Smart water meters commonly use lithium batteries for controlling valve opening and closing. Lithium batteries are favored for their lightweight, high energy density, and low self-discharge rates. However, as these batteries lack a recharging circuit, they eventually deplete and need replacement over time, posing logistical challenges for manufacturers and water companies. Moreover, the unpredictable nature of battery depletion can lead to unreliable valve operation, causing issues like billing inaccuracies and water loss.
To address these limitations and propel the development of smart water meters, manufacturers have explored a new solution: replacing lithium batteries with supercapacitors. Supercapacitors, a passive device mass-produced in recent years, offer characteristics between batteries and regular capacitors. They provide high current discharge capabilities, akin to batteries, and have long cycling lifespans due to their ability to release energy through movement of electrons (without relying on chemical reactions).
We UF Capacitors supply C type, V type, H type supercapacitor.
Compared to batteries, supercapacitors exhibit the following features:
*Ultra-low equivalent series resistance (ESR) and power density tens of times higher than lithium-ion batteries, suitable for high-current discharges (e.g., a 4.7F capacitor can release over 18A of instantaneous current), ensuring reliable operation of water meter control mechanisms.
*Extremely long lifespan, with charge-discharge cycles exceeding 500,000 times (500 times that of Li-ion batteries and 1000 times that of Ni-MH and Ni-Cd batteries). With typical usage (20 cycles per day), they can last up to 68 years.
*Capability for rapid charging and discharging, simplifying charging circuit requirements and free from memory effects.
*Maintenance-free and sealable.
*Wide operating temperature range of -40°C to +70°C (compared to -20°C to +60°C for typical batteries).
In this new design approach, supercapacitors replace lithium batteries while an external dry cell battery provides auxiliary power. During normal operation, the dry cell battery supplies energy to the water meter circuit and charges the supercapacitor. When opening the water valve, the system first checks if the supercapacitor has stored enough energy; if not, the valve remains closed. Conversely, when closing the valve and the dry cell cannot supply sufficient energy, the supercapacitor steps in to ensure valve closure. This arrangement resembles a water reservoir storing energy to meet necessary demands during water cutoffs.
Separation of batteries from the water meter eliminates concerns about battery life, thereby extending the meter's operational lifespan.
The high current discharge capability of supercapacitors ensures reliable valve closure even when the external battery power is insufficient.
Design simplification and cost reduction, as stringent leakage current requirements aimed at preserving battery life become less critical with supercapacitor use. Users can replace dry cell batteries as needed, further streamlining product manufacturing and reducing costs.
This innovative solution addresses current shortcomings in smart water meters, paving the way for their continued advancement.
UF Capacitor Coin cells supercapacitor can cross to Eaton KR series, Panasonic SG Series, EEC Series,etc.
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