Issue link: https://resources.mouser.com/i/1437660
4 ADI | Energy Storage Solutions Stefano Gallinaro, Strategic Marketing Manager, Analog Devices, Inc. Abstract Battery monitoring systems are fundamental enablers of different markets. Batteries play a key role in a range of applications, from going the extra mile in electric vehicles to storing renewable energy for the smart grid. The same and similar battery technologies are used in medical devices for increased safety of operation and for having the freedom to move instruments around in hospitals. All these applications run on batteries that need accurate and efficient semiconductors to monitor, balance, protect, and communicate. This article will explain how a state-of-the-art battery monitoring system, including cell balancing and isolated communication networks, can exploit the benefits of new lithium battery chemistries. Using innovative integrated circuits permits higher reliability and a 30 percent longer battery lifetime, especially for large- scale energy storage systems. Batteries used in medical applications need to meet very high standards for reliability, efficiency, and safety in all applications where they are typically used: Patients' portable systems such as chest compression systems, hospital emergency room equipment, powered medical carts and beds, portable ultrasound machines, remote monitoring, and the newcomer in the market, energy storage systems (ESS). Energy storage systems are not directly linked to patients, nor are they operated by doctors. They are the next step forward for uninterruptible power supplies (UPS). UPS have traditionally been used as backup power for the most critical applications (for example, emergency room devices, IT network critical infrastructure). Energy storage systems for hospitals are covering more and more functions, enabled by the new lithium-based batteries. They are becoming fully integrated with the hospital power grid, bringing advantages such as: Complete backup power for entire facilities, rather than just a small, critical subset of facilities, as well as protection from blackouts, poor power/voltage quality from the grid, and reduced usage of emergency diesel generators. With megawatt hour (MWh) scale ESS, hospitals can operate even during prolonged blackouts, and they can participate in grid stabilization. Economic benefits on the electricity bill. With ESS, hospitals can directly control the usage profiles of electricity and reduce high-power peak demands, which results in lower bills from the utilities. Hospitals generally have sizable roof estate, which is good for installing photovoltaic (PV) systems to generate electricity. PV systems combined with ESS allow for the storage and self-use of generated electricity, while also providing economic benefits and a reduced carbon footprint. Higher Reliability, Safety, and 30% Longer Lifetime with Advanced Battery Management in Healthcare Energy Storage Systems