Right battery for IoT-applications.
The number of connected devices is expected to reach 29 billion by 2030. This rapidly growing trend increases the pressure on product developers and suppliers who work with various components for IoT-applications. As a manufacturer, you are undoubtedly under pressure to deliver high-quality components while considering sustainability. Furthermore, the price must correspond to the actual value of the product.
But how about the batteries? What factors should you consider when selecting a battery for your IoT application?
Our battery experts go over some of the factors to consider when choosing the right battery for IoT-applications.
The size does matter
Smart sensors, smartwatches, and door locks all have one thing in common: their small size necessitates the use of a smaller and lighter battery. Choose a battery that does not take up too much space or add too much weight to the device for these types of products.
The most common option is to use rechargeable lithium button batteries or other coin-type batteries. However, some IoT devices require replaceable batteries, which can be either lithium-ion or nickel metal hydride.
Power requirements
Another factor to consider is how much power the IoT-device requires and how long it takes to run on a single charge. Some devices require significantly more power than others, and you would prefer not to constantly charge batteries. Consider a battery with a higher power output in that case.
The right battery chemistry
There are different advantages with different types of battery chemistries depending on the IoT-application (with its unique design and area of use). Lithium-ion batteries are most commonly used in Internet of Things (IoT) devices where energy density and long cycle life are critical for implementation. Nonetheless, nickel-metal hydride or nickel-cadmium may be preferable in devices that use next-generation networks, such as 5G/LPWA, or in devices that require a wide temperature range.
Environment has an impact on performance
If your device will be used in extreme temperatures or harsh environments, a battery designed to withstand these conditions may be obliged. The battery must interact with other elements and its surroundings without causing interference, which could damage the IoT-devices.
->A slight temperature change affects the capacity and service life of the battery. As a result, in order to adequately operate a specific device, you must consider a battery that is suitable for a specific temperature. The acceptable temperature for lithium-ion cells, for example, is -20 ° C to -60 ° C. Both high and very low temperature can damage lithium-ion batteries in the following ways:
- Faster degradation of the battery due to increased aging process.
- Loss of power in batteries with increased internal resistance.
- Thermal runaway with fatal results for the surroundings.
Price of the batteries
Price will undoubtedly be a deciding factor on a requirement list, regardless of the type of project. As a customer, you will always choose between a more expensive product and a less expensive alternative. However, when it comes to IoT, it may be wiser to go with a solution that is more suited to a specific device. Indeed, the cost is determined by factors such as:
The more complex it becomes, the more expensive it may be to develop a suitable battery type that stores enough power for the operation.
Depending on the volume of the order, you may be offered a lower price if it exceeds a certain number of batteries.
The cost will vary according to the need for particular battery chemistry and its features. A larger battery capacity and the cycle life will always be more cost-effective than batteries that last for a shorter period of time.
To choose the right battery for IoT
As you can see, there are a variety of factors that can influence the battery selection for IoT-devices. As a result, it is critical to find a battery supplier who has all of the necessary expertise in-house and can provide you with the best solution based on your specific needs and requirements.
Sparq Technology works with customized solutions, allowing our customers to choose between various types of batteries for their IoT-applications: