Quickly detecting unstable Li-ion batteries

Brady Corporation offers a new, cost-efficient solution to quickly detect unstable Li-ion batteries in storage. The solution automatically measures 0.5C temperature differences per second, providing the accuracy and speed required to isolate unstable batteries before they become a safety risk.

This new battery temperature monitoring solution involves self-adhesive, battery-free UHF RFID labels with embedded temperature sensors, RFID readers with up to 16 antennas, and a customisable RFID software platform.

The self-adhesive UHF RFID-embedded labels can be applied inside battery cell boxes for fast temperature change detection. Alternatively, the company's on-metal, printable UHF RFID labels can be labelled on every battery cell to facilitate more elaborate advantages in Li-ion battery supply chains.

Every second, the RFID antennas and readers automatically power all labels and sensors in range to collect temperature readings with a precision of 0.5C. The RFID software platform collects every temperature reading and matches the battery storage location. When customisable temperature thresholds are reached, the software platform triggers third-party devices via standard API.

With almost continuous, automated and accurate temperature monitoring, warehouse stakeholders can acquire early warnings via SMS, email or even racking warning lights. They can be guided in time to specific warehouse locations for unstable Li-ion battery isolation. Alternatively, the company's software platform API can also trigger an autonomous vehicle to automatically remove an unstable battery.

Battery-free UHF RFID labels with embedded sensors are a more cost-effective battery temperature monitoring solution than powered RFID tags or IR cameras.

UHF RFID labels and their temperature sensors receive power wirelessly from RFID antennas and readers in range. They are available at significantly lower costs – up to five times less than battery-powered RFID tags – and do not need maintenance.