Here's how to quickly detect unstable lithium-ion batteries in storage

If batteries become unstable, they can be a fire hazard. So if you have batteries in storage, you want to know if there are unstable ones among them without having to check them individually every time. Brady now has a solution with real-time temperature monitoring to quickly detect unstable lithium-ion batteries in storage, so you can isolate them before they pose a safety risk.

The solution automatically measures temperature differences of 0.5 °C per second, instantly revealing whether danger is imminent. It consists of 3 components: self-adhesive battery-free UHF RFID labels with built-in temperature sensors, RFID readers with up to 16 antennas and a personalized RFID software platform.

Temperature changes

Self-adhesive UHF RFID labels can be inserted into battery boxes to quickly detect temperature changes. Alternatively, each battery cell can be labeled with printable UHF RFID labels for metal surfaces to enable more comprehensive benefits in lithium-ion battery supply chains.

Every second, RFID antennas and readers automatically activate all labels and sensors within range to collect temperature readings with an accuracy of 0.5 °C. Each temperature reading and the corresponding battery storage location is collected by the RFID software platform. When set temperature thresholds are reached, the software platform activates external devices via a standard API.

Warnings

This continuous, automated temperature monitoring allows warehouse workers to receive quick alerts via text message, e-mail or even via warning lights on shelves. This allows them to be directed to specific warehouse locations in a timely manner to isolate unstable lithium-ion batteries. Alternatively, the API of Brady's software platform can also activate an autonomous vehicle to automatically remove an unstable battery.

The number of RFID readers needed to fully cover the storage locations in a warehouse is highly dependent on the warehouse layout, rack height and storage volume per bay. Brady's solution allows up to 16 antennas to be connected to one RFID reader for extremely fast and accurate temperature monitoring for all storage locations with 12-foot-wide and 4-foot-high shelving.

Automated inventories

By adding an RFID reader port to certain warehouse outputs, Brady's solution can also enable automated real-time warehouse inventory.

Items with an RFID label are read by the RFID readers the moment their label comes within range of the reader. When they pass through an RFID reader gate, these items can be easily subtracted from inventory by the RFID software platform.