Most of the Internet of Things sensors use batteries as a power source. I remember that 10 years ago, when we were just starting to work with the Internet of Things, we joked among ourselves that it was not sensors that should be produced, but batteries. The photo does not show the full range of batteries that we use in our devices. Customers often ask us why we do not use rechargeable batteries instead of batteries.
We have already written that we mainly use lithium-thionyl chloride (LiSOCl2) batteries because of their high performance. Believe me, regular "fingers" don't last that long, even the ones advertised by the funny hare. The situation is even worse with batteries, as they tend to self-discharge quite quickly (even if they are not used) and are not very resistant to cold temperatures. However, there are exceptions to every rule.
You can see the blue and purple cylinders in the photo - these are the "titans". Or scientifically, LTO lithium-titanium batteries. This is a variant of lithium-ion batteries that use lithium pentatitanate as the anode. Such batteries have many advantages:
- They can work in the cold, up to -40C.
- The self-discharge rate does not exceed 5% per month, and for the best versions - no more than 2%.
- They can withstand 10,000 charge/discharge cycles at high current or 10 million cycles at low current.
- They charge very quickly, reaching 80% capacity in 5 minutes, and the best ones can be charged in just 1 minute.
- They are highly explosive and fire-resistant, making them suitable for use in critical and hazardous environments.
In short, if you need a sensor with a battery, we recommend using titanium batteries.
- They can work in the cold, up to -40C.
- The self-discharge rate does not exceed 5% per month, and for the best versions - no more than 2%.
- They can withstand 10,000 charge/discharge cycles at high current or 10 million cycles at low current.
- They charge very quickly, reaching 80% capacity in 5 minutes, and the best ones can be charged in just 1 minute.
- They are highly explosive and fire-resistant, making them suitable for use in critical and hazardous environments.
In short, if you need a sensor with a battery, we recommend using titanium batteries.
