and chemical considerations when it comes to developing a custom battery pack. In addition to deciding on the cell chemistry, a customer also must know how the battery pack may perform in various environmental conditions related to the application. They want to know the shelf life of the battery, the charge/discharge rates, and any possible hazards that could occur when the battery pack is in use.

Consumers use battery packs for devices used in diverse environments. While the ideal device would experience cool temperatures without drastic temperature changes and be free from corrosion, chemicals, water, shocks, and vibrations, this setup is not always the case. Some devices used in chemical manufacturing processes may experience chemical exposure. Other devices used outdoors may have to deal with harsh temperatures and an abundance of moisture.

The appeal of lithium-based batteries for products has grown immensely. They provide high amounts of power while being light enough for portable devices. However, the battery chemistry is considered unstable, as it requires a battery management system to monitor the pack's temperatures, State of Health (SoH), State of Charge (SoC), and other factors. If the battery should experience a short or thermal runaway, it could cause the pack to catch fire or explode.