September 23, 2024

Lithium Battery Manufacturers in the Water Metering Market

In the rapidly evolving world of water metering, the role of lithium battery manufacturers cannot be overstated. The water metering market has witnessed a significant transformation in recent years, with a growing demand for reliable, efficient, and long-lasting power sources. Lithium batteries have emerged as the preferred choice for powering water meters due to their numerous advantages.

 

One of the prominent lithium battery manufacturers in the water metering market is Long Sing Technology Group (Hong Kong) Limited. With years of experience and a strong R & D department, Long Sing Technology Group (Hong Kong) Limited has been able to develop lithium batteries specifically tailored for water meters. Their batteries offer high energy density, ensuring that water meters can operate for extended periods without the need for frequent battery replacements. This not only reduces maintenance costs for water utilities but also enhances the overall reliability of the metering system.

 

Water utilities are transitioning from conventional metering to smart metering by leveraging IoT connectivity enables by LPWAN technologies such as LoRa, NB IoT, LTE-M, etc. Take NB-IoT as an example, the typical range of input voltage of a NB-IoT module is from 3 V to 4.2 V, with a typical voltage of 3.6 V. The current consumption is similar to Figure 1-1. The typical peak current is about 250 mA.

Water meter with integrated LoRa/NB-IoT connectitiy and remote valve control is a compelling solution for modernizing water management systems. Features include real time water consumption monitoring, leak detection, remote valve control and tamper detection. Smart Water Valve utilises LoRa/NB-IoT technology to offer a battery operated shut off valve.

 

A LiSOCl2 battery can better support a 3V electromagnetic valve, which is a more popular choice for smart meter applications. The weakness of a LiSOCl2 battery is that the maximum continuous current and pulse current capability is limited. Take an 8.5 Ah LiSOCl2 battery (Long Sing ER26500) as an example, the maximum recommended continuous current is 100mA and the maximum 1 sec, pulse capability is 200mA. Because of this, it is common to parallel the hybrid pulse capacitor (HPC) or the supercapacitor with the LiSOCl2 battery to support the high pulse current for data transmission.

 

Another characteristic of the LiSOCl2 battery is that the battery capacity is related to the discharging current and the working temperature. The battery capacity is about 8.5 Ah with 3mA discharging current at 25 °C. However, the capacity drops to 2Ah (a 76% reduction) with a 100 mA load as shown in Figure 1-2. It is better to control the discharge current of a LiSOCl2 battery to get a higher capacity and thus, increase the working lifetime.

To address this growing need, Long Sing developed the IOT battery, which combines a standard bobbin-type LiSOCL2 battery with a Hybrid Pulse Capacitor. This combination allows advanced metering devices to operate continuously with low background current, periodically drawing high current pulses for data transmission, then returning to a low current “sleep” or “standby” state.

 

The batteries are available in a 3.6V system that indicates when approximately 95% of the battery’s capacity has been exhausted, and a 3.9V system that indicates when approximately 90% of available battery capacity has been used up.

 

They have focused on improving the safety features of their lithium batteries. In the context of water meters, which are often installed in various environments, including potentially damp or corrosive areas, the safety of the battery is of utmost importance. Long Sing’s primary lithium batteries have passed IEC60086-4 and ATEX test reports. This ensures the safety of both the water meter and the surrounding environment.

 

The manufacturing process of lithium battery manufacturers involves strict quality control measures. From the selection of raw materials to the final assembly and testing, every step is carefully monitored. This guarantees that the batteries meet the high standards required for use in water meters. For instance, they need to be able to withstand temperature variations, as water meters may be exposed to both extreme heat in summer and cold in winter.

 

The competition among lithium battery manufacturers in the water metering market is intense. This has led to continuous innovation. Some manufacturers are working on developing batteries with even longer lifespans, while others are focusing on reducing the size and weight of the batteries without sacrificing performance. This innovation is crucial for meeting the diverse needs of the water metering industry.

 

Moreover, lithium battery manufacturers are collaborating with water meter manufacturers to optimize the integration of batteries into the meters. This collaboration ensures that the batteries are seamlessly incorporated into the design of the water meters, maximizing their performance and efficiency. They also work together to address any compatibility issues that may arise.

 

The future of lithium battery manufacturers in the water metering market looks promising. With the increasing adoption of smart water meters and the growing demand for efficient water management, the need for reliable lithium batteries will continue to rise. Manufacturers will need to keep up with the technological advancements and evolving market requirements to stay competitive.

 

In conclusion, lithium battery manufacturers play a vital role in the water metering market. Their efforts in developing high-quality, safe, and efficient batteries have a direct impact on the performance and reliability of water meters. Through continuous innovation and collaboration, they are shaping the future of the water metering industry, ensuring that water utilities can provide accurate and efficient water metering services to consumers.