Instruments

Why green tech requires the very best measurement instruments

sauermann connected energy

New energy technologies are designed to reduce our carbon footprint and our reliance on oil. Sauermann, which has a long-standing and extensive presence in the combustion sector, is naturally playing its part in this new trend, as green technology start-ups turn to us for measurement instruments that set the gold standard for reliability, accuracy and connected features.

One of our green tech customers is UK-based start-up Connected Energy, which takes used electric vehicle batteries and repurposes them for mobile, transportable containers known as E-STOR.  

A textbook base: electric batteries

Connected Energy Battery

When it comes to electricity, there is no challenge more complex than storage. Latest-generation lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are more powerful and efficient than ever, but can only perform at their best in critical controlled conditions. 

Temperature is a vital parameter for these batteries. This is where our measurement instruments offer crucial level of accuracy: keeping the batteries under constant monitoring while delivering long-lasting accuracy and reliability – and transmitting measurements to a central management system in real time. 

The issue of battery temperature 

Today’s batteries undergo demanding changes in temperature when in use. This phenomenon, which is caused by internal resistance, needs to be kept in check in order to maximise the battery’s power output over time. Controlling extremes of temperature also helps to extend the lifespan of a Li-ion battery (i.e. the number of charge/discharge cycles). 

In fact, there’s more than one temperature range to consider: 20-45°C for maximum power output, and 15-35°C to prolong the battery’s lifespan. Similar ranges, only this time narrower, apply during the charge part of the cycle.

Connected Energy E-Store

Uncompromising monitoring performance 

Connected Energy needed instruments capable of constantly monitoring temperature and air flow in the battery ventilation column inside its containers. Our CTV 110 hotwire thermo-anemometer, which provides permanent and high-accuracy monitoring capabilities, is ideal for use in such tightly controlled conditions. The instrument measures air velocity to a margin of error of 3%, and to a resolution of 0.01 m/s for low values. Likewise, the margin-of-error and resolution figures for temperature are just 0.3% and 0.1°C respectively. 

The CTV 110 is also capable of real-time 4-20mA or 0-10V measurement transmission, and can be finely tuned via its min-DIN connection. And with a certified ingress protection rating of IP65, the outer casing delivers the ultimate in reliability. 

Connected Energy’s E-STOR energy storage units come with an in-built air-conditioning system that’s responsive and accurate enough to adjust the ventilation that keeps the batteries within a narrow temperature range. 

Sauermann is experiencing increasing demand from the high-tech industry, where air parameters need to be monitored to a high degree of accuracy. We’re proud to be supporting the progress that will help build a cleaner world for all!

 

Sources: 
Renault: Connected Energy reuses Kangoo batteries for an additional 10 years
CED Greentech: The influence of temperature on lithium-ion batteries
Managing the temperature of vehicle batteries
Temperature effect and thermal impact in lithium-ion batteries

 

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