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.
Another type is Lithium iodide. This is considered to be the standard cell in medicine. It uses lithium as an anode and has a long charge life. That makes it quite suitable for devices such as the pacemaker. It can be used for up to 15 years without requiring replacement. It may also be quite expensive. Another type is the NiCad. This is fading out though and is only used in rare occasions where necessary. However, new and modern options are being discovered.
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.
Away from the complicated stuff, look for battery life. This is the period during which the cells can run the device before requiring a recharge. It is always better to go with the highest charge life. Who knows what situations will come up? It would be very sad to lose a patient because the charge ran out.
Whatever cells must be manually charged should be kept fully charged at all times. Life in medicine is very unpredictable. The cells should be on standby at any time. There should also be as many extras as possible. Just keep an eye on the shelf life.
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.
Another type is Lithium iodide. This is considered to be the standard cell in medicine. It uses lithium as an anode and has a long charge life. That makes it quite suitable for devices such as the pacemaker. It can be used for up to 15 years without requiring replacement. It may also be quite expensive. Another type is the NiCad. This is fading out though and is only used in rare occasions where necessary. However, new and modern options are being discovered.
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.
Away from the complicated stuff, look for battery life. This is the period during which the cells can run the device before requiring a recharge. It is always better to go with the highest charge life. Who knows what situations will come up? It would be very sad to lose a patient because the charge ran out.
Whatever cells must be manually charged should be kept fully charged at all times. Life in medicine is very unpredictable. The cells should be on standby at any time. There should also be as many extras as possible. Just keep an eye on the shelf life.
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