New smart batteries for medical and professional industrial applications

Accutronics offers a new range of smart batteries for the European market in medical, industrial and other professional electronic devices. Manufactured by the company’s US-based partner, Inspired Energy, are the first in their range to utilise the latest 21700 sized cells, providing longer runtimes than current 18650-based models and incorporates their first 18V battery.

The new range of batteries comprises four products, with nominal voltages of 7.2V, 10.8V, 14.4V and 18V. All offer a nominal capacity of 5Ah, which means energy extends from 36Wh to 90Wh. New single and dual bay Inspired Energy chargers are also offered, which take the 21700-based batteries and are fully backwards compatible with the 18650-based models.

All four batteries feature an industry-standard connector interface for power and SMBus communication, and an LED state of charge indicator enables the user to quickly decide if their battery needs charging. All models feature a tough plastic casing and satisfy the latest regulations for transport.

“Accutronics has worked with Inspired Energy for almost 20 years. As with all Inspired Energy lithium-ion smart batteries, the four new additions have an energy rating below 100Wh, which avoids complex and costly shipping regulations” said Neil Oliver, technical marketing manager at Accutronics.

He continued: “The introduction of an 18V battery into the range reflects the need for portable power in new motor-driven applications, where the higher voltage offers improved efficiency. Furthermore, many power tools and other portable electronic equipment incorporate an 18V battery due to the excellent power to weight ratio, which makes handheld devices easier to use.

“Like all of the new batteries that use 21700 cells, the 18V battery has an 8A discharge capability, which means that OEMs can really ramp up the power in a wide range of devices. This is crucial in an age where devices continue to get more sophisticated and automated. End users also have high expectations about the reliability of their devices and Inspired Energy’s new batteries can better meet these.”