There are many instances in which backup power source for devices at a hospital or health facility might be needed. Say there is a blackout. Or there is a need for extra devices to be set up because the facility is past capacity. Battery packs for medical equipment then come in handy to help save lives. They become the saving grace in emergency situations. More so in remote areas and war zones.
One common type of cells is called Zinc air. This is just a cell that oxidizes zinc with oxygen from the air. Experts say that as long as the cell is kept in an airtight package, it has a shelf life of up to three years. As soon as it gets exposed to the air, degradation starts. This may be thought to be one of the cheapest options out there. It replaced the mercury zinc oxide cells which were banned by legislation.
With a longer shelf and charge life is the lithium iodide cell. This is more expensive. It is also quite commonly used in medicine. It may be considered by some as the standard. A third but fading type is the Nickel Cadmium cell. This is being phased out as better options are discovered. Except of course in situations where it is absolutely necessary to use this.
An expert might talk about chemistry. This will determine a lot about the use and longevity of such cells. One will probably hear about something called internal resistance. This may rise over time causing the device to draw more power than needed. The batteries will then heat up and energy will be wasted. Therefore, ask if the internal resistance of the cell has been matched up to the load requirement of a device.
Any cell regardless of where or how it is used works best at room temperature. Some advice that a higher ambient temp is ideal. It may be. Though the positive effect is only short term. In the long term, the cell structure is compromised and life is shortened.
Ever had two different phones that charged at completely different speeds? One will be all filled up and ready to go within an hour. The other will take up to four hours to get to 100%. The same is true for these kinds of cells. Fast charging is good until the consequent chemical and physical changes cause a decrease in performance in the long term.
As a layman, one will usually be interested in one thing. The charge life. How long will the charge keep? How long will the device run on the cell only? Is it long enough? Is there some sort of mechanism that allows for a backup cell to be attached?
As a reminder, try to keep these cells fully charged and ready to go at all times. Have extras too. A cell could have degraded in the chaos of a trauma. An important tip, read the instructions on the packaging. These are good at guiding the use of the batteries and ensuring longevity.
One common type of cells is called Zinc air. This is just a cell that oxidizes zinc with oxygen from the air. Experts say that as long as the cell is kept in an airtight package, it has a shelf life of up to three years. As soon as it gets exposed to the air, degradation starts. This may be thought to be one of the cheapest options out there. It replaced the mercury zinc oxide cells which were banned by legislation.
With a longer shelf and charge life is the lithium iodide cell. This is more expensive. It is also quite commonly used in medicine. It may be considered by some as the standard. A third but fading type is the Nickel Cadmium cell. This is being phased out as better options are discovered. Except of course in situations where it is absolutely necessary to use this.
An expert might talk about chemistry. This will determine a lot about the use and longevity of such cells. One will probably hear about something called internal resistance. This may rise over time causing the device to draw more power than needed. The batteries will then heat up and energy will be wasted. Therefore, ask if the internal resistance of the cell has been matched up to the load requirement of a device.
Any cell regardless of where or how it is used works best at room temperature. Some advice that a higher ambient temp is ideal. It may be. Though the positive effect is only short term. In the long term, the cell structure is compromised and life is shortened.
Ever had two different phones that charged at completely different speeds? One will be all filled up and ready to go within an hour. The other will take up to four hours to get to 100%. The same is true for these kinds of cells. Fast charging is good until the consequent chemical and physical changes cause a decrease in performance in the long term.
As a layman, one will usually be interested in one thing. The charge life. How long will the charge keep? How long will the device run on the cell only? Is it long enough? Is there some sort of mechanism that allows for a backup cell to be attached?
As a reminder, try to keep these cells fully charged and ready to go at all times. Have extras too. A cell could have degraded in the chaos of a trauma. An important tip, read the instructions on the packaging. These are good at guiding the use of the batteries and ensuring longevity.
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