All-solid-state batteries | Applications and collaborations case studies
| Solving issues in Pipeline Monitoring in Harsh Environments | ||
| All-solid-state battery × energy harvesting technology enables long-term operations of pressure monitoring system |
Background
A pressure transmitter is a device that measures the pressure of a fluid and outputs it as an electrical signal. It is widely used in plants and factories for monitoring the operational status of fluid transport systems for gas, oil, water, etc. A pressure transmitter is available in two types: grid-powered and primary battery-powered (single-use). For pipelines built in harsh environments such as deserts and mountainous areas, where it is often not feasible to use grid power, primary battery-powered transmitters are typically used. However, the use of primary battery-powered pressure transmitters presents a significant challenge, as it requires maintenance for battery replacement every few years. This is especially an issue in harsh environments where dispatching workers for maintenance is not an easy task. Furthermore, due to the limited capacity of primary batteries, it is necessary to conserve battery power as much as possible, resulting in an issue that the choice of communication methods and sensors is restricted by the battery capacity.
Now, there is a growing need for monitoring systems with stand-alone pressure transmitters for pipeline systems built in harsh environments like deserts and mountains to enable long-term monitoring while reducing maintenance man-hours and expand the choice of communication methods and sensors.
Issues
(1) The system power supply is unavailable.
(2) Battery capacity is limited; regular battery replacements and maintenance are required.
(3) The choice of communication methods and sensors is restricted by battery capacity.
Solution
Pipeline monitoring systems with primary battery-powered pressure transmitters, which are common today, potentially have a problem that once the battery runs out, the system stops operating until the battery is replaced. This is especially true in harsh environments where it is difficult to dispatch workers. By combining Maxell's all-solid-state rechargeable batteries and energy harvesting technologies, which collects electricity from sunlight, vibration, and heat etc., in the pressure transmitters of pipeline monitoring systems built in harsh environments, it becomes possible to build a stand-alone monitoring system that operates stably over long periods of time while reducing maintenance man-hours. In addition, by expanding the choice of communication methods and sensors without being restricted by battery capacity, more accurate monitoring can be expected, which has not been possible with primary battery-powered pressure transmitters.
Other applications
