The Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming industries by connecting devices and enabling real-time data collection, analysis, and automation. However, the total cost of ownership (TCO) of IoT systems is often underestimated, especially when it comes to the crucial aspect of battery life. While upfront costs, such as hardware, software, and deployment, are well understood, the ongoing maintenance and replacement costs—largely driven by battery life—can quickly escalate if not properly addressed.<h3 id="isPasted">The Importance of Battery Life in IoT Systems</h3>Battery life is a critical factor in the design and deployment of IoT devices, particularly those intended for remote or hard-to-access locations. A device with a short battery life requires frequent maintenance, which can significantly increase the TCO due to the cost of battery replacements, labor, and potential downtime.<h3>1. Operational Disruptions</h3>Frequent Maintenance: IoT devices with poor battery life necessitate frequent visits for battery replacements, especially in large-scale deployments where devices are scattered across vast areas. This leads to higher labor costs and potential service disruptions.Downtime Costs: In critical applications, such as healthcare or industrial monitoring, downtime caused by battery failure can result in significant operational and financial losses. The cost of downtime must be factored into the TCO, as it can affect productivity, safety, and customer satisfaction.Imagine you have 10,000 IoT devices deployed for tracking, with an expected battery life of five years. This estimate is often based on dividing the battery’s capacity by the average current use, relying on typical scenarios from the datasheet. However, in reality, batteries will deplete at different rates, leading to replacements. Over five years, you might need to replace each battery twice, potentially costing you $6 million (10,000 devices x 2 replacements x $300 per replacement). For mission-critical IoT solutions, the stakes are even higher. According to <a href="https://www.the20.com/blog/the-cost-of-it-downtime/">Gartner</a>, IT downtime can cost up to $5,600 per minute, making battery reliability crucial. The question is: who bears these costs—you or your customer?<h3 id="isPasted">2. Environmental Impact</h3>Increased Waste: Batteries contribute to environmental waste, and frequent replacements exacerbate this problem. Not only is there a direct financial cost associated with purchasing new batteries, but there is also a growing concern about the environmental impact of battery disposal. Regulatory pressures may also add to these costs.Sustainability Concerns: Companies are increasingly being held accountable for their environmental footprint. Poor battery management in IoT systems can tarnish a company’s reputation, leading to potential financial penalties or loss of business due to unsustainable practices. Starting July 18th, 2024, the European Commission enforces <a href="https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32024R1781&qid=1719580391746">new regulations</a> to boost energy efficiency in products across the EU. Part of the EU’s Green Deal, these rules aim to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions, encouraging manufacturers to create more sustainable and cost-effective products.<h3>The Role of Hardware and Software in Battery Life Optimization</h3>Prioritizing battery life requires a holistic approach that encompasses both hardware design and software development. Neglecting this aspect during the development phase can lead to significant long-term costs.<h3>1. Hardware Design</h3>Energy-Efficient Components:&nbsp;Selecting low-power components is crucial for extending battery life. This includes processors, sensors, and communication modules that consume minimal energy, especially when the device is in standby mode.Battery Technology:&nbsp;The choice of battery technology can have a major impact on longevity and reliability. Lithium-ion batteries, for example, offer higher energy density and longer life cycles compared to older technologies like nickel-cadmium, but they may come at a higher upfront cost. However, even with the most high energy density battery it’s impossible to utilize 100% of a battery’s capacity. You can get close if you match it well with the power behaviour of the application. A poor match between the device and battery can be costly. Our extensive testing reveals that, on average, 30-50% of a battery’s capacity often goes unused due to inefficiencies.<h3>2. Software Optimization</h3>Power Management: Efficient software design can significantly reduce power consumption. For instance, using low-power modes, optimizing communication protocols, and minimizing data transmission can extend battery life. Energy-optimized firmware updates can also enhance power efficiency over time.Data Handling: Reducing the frequency of data transmission and processing data locally (edge computing) rather than sending it to the cloud can conserve energy. Optimized software for energy efficiency can prolong the intervals between maintenance visits, thus reducing TCO.<h3>The Consequences of Neglecting Battery Life</h3>Ignoring battery life during the development of IoT systems can lead to several negative outcomes:<h3>1. Increased Maintenance Costs</h3>Frequent Replacements: As mentioned, the need for constant battery replacement drives up costs. This&nbsp;<iframe id="67248eb861f14f2f2bc1d734" width="250" class="specs-iframe" height="440" src="https://wevolver.com/iframe/specs/silicon-labs-siwx917-dk2605a-wi-fi-6-bluetooth-le-dev-kit?iframe=true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true"></iframe> is particularly burdensome for large-scale deployments, where the cumulative cost of replacements can quickly surpass initial hardware investments.Logistical Challenges: Managing the replacement of batteries across numerous devices in different locations can be logistically complex and costly, leading to inefficiencies and higher operational costs.<h3>2. Reduced Device Lifespan</h3>Premature Failure: Devices designed with no focus on battery validation for specific application may experience premature failure caused by bad battery batches or behaviours in temperatures. As a result, this shortens their lifespan, leading to earlier replacements and increasing the overall TCO.<h3>3. Customer Dissatisfaction</h3>Service Interruptions and Product Recalls:&nbsp;Short battery life can lead to frequent service interruptions, particularly in consumer-facing applications. This can result in customer dissatisfaction, negative reviews, and potential loss of business.<h3>Conclusion: A Strategic Approach to Long Battery life and Low Cost of IoT</h3>Battery life heavily influenceses the TCO of IoT systems, making it a critical consideration in the product development phases. By prioritizing energy-efficient hardware and software, companies can reduce operational disruptions, extend device lifespans, and minimize environmental impact. Failing to do so not only inflates the TCO but also risks damaging a company’s reputation and bottom line.In the rapidly evolving IoT landscape, where devices are becoming more ubiquitous to operations, ensuring long battery life is not just a technical concern — it’s a strategic imperative. By addressing this issue proactively, organizations can maximize the return on their IoT investments while maintaining operational efficiency and sustainability.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionizing industries through connectivity and automation, but underestimated battery life costs can significantly inflate the total cost of ownership (TCO) over time.

The hidden cost of IoT: Why battery life must be a top priority

Choosing the optimal battery technology is pivotal to avoid future consequences. This comprehensive guide delves into the intricacies that distinguish NiMH and Lithium Ion batteries – their fundamental properties, performance across applications, etc. and equips readers for informed decision-making.

NiMH vs Lithium Ion Batteries: A Comprehensive Comparison for Engineers

Consider the following details when conducting power profiling:<ol start="1" type="1"><li>Hardware and sensor configurations: Analyze the components and sensors used in the device and their power consumption characteristics.&nbsp;Understand how different hardware configurations impact energy usage.</li><li>Firmware settings: Examine the firmware settings and configurations to identify any potential areas where power consumption can be optimized. Adjust settings and parameters to achieve more efficient power usage.</li><li>Communication parameters: Evaluate the communication parameters used by the device, such as transmission frequency and data rate. Analyze how different communication settings affect power consumption and battery life.</li><li>Use cases and corner cases: Consider the different use cases and scenarios in which the device will be deployed. Investigate how the device's behavior and power consumption vary under different conditions. Pay special attention to corner cases that may have unique power consumption patterns.</li></ol>Continuous benchmarking is crucial throughout the product development process. Utilize UART clever printouts and correlate them with power consumption to identify specific components or features that may be draining energy. This analysis will provide valuable insights on areas that can be optimized for improved power efficiency. Remember to turn off UART once the analysis is complete to avoid any impact on the final product.Additionally, consider network variables that can impact power consumption. Import network log files to understand how factors like distance to the gateway or Node B, weather conditions, and device density within the network influence power consumption. These variables can significantly affect how the battery is drained and should be taken into account when estimating battery life.By iteratively calculating battery life based on power consumption profiles throughout the development project, developers gain valuable knowledge and intuition about the factors that affect the power profile. This understanding allows them to maintain the desired power profile despite changes in the development stack, ensuring optimal power usage and battery life.<h2>Refined battery selection with battery profiling</h2>Understanding the power consumption behavior of an IoT device goes beyond relying solely on data sheet information. It involves conducting a critical analysis to assess the battery's performance in the unique scenario relevant to your project. This process provides insights into the battery's efficiency, stability, and suitability for the deployment.<h2 id="isPasted">Defining a Battery Profile</h2>A battery profile is not just a general overview; it is a tailored description of how a battery discharges under specific loads in particular environments. You can find such profiles in the battery's data sheets. To select the ideal battery for your solution, you need to <a href="https://www.qoitech.com/battery-toolbox/" target="_blank">create profiles</a> that align with your device's power requirements. Additionally, it is beneficial to profile several battery alternatives from different brands, batches, and temperatures to gain a thorough understanding of their behavior.<img border="0" width="605" src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1713351007606-1713351007606.jpeg" alt="En bild som visar skärmbild, Multimedieprogram, programvara, GrafikprogramvaraAutomatiskt genererad beskrivning" class="fr-fic fr-dii">By following these steps, you can gain a deeper understanding of the power consumption behavior of your IoT device and make informed decisions when selecting the most appropriate battery for your project.<h2>Accelerated Battery Profile</h2>To create a battery discharge profile that aligns with your device's current consumption profile, you may need several months or even years. Thus, it is essential to develop an accelerated discharge profile. Here are some best practices to create an accurate and helpful profile:Maintain High Discharge Consistency: Coin cell batteries are particularly sensitive to high discharge, so it is crucial to match your device's peak current. Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries can withstand higher discharge currents, while alkaline batteries fall in between.Shorten Cycle Time: Determine the low discharge time the battery requires to recover.Increase Sleep Current: Ensure the battery can recover even in high discharge. Consult with Manufacturers: Seek assistance from battery manufacturers to verify your assumptions for the batteries you want to profile.<h2>Accuracy Considerations</h2>It's worth noting that precisely matching the discharged energy in the accelerated profile to the original profile may not be feasible, which could affect the profile's accuracy. The less acceleration used, the more accurate the results, but this method's level of accuracy is usually adequate for IoT implementations. It ensures a comprehensive real-world understanding of the battery's performance, contributing to successful IoT solutions.<h2>Profiling Different Battery Chemistries</h2>Here is an example from a customer case with LoRaWAN waste management IoT device. For this specific application, we profiled two distinct electro-chemistries encompassing six brands, including multiple samples from each brand. The profiling was carried out at room temperature, using an accelerated battery profile developed with input from battery manufacturers. Comparing samples from multiple manufacturers allowed us to evaluate how different form factors and chemical compositions influenced the results. Profiling the batteries in various environments could be the next logical step to observe the available capacity deviation from these controlled profiles, given that the profiling occurred at room temperature.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1713351055997-otii-arc-battery-profiling.png" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Battery profiling set-up with Otii Arc ProBattery Profile AnalysisLM17500: Three samples of this battery were profiled, yielding an average capacity of approximately 3050 mAh before reaching the cut-off point, slightly higher than the data sheet capacity of 3000 mAh.CR123A: Two batteries were profiled, with an average capacity of about 1600 mAh, consistent with the data sheet for that specific temperature.Interestingly, alkaline batteries exhibited significant variations in available capacity based on the manufacturer, which is a crucial consideration if customers will be responsible for battery replacement.AAA: These batteries had capacities ranging from 1080 to 1150 mAh, with an average of around 1100 mAh. The data sheet indicated a capacity of 1200 mAh.AA: The AA batteries showed a wider range of capacities, from 2420 to 2730 mAh, with an average of approximately 2590 mAh. For example, the data sheet for Varta indicated a capacity of 2950 mAh.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1713351084975-battery.png" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Batteries profiled in this studyOur profiling process identified performance nuances across different battery brands, chemistries, and form factors. These insights are crucial for making informed decisions specific to the device and use case, going beyond the data sheet capacities. Conducting profiling in diverse environmental conditions, particularly temperature, could further enhance our understanding and contribute to a more resilient IoT device design. You want to see more details from this study? Download the <a href="https://www.qoitech.com/whitepaper/powering-iot-devices/" target="_blank" id="isPasted">white paper</a>.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1713351110704-picture6.png" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Battery profiles graphed for lithium manganese batteries from Saft and GP.&nbsp;<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1713351132266-picture7.png" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Battery profiles graphed for alkaline batteries (AA and AAA) from five different brands.<h2 id="isPasted">Replaying the Battery Profiles</h2>Accurately measured battery profiles provide a more realistic and tailored understanding of the battery's capacity for a specific application, surpassing the information provided in mere data sheets when estimating battery life. By directly applying the profiled battery discharge to the device instead of using a standard power supply, you can determine the actual usable capacity and further enhance the accuracy of the estimation. The actual usable capacity depends on the behavior of the device itself, and in some cases, we have encountered as low as 20% of the measured capacity. Tools such as <a href="https://www.qoitech.com/otii-ace/" target="_blank">Otii Ace Pro</a> with <a href="https://www.qoitech.com/battery-toolbox/" target="_blank">Battery Toolbox</a> can replicate these battery profiles, effectively serving as profiled batteries for the IoT device. By adjusting the used capacity in the battery emulator of these instrumentsand monitoring when the device either shuts down or reboots, you can uncover the true, realistic usable capacity. This ensures a more precise understanding of the battery's potential in the context of the specific application.<img border="0" width="605" src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1713351148170-1713351148170.png" alt="Battery emulation with OtiiBattery Toolbox. MEasured and saved battery profile can be replayed to mimic the actual usable capacity and battery behaviour." class="fr-fic fr-dii">Battery emulation with Otii Battery Toolbox<h2>Conclusion</h2>We propose a technique for selecting the ideal battery: initial selection based on a defined use case and data sheet, power profiling of the IoT device and the battery for the use case, and a refined battery selection using device power behavior to assess the battery's real-world performance for the specific use case and device. This nuanced approach enables developers to make well-informed decisions that boost battery life.

Once the first prototype of your IoT device becomes available, it is essential to start power profiling and estimating battery life. This process involves gaining a comprehensive understanding of the device's configuration and power consumption characteristics within its specific deployment context.

How to pick the right battery for an IoT device: A waste management case study

In the world of electronic design and development, the importance of power analysis has surged, driven by the push for energy efficiency and sustainability in today’s technology. Tools like the <a href="https://www.okdo.com/de/p/qoitech-otii-arc-pro-dc-power-analyzer-5a-max-5v-max/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Qoitech Otii Arc Pro DC Power Analyzer&nbsp;</a>emerge as pivotal solutions, catering to engineers' and designers’ needs to optimize power consumption and enhance device battery life.Advancements in Electronic Design Automation (EDA) and the growing complexity of power delivery networks (PDNs) shape the landscape of power analysis. These developments underscore the need for sophisticated analysis tools that can navigate the challenges of modern electronic design, from managing multiple power domains to optimizing for low power consumption.The Qoitech Otii Arc Pro stands at the forefront of this field, offering precise, in-depth insights into devices’ power usage, facilitating the identification of inefficiencies, and driving the optimization of power management strategies. Its role is crucial in enabling the development of energy-efficient, high-performance devices that meet the demands of an increasingly connected and environmentally conscious world.In this article, we dive into the critical role of power analysis in electronic design and development, highlighting the growing need for efficient power management in the face of advancing technology.<h2 dir="ltr">Overview of the Qoitech Otii Arc Pro</h2>The <a href="https://www.qoitech.com/otii-arc-pro/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Qoitech Otii Arc Pro</a> is a compact, versatile instrument designed for developers and engineers focusing on power analysis and battery optimization for low-power devices. It is a powerful tool, providing real-time analysis and measurements for current, voltage, and power, thereby making it an essential device for optimising energy consumption and extending the battery life of IoT devices and applications.<h3 dir="ltr">Compact and Portable Design</h3>The Otii Arc Pro is characterised by its compact and lightweight design, making it highly portable for field measurements, lab work, and office use. It measures 10.9 x 14.4 x 4.4cm and weighs 450 grams, ensuring ease of transport and use in various environments without a traditional lab setup.<h3 dir="ltr">Powerful Features for Versatile Use</h3>Capable of handling a maximum current of up to 5A and a voltage range of 0.5V to 5V, the Otii Arc Pro can be powered by USB or an external DC adapter, offering flexibility depending on the testing environment and device requirements. Its precise measurement capabilities are complemented by the Otii software, which runs on Windows, Ubuntu, and macOS. It provides an intuitive interface for real-time analysis, statistics generation, and energy consumption monitoring.The device includes various technical specifications, such as a current measurement accuracy of ±(0.1% + 50 nA), voltage accuracy of ±(0.1% + 1.5 mV), and a sample rate of up to 4ksps, making it an accurate and reliable tool for detailed power analysis. The Otii Arc Pro also offers additional functionalities through its software, supporting a wide range of analyses and optimisations for energy consumption.Its ability to conduct detailed power analysis and battery optimisation on the go empowers users to tackle energy efficiency challenges directly in the field, enhancing the development of power-efficient hardware and software solutions.<h3 dir="ltr">Software and Support</h3>The Otii Arc Pro is supported by Otii Basic perpetual software. As part of a recent update, it now includes a perpetual license for Otii Pro software at no additional cost, offering advanced features and capabilities for users who require in-depth analysis and optimization tools. This change provides significant value, allowing access to enhanced functionalities such as scripting and profiling for batteries and energy harvesting solutions without needing a separate subscription. Additional software modules can still be purchased for extended functionalities.<h3>Key Features and Benefits</h3>The Qoitech Otii Arc Pro stands out for its precision, versatility, and user-friendly interface. It is an indispensable tool for developers and engineers focused on power optimization and battery life extension.<h3 dir="ltr">Precise Power Measurement</h3>The Otii Arc Pro distinguishes itself with exceptional accuracy and resolution in power measurements. It offers a current measurement accuracy of ±(0.1% + 50 nA) and a voltage accuracy of ±(0.1% + 1.5 mV), with a sample rate of up to 4k samples per second.&nbsp;This high level of precision is crucial for accurately assessing device power consumption, enabling developers to pinpoint energy inefficiencies and optimise device performance. The precise power measurement capability ensures that even the smallest power draw is accounted for, providing a detailed understanding of a device's energy needs.<h3 dir="ltr">Versatile Application Support</h3>The Otii Arc Pro is designed to support various devices and applications, making it an ideal tool for various sectors, including IoT devices, wearable technology, and any battery-powered device. Its ability to measure current from nA to 5A across a voltage range of 0.5V to 5V makes it versatile enough to handle everything from low-power sensors to more demanding electronic devices.&nbsp;This versatility is further enhanced by its software, which supports real-time energy profiling and optimisation across different stages of development, from initial design to final product testing.<h3 dir="ltr">User-Friendly Software Interface</h3>The Otii software enhances the overall usability of the Otii Arc Pro through an intuitive and customizable interface. It offers users a comprehensive set of analysis tools and project settings, making conducting detailed power and energy measurements easier.&nbsp;The software provides real-time analysis capabilities, allowing for the immediate visualization of power consumption patterns and the identification of power-hungry processes. Users can easily scroll, zoom, and select parts of the current consumption data for in-depth analysis.&nbsp;Additionally, the software supports unlimited undo/redo actions and maintains a fully responsive UI even under heavy data measurement loads, ensuring a smooth user experience.&nbsp;<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzEyOTIzODM0NDE0LVNjcmVlbnNob3QgMjAyNC0wNC0xMiAxNDEwMTcucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Otii software comes as powerful yet easy-to-use desktop application for Ubuntu, Windows &amp; macOS. Image: Qoitech.<h3 dir="ltr">Extended Battery Analysis</h3>The Otii Arc Pro's extended battery analysis features offer the capability to simulate various battery profiles and analyze battery life extensively. This functionality is especially crucial for developing portable and remote devices, where battery life is key.&nbsp;The Otii Arc Pro comprehensively assesses a device's performance under various power scenarios by enabling developers to emulate different battery types and conditions. It helps identify potential inefficiencies and optimize battery usage, thereby extending the operational lifespan of the device.<h3 dir="ltr">Integration with Development Workflows</h3>Integration with existing development and testing workflows is another standout feature of the Otii Arc Pro. It supports scripting and automation, allowing developers to automate tests and directly integrate power and energy measurements into their development pipelines.&nbsp;This seamless integration facilitates continuous monitoring and optimization of power consumption throughout the development process, from initial prototyping to final product testing. By enabling automated testing and analysis, the Otii Arc Pro enhances productivity and ensures that power optimization is a consistent focus throughout product development.<h2>Use Cases</h2>The Qoitech Otii Arc Pro has found numerous applications in the real world, showcasing its versatility and effectiveness in optimizing power consumption across a wide range of industries. From ensuring consumer electronics' longevity to enhancing IoT devices' operational efficiency in agriculture, the Otii Arc Pro plays a crucial role in various settings.<h3>Optimizing Power Consumption in IoT Devices</h3>Maintaining optimal power consumption is a critical challenge in the rapidly expanding domain of the Internet of Things (IoT). The Otii Arc Pro is instrumental in addressing this challenge by allowing developers to accurately measure and analyze the power usage of their devices in real-time. This capability is particularly valuable when devices must operate on limited power sources for extended periods, such as in smart home applications, wearable technology, and remote monitoring systems. By identifying and minimizing energy wastage, the Otii Arc Pro helps significantly extend the battery life of these devices, thereby enhancing their reliability and user experience.<h3 dir="ltr">Prolonging Battery Life in Consumer Electronics</h3>Consumer electronics, including smartphones, laptops, and wearable devices, are integral to daily life. The Otii Arc Pro aids manufacturers in these sectors by providing detailed insights into the power consumption patterns of their products. Through meticulous analysis, developers can optimize the energy efficiency of these devices, ensuring they offer longer battery life. This not only meets the consumer's expectations for durability and performance but also contributes to the sustainability of the products by reducing the frequency of charging and lowering the environmental impact.<h3 dir="ltr">Quality Control in Manufacturing</h3>In industrial settings, such as factories, the Otii Arc Pro can be used for quality control to ensure that equipment operates within specified power consumption parameters. This application is crucial for maintaining the efficiency and reliability of manufacturing processes, where any deviation in power usage can indicate potential equipment setup or function issues. By integrating the Otii Arc Pro into their quality control routines, manufacturers can preemptively address these issues, ensuring their machinery operates optimally and reducing downtime.These practical applications underscore the Otii Arc Pro's versatility and effectiveness in enhancing energy efficiency and optimising power consumption across various industries.<h3 dir="ltr">Comparison with Other Power Analyzers</h3>The Qoitech Otii Arc Pro distinguishes itself from other power analyzers in several key aspects, offering unique features and benefits for users focusing on precision, user interface, and efficiency in power analysis and battery optimization.Precision and Measurement Capabilities: The Otii Arc Pro delivers high precision in both current and voltage measurements, essential for accurately gauging the power consumption of devices. It features an impressive current measurement accuracy of ±(0.1% + 50 nA) and voltage measurement total accuracy of ±(0.1% + 1.5 mV), which stands out when compared to many competitors. This level of precision is critical for developers working on low-power devices, where even small inaccuracies can significantly affect the outcome of power consumption analyses.User Interface and Software Features:&nbsp;The Otii software, which comes with the Otii Arc Pro, enhances the user experience by providing a clear and intuitive interface for conducting measurements and analyzing data. It offers a comprehensive suite of features, including the ability to synchronize expansion port and power measurements, thereby making it easier for developers to correlate power consumption with application states. This seamless integration of hardware with software simplifies the process of identifying and addressing power inefficiencies.Unique Features for Battery Optimization:&nbsp;One of the standout features of the Otii Arc Pro is its battery toolbox, which supports battery emulation and profiling. This allows developers to accurately model and test their devices under various battery conditions without the need for physical battery changes, ultimately leading to more energy-efficient designs. By utilizing this feature, companies have been able to switch to smaller, more cost-effective batteries that still meet their operational requirements, such as achieving a battery life of 6 months, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency and reducing the cost of their products.Comparison with Competitors:&nbsp;When compared to other power analyzers, the Otii Arc Pro's combination of precision, ease of use, and specialized features for battery optimization set it apart. For example, its ability to both source and sink current, alongside a comprehensive software suite that facilitates battery emulation and profiling, is not commonly found in other power analysis tools. This versatility makes it an invaluable tool for a wide range of applications, from IoT devices to other battery-powered technologies.<h2>Final Thoughts</h2>The Qoitech Otii Arc Pro has emerged as a pivotal tool in the field of electronics development, particularly for those focused on enhancing energy efficiency and fostering sustainable technology innovations. This compact, yet remarkably powerful device, serves a multifaceted role—acting as a power profiler, DC energy analyzer, power supply, digital multimeter, and SMU, all designed to streamline the development process of electronic devices.One of the Otii Arc Pro's standout features is its ability to precisely source voltage or current while simultaneously measuring these parameters. This capability is critical for engineers and developers aiming to pinpoint and mitigate energy drains within their devices, thereby optimizing battery life and overall energy consumption.Moreover, the Otii Arc Pro's design incorporates a synchronization expansion port and power measurements, enabling seamless correlation of power consumption with the application state, thereby offering a comprehensive view of a device's energy profile.The versatility, precision, and comprehensive feature set of the Otii Arc Pro underscore its value in creating energy-efficient and environmentally friendly electronic solutions. As we look towards a future where sustainability is increasingly paramount, tools like the Otii Arc Pro play a crucial role in enabling developers to meet these challenges head-on, fostering innovations that are not only technologically advanced but also kind to our planet.In conclusion, the integration of the Qoitech Otii Arc Pro into the electronics development workflow offers a pathway to significantly improve product performance and environmental sustainability. By leveraging this tool, developers can gain deeper insights into their devices' energy consumption, unlocking new opportunities for optimization and efficiency that benefit both the end-users and the environment.<h2>References</h2><ol><li dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.electromaker.io/blog/article/unveiling-quitechs-oti-range-of-power-monitors-a-game-changer-for-iot-devices" target="_blank">https://www.electromaker.io/blog/article/unveiling-quitechs-oti-range-of-power-monitors-a-game-changer-for-iot-devices</a></li><li dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.qoitech.com/otii-arc-pro/" target="_blank">https://www.qoitech.com/otii-arc-pro/</a></li><li dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.cnx-software.com/2020/03/20/a-first-look-at-otii-arc-power-supply-power-meter-and-daq-unit/" target="_blank">https://www.cnx-software.com/2020/03/20/a-first-look-at-otii-arc-power-supply-power-meter-and-daq-unit/</a></li><li dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/specs/otii-arc-pro" target="_blank">https://www.wevolver.com/specs/otii-arc-pro</a></li><li dir="ltr"><a href="https://no.rs-online.com/web/p/power-quality-analysers/2564687" target="_blank">https://no.rs-online.com/web/p/power-quality-analysers/2564687</a></li></ol>

Discover the Qoitech Otii Arc Pro, the ultimate power analysis tool for enhancing device energy efficiency. Learn how its precision, user-friendly interface, and unique battery optimization features can transform your electronic design and development projects for the better.

Qoitech for power analysis and battery optimisation

Several technologies have suddenly come into the spotlight in measures against global warming. Typical examples of these technologies include solar and wind power generation, electric vehicles (EVs), power semiconductors, and fuel cells. Among these technologies, batteries have been viewed as important and widely used for some time. However, batteries are an electrical component whose importance has risen to another level in recent years (Fig. 1).<h2>Larger-Capacity, Higher-Voltage, and Longer-Life Batteries Are Sought for EVs and Energy Storage Systems (ESSs)</h2>Batteries, long used in toys, flashlights and other devices, are now an indispensable source of power for notebooks, smartphones, and other mobile devices. However, devices and equipment that were previously used by burning fossil fuels are now being electrified. Moreover, the use of renewable energy is being promoted. Against this backdrop, new usage scenarios for batteries are rapidly expanding. A strong desire has now emerged for batteries with greater performance, reliability, and safety than ever before.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1711015890630-bms-img0001.jpg" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Fig. 1: Batteries Are Becoming Increasingly Important as a Technology That Boosts the Achievement of Carbon NeutralityFor example, extremely advanced batteries are sought when electrifying the means of mobility that have conventionally used powerful engines as sources of power and heat such as EVs, electric ships, and airplanes. Those batteries need to meet all advanced requirements including a larger capacity to lengthen the continuous use time, higher input/output to enable rapid charging/discharging from small to large power, a longer cycle life with no deterioration over a long time even when repeatedly charged/discharged, and improved safety to allow use even under various temperatures, vibrations, shocks, and other environmental conditions.However, even with the batteries used in new scenarios like such EVs, the basic structure and materials used are not that different from conventional batteries used in smartphones. Lithium ion secondary batteries, the most user-friendly batteries from various perspectives including capacity, output, and life span, are being used without major improvements.The operating voltage of each lithium ion secondary battery cell (the smallest element of a battery) is approximately 4 V when fully charged and approximately 2 V when discharged. The operating voltage is also similar in batteries for smartphones. Moreover, the capacity realized by one cell is approximately 26 Ah for those installed in the latest EVs. The capacity of batteries for smartphones is approximately 3 Ah. Certainly, that means they are a little large. Nevertheless, we can still say they are small considering that they are used to power heavy machines like EVs.&nbsp;In fact, EV motors are driven at a high-voltage power of 400 V to 800 V. The capacity of the batteries that must be installed in EVs to obtain a practical traveling range is large at 50 kWh or more. Combining 1,000 or more cells and then arranging them in a series or parallel realizes the specifications of batteries for EVs. Batteries that have been given a higher voltage and larger capacity by combining a certain number of cells are called modules. Furthermore, a collection of multiple modules is referred to as a pack.It is necessary to resolve certain issues to adopt this method of combining small cells to make large batteries.In general, there are individual differences in the capacity, input/output, and other characteristics of each cell. Those differences arise from variations in materials and manufacturing. When cells are charged/discharged repeatedly, individual differences also arise in their strength against stress from the environment such as charging/discharging. Therefore, the individual differences of each cell tend to become larger. These individual differences have a major impact on the life span, output, and other characteristics of modules comprising many cells and the pack overall. That is because the characteristics of the module or pack will conform to the characteristics of the cell with the weakest performance and stress resistance among those used. Generally, there are fluctuations (referred to as "stress strength") in the temperature of the environment surrounding each cell and the voltage and current during charging/discharging. Therefore, the less resistant the cell, the higher the degree of deterioration. In particular, if the capacity is reduced, the power fails, or another problem arises due to over-charging (over-discharging), overheating, and internal short circuits, it may become impossible to control or drive the vehicle. That may even lead to an accident.<h2>What Is a Battery Management System – a Key System to Effectively Use Batteries?</h2>Against this background, it is necessary to set up an operating environment where it is possible to minimize the deterioration of each cell to maintain the performance of the modules comprising a combination of multiple cells and the packs and ensure the safe use of them over a longer period. A Battery Management System (BMS) is the control system that plays the role of closely monitoring and controlling the operation and status of each cell to achieve that purpose.The operation and status of each cell is constantly monitored with high precision and high resolution in a BMS. Sensors that detect the voltage, current, temperature, leakage, and other factors are used to monitor the operation and status of cells. The system controls the charging/discharging to compensate for slight inconsistences and imbalances in individual cells or modules. This maintains the balance so that the characteristics are as uniform as possible. As a result, the operating life span and performance of the modules and packs are maximized while ensuring their safety (Fig. 2).<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1711015915237-bms-img0002_en.png" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Fig. 2: Cell Balancing - the Main Function of a BMSThe software control in the microcomputer then checks the collected data against the usage range determined from the battery specifications and design to perform operations like the following: (1) charging/discharging control to prevent over-charging and over-discharging, which impairs safety by causing cells to deteriorate, (2) charging/discharging control to prevent dangerous over-current, (3) management of the temperature to enable safe and smooth operation, (4) calculation of the state of charge (SOC), and (5) equalization of the cell voltage to maximize the traveling range and life span (referred to as "cell balancing"). Furthermore, if over-charging, overheating, or another abnormality is detected, the BMS sends alerts to the other in-vehicle systems and informs the control circuits that have the function to disconnect the output power to prevent accidents from occurring.There are two methods to the cell balancing function, which is an important function of a BMS. One is the passive method, in which a discharge switch is used to forcibly discharge cells with a high voltage and to convert the difference in capacity with cells with a low voltage into heat to equivalize the voltage. The other is the active method. In the active method, current is exchanged between adjacent cells with an unbalanced capacity and voltage to equalize the charging status of the cells. It is necessary to employ the active method to fully utilize the battery's potential without spare.The performance of a BMS is determined by the diversity and precision of its embedded control functions. However, an important condition to realize this is a high level of precision in the sensors that detect the operation and status of the cells and in the many electronic components used in BMS circuits (Fig. 3). In addition, a large number of cells must be monitored. Therefore, the BMS circuit configuration itself is becoming more complex. This means smaller and lighter sensors and components are being sought.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1711015936852-bms-img0003.jpg" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Fig. 3: Components Used in BMS Circuits (Source: Application guides "BMS (Battery management system)")<h2 id="isPasted">Wireless BMSs: Installed with Many Wireless Modules</h2>Conventional BMSs predict the operation and status of each cell by checking the data collected with the sensors against the rules and control range input in advance. Consideration is now being given to introducing technology that predicts the operation and status of each cell with even greater precision by allowing artificial intelligence (AI) to learn the trends in electrochemical phenomena in batteries. It is expected that utilization of this technology called "AI BMS" will enable the prediction of cell performance during rapid charging and the early detection of cell deterioration.&nbsp;In addition, attention has been focusing in recent years on the introduction of wireless BMSs (wBMSs). This is a wireless version of the control line that connects the modules and the BMS, making it possible to reduce the number of cables between the modules. This reduces the weight and makes it easier to wire to difficult-to-access locations. It seems it is possible to reduce the length of the cables by approximately 10 m per vehicle as well as the number of connectors, transformers, and other components associated with the wire connections when this technology is applied to a BMS for EVs. Furthermore, installing cells in that empty space will also make it possible to increase the battery capacity. Nevertheless, the risk of failure increases due to instability in the signal transmission line environment compared to a wired connection.A movement is already emerging to apply wBMSs to EVs and large energy storage systems (ESSs). It is essential to apply highly reliable and low-latency wireless technology to realize wBMSs. Semiconductor manufacturers that develop wireless ICs often propose the use of wireless technology with their own standards. Nevertheless, many of them use 2.4 GHz ISM band radio. It is likely that many small and highly reliable wireless modules will be used in EV and ESS batteries. The applications to which wBMSs can be applied will continue to expand in the future as wireless modules evolve.<hr id="isPasted"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1711016070057-1711016070057.png" class="fr-fic fr-dii">If you have any questions based on this article that you would like to discuss with an expert at Murata, don't hesitate to reach out. There's an entire team ready to support you with your question.<a href="https://www.murata.com/en-eu/contactform?&Detail=Wevolver%20request" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" class="button-main-action">GET IN TOUCH</a>

Several technologies have suddenly come into the spotlight in measures against global warming. Typical examples of these technologies include solar and wind power generation, electric vehicles (EVs), power semiconductors, and fuel cells. 

Optimizing Battery Performance: Advanced Management Systems for Enhanced Safety, Efficiency, and Utilization

Battery Type: Electrochemistry, Capacity, and Energy DensityConsider the application and device form factor when choosing the battery. Coin cell batteries are compact and suitable for low-power devices with minimal energy needs but have limited capacity and are non-rechargeable. Lithium-ion (Li-ion) or lithium-polymer (Li-poly) batteries offer higher capacity, rechargability, and longer lifespans, making them suitable for devices with higher power demands and longer lifecycles. Customized batteries may be necessary for devices with unconventional form factors.Capacity, measured in mAh or Wh, refers to the amount of charge a battery can store, while energy density relates to the amount of energy stored per unit volume or weight. Selecting a battery with sufficient capacity and energy density ensures extended device operation without frequent battery replacements.Voltage and Discharge CharacteristicsEnsure the battery voltage aligns with the device's voltage requirements over its entire lifespan. Understand the discharge rate influenced by the application's use, such as data transmission frequency, intensity, and duration. These factors impact battery characteristics, including discharge rate and voltage drop over time, ultimately affecting power consumption and runtime.TemperatureTemperature significantly affects battery performance. Extreme temperatures can impact capacity, discharge rate, and lifespan. Select a battery with an operating temperature range suitable for the device's environmental conditions.Battery and Device Shelf LifeConsider battery conditions, such as self-discharge, both before integration into the IoT device and once integrated. Aging and self-discharge affect performance, so understanding these parameters during product development and post-market deployment is crucial.Cost and LifespanEvaluate upfront cost and total cost of ownership over the battery's lifespan. Assess the battery's expected lifespan and balance it with the device's operational duration to optimize cost-effectiveness.By considering these factors, developers can choose the right battery for their IoT devices, ensuring optimal performance, longevity, and cost-effectiveness. Relying solely on data sheets is not sufficient. Further tests need to be done due to the device-specific conditions and batteries. This will be adressed in the following blogpost. If you can’t wait, download the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.qoitech.com/whitepaper/powering-iot-devices/" target="_blank">white paper</a>.

Choosing the appropriate battery for IoT devices is critical to ensure optimal performance and longevity. There are several factors to consider when selecting a battery that aligns with the specific requirements of the application, allowing for reliable and long-lasting power supply.

Choosing the Right IoT Battery

LPWAN networks aim to conserve energy by operating devices with minimal power consumption. However, battery utilization efficiency depends on factors such as device power consumption, network connectivity, transmission power, and data rate. Understanding and optimizing these factors are key to achieving desired battery performance and ensuring reliable and uninterrupted device functionality.Efficient battery management not only reduces the frequency of battery replacements but also enhances the sustainability of IoT deployments. This is especially important for applications that require long-term monitoring, such as environmental sensing, asset tracking, and smart agriculture. By extending battery life, organizations can reduce operational costs, minimize environmental impact, and improve the overall viability and scalability of their IoT solutions.<h3>Optimizing Battery Life of LPWAN IoT Devices</h3>Battery life is a critical consideration for the successful deployment of IoT devices with limited power resources. Understanding and managing factors that influence battery life are essential for optimizing power consumption and maximizing operational efficiency.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzA4NTA0NDAxMjM1LW90aWktYmF0dGVyeS1wZXJmb3JtYW5jZS0xMDI0eDc2OC5wbmciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><h3 id="isPasted">Device Power Consumption&nbsp;<iframe id="645c016f1f67f100087c4425" width="250" class="specs-iframe" height="440" src="https://wevolver.com/iframe/specs/otii-arc-pro?iframe=true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true">&nbsp;</iframe></h3>IoT device power consumption significantly affects battery life. Factors such as hardware architecture, sensor configurations, and firmware optimization play a crucial role. Leakage current from various components can cause energy loss. Firmware and software optimization are vital for enhancing battery efficiency. By employing efficient algorithms, minimizing unnecessary background tasks, and optimizing code execution, developers can reduce power consumption in the device's software stack.Implementing power management techniques can have a significant impact on battery life. These techniques may involve dynamically adjusting power levels based on network conditions, reducing power to peripheral components during idle periods, or optimizing data processing and filtering algorithms to minimize power consumption.<h3>Data Rate and Duty Cycle</h3>Data rate and duty cycle determine the frequency and duration of data transmission in LPWAN devices. Lower data rates and duty cycles reduce power consumption but result in longer transmission times. Striking the right balance between data rate, duty cycle, and application requirements is crucial for optimizing battery life while ensuring sufficient data throughput.<h3>Network Connectivity and Protocols</h3>The frequency of network connectivity and the size of message payloads transmitted by LPWAN IoT devices affect power consumption. Low power capabilities of the network, such as power save modes, spreading factor, and adaptive data rate mechanics of cellular and non-cellular LPWAN networks, can further enhance battery life. The choice of messaging protocol can have a negative impact on device longevity due to the level of transmission overhead and required quality of service (QoS). By finding the right balance between power efficiency and communication requirements, developers can maximize battery performance and extend the operational lifespan of their IoT devices.<h3>Sleep Mode and Wake-Up Interval</h3>Effectively utilizing sleep mode is a key strategy for conserving power in IoT devices. By defining appropriate wake-up intervals and adjusting sleep durations based on application requirements, developers can minimize power consumption during idle periods, leading to significant battery savings.<h3>Transmission Power and Range</h3>The transmission power level required for reliable communication affects battery life. Higher transmission power increases range but consumes more power. By optimizing transmission power settings based on the deployment environment and required range, battery life can be prolonged without compromising communication reliability.By considering and fine-tuning these factors, developers can make informed decisions to optimize power consumption and extend the battery life of IoT devices. In the following blogposts, we will delve deeper into strategies and techniques to choose the right battery and implement optimization measures for maximizing battery performance in LPWAN IoT deployments. If you can’t wait, download the <a href="https://www.qoitech.com/whitepaper/powering-iot-devices/" target="_blank">white paper</a>.

Battery performance is crucial for the successful operation of IoT devices, particularly in remote or inaccessible locations. They rely on battery power to sustain their operation over extended periods, and maximizing battery life directly impacts longevity, maintenance costs, and user experience.

Importance of IoT Battery Performance

<section id="isPasted">Polymer-air batteries often face challenges related to stability, kinetics and conductivity. In response, Dr. Jodie Lutkenhaus has developed a method to use a polymer as an anode in these batteries.In a recent article published by<a href="https://www.cell.com/joule/pdf/S2542-4351(23)00355-0.pdf" rel="noopener" target="_blank" data-lf-fd-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true">&nbsp;Joule</a>, Lutkenhaus, associate department head of internal engagement and chemical engineering professor at Texas A&amp;M University,&nbsp;&nbsp;collaborated with chemical engineering professor Dr. Abdoulaye Djire to reveal how these polymers store and exchange charge with the electrolyte.“The cathode reacts with oxygen from air to complete the circuit. We specifically targeted the use of a conjugated polymer with a rigid backbone structure for the anode,” Lutkenhaus said.These features make the polymer both conductive and stable, enabling the necessary reversible reactions required for repeated charging and discharging, she said.Despite the benefits of aqueous polymer-air batteries, including improved safety, reduced cost, higher ionic conductivity and sustainability, their electrochemical performance is limited, the article stated.</section><blockquote>By using a polymer as an electrode, we could change the electrolyte to prevent the formation of carbonates.<cite>Dr. Jodie Lutkenhaus</cite></blockquote><section>“To overcome these limitations, researchers have explored alternative polymer anodes, which have several advantages over metal anodes, including low cost, ease of functionalization and high stability,” according to the article.The battery’s rigid ladder structure, fast kinetics and high electrical conductivity allowed it to undergo 500 cycles with minimal performance loss. Additionally, the article revealed the real-time charge transfer mechanism, demonstrating a fast hydronium ion charge compensation process.The article notes that metal-air batteries have a higher energy density compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries. This is attributed to the oxygen cathode, which offers a much higher capacity than conventional metal oxide cathodes. However, the article highlights limitations in using metal anodes in air batteries due to the stability, cost, and environmental impact of extracting and processing metal resources.Issues like dendrites, passivation and corrosion on the metal anode lead to low utilization and inferior cycling stability in metal-air batteries. Despite the adoption of interfacial modification and electrolyte formulation, these issues can be severe in the presence of oxygen from the air.“The polymer-air battery provides an alternative means of storing energy versus the metal-air battery,” Lutkenhaus said. “The polymer-air battery has a high capacity for energy storage and a very long cycle life.”She explained that having a long cycle life means that people can use their batteries longer before having to recharge them or replace them.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Air-based batteries are promising for high-energy batteries because they have a lower mass than conventional batteries,” Lutkenhaus said. “However, long-term operation of air-based batteries often results in the generation of carbonate deposits that clog the battery and prevent long-term operation. By using a polymer as an electrode, we could change the electrolyte to prevent the formation of carbonates.”</section>

Polymer-air batteries often face challenges related to stability, kinetics and conductivity. In response, Dr. Jodie Lutkenhaus has developed a method to use a polymer as an anode in these batteries.

Researchers Investigate Advanced Energy Storage Solutions

<h2 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">FREE REPORT:&nbsp;Reducing Human Driver Error and Setting Realistic Expectations with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems</h2>Thousands die or are injured each year in automobile crashes. Bringing automated driving systems technologies into the advanced driver assist systems (ADAS) and connected vehicle space will help humans drive more safely and better prepare us for automated vehicles (AVs).Learn more about ADAS and ADS implementation with the goal of reaching zero deaths and serious injuries by downloading this FREE report from SAE International (valued at $50).&nbsp;<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzAxMTc1NjkyODg5LWh1bWFuIGVycm9yLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><iframe width="540" height="740" src="https://c8056756.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFAIm7QnvQQ9ZyzkX--H5jNS-TSb9GWr5SQBXi_SUjRPpt67CBveq_yevZYMSeiJ-O1dwYw05f2kl-Q7sfNDRem1Y-03GXYZV4qkTbJeR_K_VpJzgMk_8Ry8fjyfgJ7fAMrCmcRHc1KXsSTuhIU5p5pBa3F1-TGDgOdQgcF-pU8cSTrl8JF2j2b9gl6-5e66Ro-rltcIrGxsRG" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" allowfullscreen="" style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;max-width: 100%;" class="fr-draggable" data-gtm-yt-inspected-11="true" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true"></iframe> <h2 dir="ltr">Electric vehicles in the construction industry</h2>The success of electric vehicles in the construction industry will largely be determined by battery prices being low enough that the total cost of ownership is cheaper than diesel alternatives. IDTechEx’s new report, “Electric Vehicles in Construction 2023-2043,” shows that there is a battery price tipping point, under which it will be cheaper over the vehicle lifetime to operate an EV. Selecting the right chemistry will be imperative for getting a low enough vehicle price. So why is a clear dichotomy seen between the batteries being deployed in China compared to Europe?Electric vehicles in construction are an emerging market. IDTechEx has built a database of more than 100 example makes and models across seven different construction-vehicle categories: mini excavators, excavators (&gt;6 tonnes), compact loaders, backhoe loaders, wheel loaders, telehandlers, and mobile cranes. However, with lots of vehicles yet to be released, only 49 database entries have confirmed chemistry information.Europe and China have more established markets for electric construction vehicles, which makes it possible to draw some conclusions about battery-chemistry trends from OEMs in these regions. What is obvious at this early stage is that Europe heavily favors NMC (nickel manganese cobalt) lithium-ion batteries, while China has chiefly chosen LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzAxMTc1Nzg4MTQ4LXNhZSAxLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Six of the top 10 largest construction companies have either a prototype or concept electric mini-excavator available in 2023. Image credit: IDTechEX.Battery requirements in construction vehicles So, why would one select NMC, LFP or even lead acid? A battery that electrifies construction equipment needs to have huge capacity and low cost. Some of these machines are extremely large and usually require concrete counterbalances to handle the massive loads they encounter. What this means for electrification is that battery weight isn’t much of an issue.Power density also is not a priority. Unlike electric cars, construction vehicles do not tend to have large power-demand spikes and are more likely to operate at a steady rate for a long time. As an example, some early Tesla Model S EVs had a 60kWh battery and a 210kW motor power, meaning its battery must be able to deliver a peak of 3.5C (power divided by capacity), typical for road cars and why they tend to favor power-dense chemistries like NMC.By contrast, the Volvo L25 electric compact loader has a battery capacity of 40kWh and a maximum motor power of 36kW, so the battery is only required to discharge at a maximum of 0.9C, well below road-car expectations.The same is true when considering the larger machines. The XCMG XE270E is a 27-tonne excavator with a battery capacity of 525kWh, but its motor is a paltry 140kW (~0.27C). In fact, research in the IDTechEx report shows that the vast majority of electric construction vehicles have a peak discharge requirement of less than 1C, with one-quarter of vehicles requiring less than 0.25C peak discharge.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzAxMTc1OTU1MjM4LWJhdHRlciBzYWUgMi5qcGciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Battery requirements vary depending on vehicle sizing and applications. Image credit: IDTechEXA low peak discharge requirement can be fulfilled by lead-acid batteries, which is likely why it was explored in the early days of construction electrification. The European examples that used lead acid were mainly from the mid-2010s, when lithium-ion technologies were still scaling and were much more expensive than lead acid. However, these vehicles were seriously limited, with low endurance and slow recharge times. Lead acid was replaced with lithium-ion once the newer technology became more financially viable.Both NMC and LFP offer the required performance for construction, coping with the peak discharge requirements and having high enough volumetric and gravimetric densities to fit in the machines. Speaking broadly, NMC tends to be a higher-performance battery than LFP, with better energy and power densities but coming at a premium. It would make sense then for the industry to select LFP. It offers all the needed performance while helping minimize the cost premium of building an electric vehicle – the number one priority for electric construction vehicles. So why does the European market mostly use NMC?<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JGhYizlJung?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0&amp;enablejsapi=1&amp;origin=https://www.wevolver.com" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" data-gtm-yt-inspected-8="true" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-11="true" id="221148372" title="EC230 Electric customer pilot, the first electrified larger Volvo excavator"></iframe> Choosing between NMC and LFP The best explanation for why NMC dominates in Europe while LFP has taken off in China is a case of availability. Thus far, most of the construction-EV development in Europe has used battery-pack suppliers such as Northvolt, Forsee and Volta, and most of their products use NMC.IDTechEx’s research finds that more than 75% of the offerings from European and North American pack manufacturers use NMC. These companies have been supplying a range of industries, including heavy-duty road vehicles such as buses and trucks. These vehicles require high peak power to deal with acceleration events, hills, etc. and are better suited to NMC. But with battery pricing being a key factor in the success of electric construction vehicles, increased LFP uptake is likely in the future.Meanwhile, China already has a good supply of LFP solutions. As the country’s vehicle fleet has shifted to more electric vehicles, the domestic auto industry needed a more affordable solution that offered acceptable energy density (for an acceptable vehicle range). China’s electric construction industry has been able to build large batteries relatively quickly and deploy some huge machines, such as the already-referenced XCMG XE270E. By contrast, European and North American EV markets have focused on maximizing vehicle range, normally opting for the more expensive NMC chemistry, anticipating that their consumers will be more comfortable with the additional cost.Unfortunately, there is not much data concerning which battery chemistries North American or APAC-based OEMs favor. This is mostly because OEMs in these regions are not as far along in their electrification journeys. North America is a prime example. Caterpillar and John Deere have made a recent push with electric construction vehicles showcased at Bauma 2022, CES 2023 and CONEXPO 2023. However, these machines are still some years away from production, and battery chemistries are yet to be confirmed. An educated guess, however, would suggest that Caterpillar likely will use NMC for reasons similar to those driving decisions at European OEMs.<h3>Is sodium-ion a future candidate?</h3>Another possible contender for the construction industry is sodium-ion, an emerging chemistry that does not have an established market yet. The key thing to know is that sodium-based solutions can be produced at lower costs than lithium ones, but they will not offer the same performance capabilities. In this respect, the batteries have the same trade-offs as LFP batteries.The issue is that sodium-ion is not yet a scaled solution, so it is more expensive than both LFP and NMC while having worse performance. Sodium, therefore, does not make sense in the construction industry for the time being. However, if it can be scaled and then deliver the promised price reduction, sodium-ion could be a prime match for the needs of this nuanced market.The construction EV industry is still nascent, with few vehicles in series production. However, if recent activity and announcements are to be believed, the number of machines available in the next few years is going to explode. In IDTechEx’s report, a 10-year CAGR of 37% is forecasted, with the electric construction machine industry growing to a value of US$150 billion in 2043. All this growth will give rise to significant battery demand. Whether the solution ends up being NMC, LFP or perhaps even Na-ion, the evolution of this industry is underway and accelerating fast.Dr. James Jeffs, senior technology analyst at IDTechEx, wrote this research summary submitted to SAE Media. The "Electric Vehicles in Construction 2023-2043” report, including downloadable sample pages, can be accessed at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.idtechex.com/EVConstruction" target="_blank">www.IDTechEx.com/EVConstruction</a>.

NMC and LFP lithium-ion batteries find favor in different regions as OEMs move to electrify larger excavators and loaders.

Battery chemistries for construction EVs

In today's ever-evolving technological landscape, optimizing energy consumption in embedded devices is of paramount importance. This article sheds light on the pivotal role of debug UART logs in power profiling and explores how this synergy benefits developers and engineers alike.Debug UART Logs: A Power Profiling AssetBy connecting your embedded device's debug UART to <a href="https://www.qoitech.com/products/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Qoitech's Otii box</a>, you unlock a potent capability – the ability to timestamp log data alongside power consumption measurements. This fusion of debugging and power profiling offers a formidable solution for scrutinizing power consumption during the development and testing phases.Why Debug UART Logs Matter<ol><li>Efficiency Optimization: Real-time insights into your embedded device's behavior, combined with power consumption data, enable you to identify power-hungry hardware components or inefficient firmware code. This knowledge is essential for optimizing your embedded device's energy efficiency, especially when refining hardware and firmware.</li><li>Debugging Power-Related Issues: Synchronized debug UART logs and power measurements facilitate the pinpointing of energy-draining events or operations during development. This simplifies the task of identifying and addressing power-related issues, making debugging more efficient.</li><li>Reduced Development Time: Merging debug and power profiling streamlines development. You can swiftly identify and rectify power issues, resulting in shorter development cycles and faster time-to-market.</li><li>Cost Savings: Effective power management translates to extended battery life for portable embedded devices and reduced electricity costs for mains-powered devices. This can lead to substantial cost savings in the long run.</li></ol>Benefits for IoT and Embedded Professionals<ol><li>Hardware Developers: This technique empowers you to create energy-efficient embedded devices, offering improved user experiences, longer battery life, and reduced environmental impact. It also expedites the identification and resolution of power-related bugs, saving valuable development time.</li><li>Software Developers: Debug UART power profiling can enhance the performance of embedded and application software. Recognize that low-power consumption involves not only hardware but also the entire system and ecosystem, where applications or protocols could be energy drains.</li><li>Product Managers: Ensure that embedded devices meet energy efficiency standards and deliver exceptional performance, resulting in higher customer satisfaction and potentially increased market share.</li><li>Researchers: Utilize this technique for experiments, data collection, and contributing to the advancement of energy-efficient technologies.</li></ol>ConclusionUnderstanding the factors that drain energy provides invaluable insights into your IoT device's operation, enabling informed decisions to develop low-power embedded devices. For a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on implementing this process using Otii Arc/Ace Pro, please consult the <a href="https://www.qoitech.com/docs/quick-start/setup-uart-recording" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Otii documentation</a>.

UART log sync with power measurements with Otii Ace Pro

Understanding what drains energy is a game-changer, whether you're a developer crafting the next IoT breakthrough, fine-tuning an embedded system, or simply interested in gauging the power efficiency of your devices.

Efficient IoT Design: Synchronized UART Logging and Power Measurement

&nbsp;Unveiling Battery Performance SecretsExplore the intricacies of LPWAN IoT device battery performance. Factors impacting battery life are dissected, aiding tailored battery selection for specific applications. Optimization strategies maximize battery efficiency, enabling peak device performance and extended lifecycles.Managing Power ConsumptionIoT devices demand efficient power management. Factors like data rate, duty cycle, and connectivity impact battery life. Learn how to optimize sleep modes and wake-up intervals, as well as transmission power, to conserve energy effectively.Choosing the Right BatteryBattery selection is critical. Discover how matching battery behavior with device needs ensures reliable power. Follow the guide in selecting batteries aligned with your application requirements.Real-World Case Study&nbsp;<iframe id="645bfbf8b4d91c00080cf9fa" width="250" class="specs-iframe" height="440" src="https://wevolver.com/iframe/specs/otii-ace-pro?iframe=true" frameborder="0" scrolling="false" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true"></iframe>The white paper “Powering IoT devices: How to choose the right battery and make it last includes” a practical case study illustrating battery selection techniques for a waste management IoT deployment. Learn how to profile your IoT device from prototype, estimate battery life, and analyze different battery profiles.Proactive Battery ProfilingProfiling your IoT device, even during early prototyping, is crucial. The white paper provides guidance on power profiling, emulation, and iterative refinement throughout your product development.Comprehensive Battery InsightsBattery data sheets are just the beginning. We delve deeper, profiling batteries across brands, chemistries, and form factors to understand subtle performance differences that influence decision-making.Download the White paperDiscover the secrets to sustainable IoT device power management. Download the <a href="https://bit.ly/46koBoX" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">white paper</a> to empower your LPWAN IoT deployments with optimized battery solutions.

Long battery life is one of key enablers of IoT 

In the rapidly evolving landscape of IoT, battery life is paramount for device sustainability. We dissect the challenges and strategies for battery longevity of LPWAN IoT devices. Explore battery profiling and optimization for extended device life and reduced costs.

Powering IoT Devices for Sustainable Performance

Deep dive into understanding the fundamentals of flow cell 

Flow Cell Technology: A Comprehensive Guide

Lithium-ion batteries have become an integral part of our everyday life.&nbsp;They only work with a passivation layer that forms on the electrodes during the first charging process.&nbsp;As researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have now determined using simulations, this solid-electrolyte interface does not form directly at the electrode, but rather grows out of the solvent.&nbsp;The scientists report on their study in the journal&nbsp;Advanced Energy Materials (&nbsp;<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/aenm.202203966" target="_blank">DOI: 10.1002/aenm.202203966</a> ).&nbsp;Their findings make it possible to optimize the performance and service life of future batteries.From smartphones to electric cars &ndash; lithium-ion batteries are used almost everywhere where mobile power supply is required.&nbsp;The solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) is crucial for the reliable operation of these and other liquid electrolyte batteries.&nbsp;This passivation layer forms when a voltage is first applied.&nbsp;The electrolyte is decomposed in the immediate vicinity of the surface.&nbsp;It was previously unclear how the components of the electrolyte can form a stable layer up to 100 nanometers thick on the surface of the electrodes when the decomposition reaction is only possible within a few nanometers of the surface.The passivation layer on the anode surface plays a key role in determining the electrochemical performance and service life of a lithium-ion battery, because it is heavily stressed in every charging and discharging cycle.&nbsp;If the SEI breaks open, the electrolyte is further decomposed and the capacity of the battery steadily decreases - a process that determines the life of the battery.&nbsp;With the appropriate knowledge about the growth and composition of the SEI, battery properties can be specifically adapted.&nbsp;So far, however, neither experimental nor computer-aided approaches have succeeded in decoding these complex growth processes, which take place on very different sizes and length scales.<h2>Study within the EU initiative BATTERY 2030+</h2>Researchers at the Institute of Nanotechnology (INT) of the KIT have now managed to characterize the formation of the SEI with a multi-scale approach.&nbsp;&quot;We have thus solved one of the great mysteries of the most important interface in liquid electrolyte batteries - also in lithium-ion batteries, as we all use them every day,&quot; says Professor Wolfgang Wenzel, head of the &quot;Multiscale Materials Modeling and Virtual Design&quot; research group INT.&nbsp;The Karlsruhe researchers report on their findings in the journal&nbsp;Advanced Energy Materials .&nbsp;The research group is involved in the large-scale European research initiative BATTERY 2030+, which aims for safe, affordable, long-lasting and sustainable high-performance batteries for the future.<h2>More than 50 000 simulations for different reaction conditions</h2>To study the growth and composition of the passivation layer on the anode of liquid-electrolyte batteries, researchers at INT created a set of more than 50,000 simulations representing different reaction conditions.&nbsp;They found that the formation of the organic SEI occurs via a solution-mediated pathway: first, SEI precursors formed directly on the surface, far from the electrode surface, self-assemble via nucleation.&nbsp;The nuclei then grow so quickly that a porous layer forms, which finally covers the electrode surface.&nbsp;This finding explains the paradoxical situation that the SEI can only form near the surface where electrons are available,&nbsp;but without the observed mechanism would stop growing immediately when this small area near the electrode is filled.&nbsp;&quot;We have identified those reaction parameters that determine the thickness of the passivation layer,&quot; explains Dr.&nbsp;Saibal Jana, postdoc at INT and one of the authors of the study.&nbsp;&quot;In the future, this will make it possible to develop electrolytes and suitable additives to control the properties of the SEI and thus improve the performance and lifetime of the batteries.&quot;&nbsp;<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/aenm.202203966" target="_blank">Original publication (Open Access)</a> Meysam Esmaeilpour, Saibal Jana, Hongjiao Li, Mohammad Soleymanibrojeni, and Wolfgang Wenzel: A Solution-Mediated Pathway for the Growth of the Solid Electrolyte Interphase in Lithium-Ion Batteries. Advanced Energy Materials, 2023. DOI: 10.1002/aenm.202203966&nbsp;

KIT researchers have characterized the formation of the solid-electrolyte interface with the help of simulations. (Collage: Christine Heinrich)

KIT researchers characterize the chemical processes at the electrodes of lithium-ion batteries by means of simulations

Batteries: Major Mystery of the Passivation Layer Solved

In spite of their many disadvantages, batteries remain one of the key components in contemporary electronics. While changing their structure entirely is impossible due to the chemical and physical processes happening inside, scientists, startups, and major companies are searching for ways to reinvent them or adopt totally new approaches. One such approach was suggested by students of ITMO&rsquo;s School of Physics and Engineering &ndash; their nine-volt battery can be recharged wirelessly with a regular smartphone charger. ITMO.NEWS breaks down the science behind the new device.&nbsp;<h1 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">The afterlife of a battery</h1>Because of their various toxic components (lithium, zinc, nickel, cobalt, etc.) single-use batteries have to be properly recycled &ndash; usually they are collected at special recycling points. There, all the remaining useful parts, such as nonferrous metals and their salts, are extracted to be used again. For instance, manganese dioxide becomes a pigment for concrete and bricks, while zinc dust is responsible for blue colors in fireworks.Rechargeable batteries, on the other hand, can be used multiple times when charged with a special device. Such chargers are usually powered through a USB or a plug and are compatible with a limited number of battery types, for instance, AA, AAA, or nine-volt batteries. As this doesn&rsquo;t account for much convenience, companies and researchers around the world are developing more user-friendly chargers. For example, in 2016 the American company Lightors came up with a special wireless charging <a href="https://www.qiwireless.com/lightors-wireless-charging-batteries/" target="_blank">device</a> for its own AA and AAA batteries. However, what about other types of rechargeable batteries produced by other players on the market?<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1675856271539-1304400.jpg" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">The prototype of the new device placed on a Qi-certified wireless charger. The white platform is a transmitter and the chip board is its power source. Photo by Dmitry Grigoryev / ITMO.NEWS&nbsp;<h1 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">A new beginning</h1>A team of students from the Wireless Technologies program of ITMO&rsquo;s School of Physics and Engineering assembled a prototype of a nine-volt battery that can be recharged with any wireless charging device. The battery has two indicators: red &ndash; for when charging is in progress, and blue &ndash; for when it&rsquo;s complete.<blockquote>&ldquo;What makes our device stand out is its compatibility with any wireless charger, such as that for a smartphone or smartwatch. It takes only 15 minutes to charge it to its full potential, 270 mAh, and it can be recharged up to 500 times,&rdquo; says &nbsp;Andrey Mineev, a developer of the new device.</blockquote>A nine-volt battery is more durable than an AA one, while also being compatible with a wide range of devices, from toys to dosimeters and receivers. What&rsquo;s more, you can now recharge it without taking it out of the device it&rsquo;s used in &ndash; you can just place the device itself on the charging station.&nbsp;<blockquote>&ldquo;Take a multimeter, for example: in order to change the battery there, you have to first take the device apart, remove the old battery, and insert the new one. This doesn&rsquo;t sound very convenient. And if you use our battery, you can just place the multimeter on a wireless charging station and it will recharge just the way your smartphone does. It&rsquo;s convenient and eco-friendly. We hope that our battery will find its demand on the market &ndash; so far, it doesn&rsquo;t have any competition,&rdquo; adds &nbsp;Danil Chernomorov, another developer.&nbsp;</blockquote><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1675856314554-1304402.jpg" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Project team left to right: &nbsp;Egor Demeshko, Alexander Gurdzhiev, &nbsp;Danil Chernomorov, and Andrey Mineev. Photo by Dmitry Grigoryev / ITMO.NEWS&nbsp;Among the new battery&rsquo;s strong points is also the affordability of its components: it&rsquo;s made from cheap microchips available at any hardware store.&nbsp;<h1 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">First-years turned Elon Musks</h1>The project&rsquo;s team features first-year Bachelor&rsquo;s students Alexander Gurdzhiev, Egor Demeshko, Andrey Mineev, Denis Pavlov, and Danil Chernomorov, supervised by Pavel Seregin and&nbsp;Nikita Olekhno, researchers at ITMO&rsquo;s School of Physics and Engineering. Students could choose one from a list of topics suggested by the researchers, eventually settling on the idea for a wireless rechargeable nine-volt battery. According to the students, wireless devices represent a rapidly growing market.In just a single semester, the team not only developed a prototype, but also presented it in front of a board of experts. Nikita Olekhno, who curates student projects at the Wireless Technologies program, is confident that in the future the team will be able to secure funding for their device if they submit it to the START or UMNIK contests.&nbsp;<blockquote>&ldquo;With such projects, we give our students the chance to see why they learn all of the complex math and physics. They came to the school to become engineers, to turn into the next Tesla or Musk, and in order to do that they will have to go through each step of the engineering process. First, you set a goal; then, you analyze the solutions available on the market; next, you develop your own idea, calculate its production costs, assemble a prototype, and compile the technical documents, including a user manual. It&rsquo;s important that our students know which track to choose and what they plan to do in life before they graduate,&rdquo; explains Mr. Olekhno.&nbsp;</blockquote>Among the team&rsquo;s future plans are doubling the battery&rsquo;s capacity, which can be done with self-engineered smaller printed chips. In this case, students will be able to make another battery type, such as AA. The battery could also be turned more eco-friendly with a replaceable accumulator module &ndash; the only part of the device that would have to be replaced, its 3D-printed body and other electronic components being more durable.&nbsp;<hr>Translated by <a href="https://news.itmo.ru/en/science/photonics/news/13044/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Catherine Zavodova</a> and originally published by <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://news.itmo.ru/en/&source=gmail&ust=1675942758516000&usg=AOvVaw1BsIcQ9GjkDcMxzcKTYAxi" href="https://news.itmo.ru/en/" target="_blank">ITMO.NEWS</a>

Prototype of the new battery. Image courtesy of Egor Demeshko

In spite of their many disadvantages, batteries remain one of the key components in contemporary electronics. While changing their structure entirely is impossible due to the chemical and physical processes happening inside, scientists, startups, and major companies are searching for ways to reinvent them or adopt totally new approaches.