168极速赛车 Atex/Hazloc Archives - Excell Battery Co. https://excellbattery.com/resource/industry-market/atex-hazloc/ Custom Battery Pack Manufacturer Mon, 30 Dec 2024 13:04:35 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.5 168极速赛车 Cell and Cell Provider Considerations for OEMs https://excellbattery.com/cell-and-cell-provider-considerations-for-oems/ Wed, 25 Dec 2024 01:34:33 +0000 https://excellbattery.com/?p=3128 Device OEMs are tasked with a design process that incorporates numerous components and systems including power and battery storage. There often isn’t time to dive deep, assessing all of the options available. In this article, Excell Battery shares its learnings Read the full article...

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Device OEMs are tasked with a design process that incorporates numerous components and systems including power and battery storage. There often isn’t time to dive deep, assessing all of the options available.

In this article, Excell Battery shares its learnings from 40+ years of custom battery pack manufacturing and therefore cell and cell provider selection. 

What OEMs Need to Know About Choosing Battery Cell Providers

There are three important questions that OEMs need to ask when choosing a cell provider:

  1. Can the provider consistently and reliably supply the necessary cells?
  2. What are the technical specifications required for the application (e.g. discharge rate and capacity requirements)?
  3. Can the provider produce cells that meet the required specifications?

When selecting battery cells and a cell provider, it’s important to be aware of some common pitfalls and misconceptions that OEMs might face. One significant challenge is limited market awareness. While conducting market research and identifying a cell provider offering a suitable product is a good start, it is important to recognize that the battery market is vast and diverse. Many ideal options for a specific application may not even appear in a Google search, requiring a more comprehensive approach.

Often, past experiences and time constraints may also limit the decision-making process. Without a dedicated battery expert, these factors can restrict an OEMs choice to a handful of preferred brands, none of which carry a cell that fits the ideal profile for the application.  

An experienced custom battery pack manufacturer such as Excell can help OEMs overcome these obstacles, bringing the depth of knowledge and time needed to explore the cell and cell providers in the market.

Considerations for Choosing a Cell

It can often be challenging to recognize the specifications that are most important. An OEM engineer might prioritize capacity, while overlooking the factors that are critical to performance in their application. For example, selecting a high-capacity cell without considering its discharge rate can lead to reduced performance under high-load conditions.

Lithium-Ion Cell Considerations

Packs composed of lithium-ion batteries require a protection circuit. They also can’t be charged or discharged below zero degrees unless they are expensive, specialized cells. While some online vendors offer low-cost lithium-ion batteries, these may not meet the required specifications, or may not be capable of combining multiple specifications. OEMs should be aware that some of these cheap lithium-ion batteries are even known to simply have a tiny cell at the top of the can while the remainder is filled with sand. Any cells purchased from Excell will be sourced from a reputable supplier that stands behind their product and will be able to meet all the required specifications.

Cell Considerations for Hazardous and Extreme Environments

Cells that will be used in extreme environments or hazardous locations also necessitate specialized battery solutions. Devices used in these environments may require certification to identify safety hazards and reduce the risk of accidents. For example, they must pass a short circuit test without exceeding a set temperature. Although it might seem counterintuitive, cells with lower discharge rates often work best for applications in these environments. Higher-rate cells, capable of delivering high currents can rapidly heat up, potentially reaching these limits. On the other hand, older lower-rate cells release the same amount of energy over a longer period, resulting in lower peak temperatures.

There are various strategies that can be employed to achieve certification compliance, depending on the device and the certification requirements. One approach involves adding redundancies to increase internal resistance. Cells may also be encapsulated in thermally conductive potting compounds to help dissipate heat more effectively, reducing peak temperatures. However, these solutions come with trade-offs, such as reduced energy density or increased weight.

How Excell Battery Can Help

By partnering with Excell Battery, OEMs gain a reliable and knowledgeable partner in battery solutions. Our cell-agnostic approach and our deep understanding of battery technology enable us to deliver customized solutions that optimize performance, reduce costs, and meet the most stringent safety and environmental standards.

Let us help you navigate the complexities of battery technology and select the ideal solution for your specific needs. Contact us today to discuss your project requirements.

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168极速赛车 New EU Rules Revamp Battery Safety, Recycling, and More (EU Regulation 2023/1542) https://excellbattery.com/new-eu-rules-revamp-battery-safety-recycling-and-more-eu-regulation-2023-1542/ https://excellbattery.com/new-eu-rules-revamp-battery-safety-recycling-and-more-eu-regulation-2023-1542/#respond Mon, 08 Jul 2024 22:55:45 +0000 https://excellbattery.com/?p=3112 The rise of lithium-ion batteries has changed how we power our world. From electric vehicles (EVs) and e-bikes to household devices and even powering the electrical grid, they are prevalent in more applications than ever. According to the European Commission, Read the full article...

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The rise of lithium-ion batteries has changed how we power our world. From electric vehicles (EVs) and e-bikes to household devices and even powering the electrical grid, they are prevalent in more applications than ever. According to the European Commission, the global demand for batteries may increase up to 14-fold by 2030. However, as their popularity surges, so has the push for stronger safety and environmental regulations.

 

Why Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Needs Attention

The potential safety risks associated with mishandled lithium-ion batteries are causing concern. Incidents during transport or storage within residential or commercial buildings can lead to devastating property losses and significant increases in insurance premiums. Some residential buildings, hospitals, and transit systems are preemptively banning e-bikes and other products powered by these batteries within their facilities. Stakeholders in the battery industry must address these concerns to ensure the continued adoption of lithium-ion technology.

 

Another issue arising as lithium-ion batteries become more popular is consumer awareness of proper disposal methods. Disposal of lithium-ion batteries in regular waste bins can be dangerous. Crushing during trash collection and handling can cause them to ignite and potentially cause fires. These batteries not only power electric vehicles, e-bikes, e-scooters, and small personal devices like phones and laptops, but also unexpected items like singing greeting cards. Some argue that their use in unexpected products is irresponsible by manufacturers, as consumers may unknowingly dispose of them improperly. 

 

EU New Battery Regulation 2023/1542

To combat these issues the European Union (EU) published the EU New Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 on July 28, 2023, in the Official Journal of the European Union. Just weeks later on August 17, 2023, the Regulation was officially put into effect. It covers all batteries available on the EU market and aims to improve sustainability, safety labeling, and waste management. The Regulation supports the shift to a circular economy and increases the security of supply for raw materials. 

 

Scope of applications and battery sizes

The EU New Battery Regulation includes both rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries. It is relevant for manufacturers of cells, modules, battery packs, energy storage systems, EV battery systems, and end products utilizing batteries. The regulation itself casts a broad net, encompassing battery categories such as waste portable batteries, electric vehicle batteries, industrial batteries, starting, lightning, and ignition batteries, and batteries for light means of transportation such as e-bikes, mopeds, and e-scooters. While specific rules within the regulation place stricter requirements on larger batteries exceeding 2 kWh, batteries of all sizes are affected.

 

However, small to medium-sized enterprises with less than 250 employees and an annual turnover of up to 50 million Euros or a balance sheet total of no more than 43 million Euros are exempt from many of these requirements unless they produce batteries over 2 kWh capacity. This includes Excell Batteries as their largest rechargeable battery in 540Wh, and the largest primary stick packs are approximately 2kWh. 

 

Key requirement: replaceable batteries for portable devices

 

As part of the Regulation, the EU will require all portable devices sold within the bloc to have replaceable batteries by 2027. This applies to all smartphones, laptops, and tablets, including those produced by Apple, Samsung, and Google. This is just one example of how the Regulation will likely significantly impact the rest of the world, despite being an EU directive. It is unlikely that manufacturers will produce two different versions of their products – one for the EU and one for the rest of the world.

 

Key requirement: battery passport

 

To ensure compliance with the EU New Battery Regulation, EV and industrial batteries over 2 kWh will be required to have a unique digital battery passport accessible via a QR code integrated into their label. The battery passport will include relevant data from the entire battery lifecycle including battery chemistry, capacity, performance, safety, cycle life, carbon footprint, and calendar data.

 

Key requirement: label markings

 

The EU New Battery Regulation also imposes new requirements for CE markings. An abbreviation of “Conformité Européenne,” or European conformity—the CE mark has been around since 1993, and serves as a way for manufacturers to declare that their product complies with all the applicable legal requirements within the European Economic Area. 

 

All portable batteries sold within the EU market will need to carry the CE marking by August 2024. Compliance is self-declared and obligations depend on the type of battery. 

 

The current best practices for battery label compliance are:

  • CE Mark,
  • Makers mark,
  • Assembly site
  • Serial number,
  • Model number,
  • Warning/safety information,
  • Battery chemistry
  • Ah, 
  • Wh (best practice, but also mandatory for Li-Ion batteries), 
  • Voltage (best practice, but also mandatory for Li-Ion batteries),
  • Crossed-out waste bin symbol
  • Lithium battery recycling symbol
  • IEC series/chemistry/parallel coding

 

For lithium primary (non-rechargeable) batteries, the amount of lithium in grams is also required.

 

Those best practices are highlighted on the portable battery example label below:

Figure 1: Current Battery Labeling Best Practices (Portable Batteries)

 

Key requirement: responsible sourcing

 

The EU New Battery Regulation echoes existing initiatives like RoHS and REACH by including language that discourages battery manufacturers from using certain materials. Additionally, the regulation mandates responsible sourcing of base materials, prohibiting the use of conflict minerals obtained through practices like slave labor, environmentally damaging mining, or practices that violate health and safety standards.

 

Timeline

The EU New Battery Regulation encompasses a significant number of mandates that will gradually roll out over the next few years with the goal of reaching climate neutrality by 2050. Stakeholders in the battery industry should be aware of the following timeline for the Regulation. It is of note that most of the upcoming requirements of 2023/1542 only apply to batteries greater than 2 kWh at this point. As we approach the following dates, it is important to check the criteria for any regulatory implementations:

 

February 18, 2024: Mandatory enforcement of the Battery Regulations

August 18, 2024: Mandatory enforcement of safety requirements for stationary battery energy storage systems, performance and durability requirements for rechargeable industrial batteries with a capacity greater than 2 kWh, LMT batteries and electric vehicle batteries, conformity assessment procedures, and economic operator obligations

February 18, 2025: Mandatory enforcement of carbon footprint requirements for electric vehicle batteries

August 18, 2025: Mandatory enforcement of supply chain due diligence / Mandatory enforcement of waste battery management

February 18, 2026: Mandatory enforcement of carbon footprint requirements for rechargeable industrial batteries

February 18, 2027: Mandatory enforcement of battery passports for rechargeable industrial batteries larger than 2Kwh and electric vehicle batteries / Removability and replaceability of portable batteries and LMT batteries

August 18, 2028: Mandatory enforcement of requirements for recycled materials in rechargeable industrial batteries with a capacity greater than 2 kWh, except those with exclusively external storage, electric vehicle batteries, and SLI batteries, conformity assessment procedures, and economic operator obligations.

 

What EU New Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 Means for OEMs

OEMs that may be impacted by the EU New Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 should involve their battery suppliers early in the product design process to ensure timely compliance. All companies doing business within the European market must undergo IEC 62133 testing to verify their batteries meet safety requirements. Additionally, they need to meet labeling requirements and best practices, including affixing the CE mark. The complete directive can be found here.

 

The EU New Battery Regulation isn’t the only set of rules that manufacturers and users need to be aware of. A few examples include the previous EU Battery Directive, which has been in effect since 2006. It focuses on the chemical content of batteries, and recycling practices, and establishes requirements for battery capacity, and rating. 

 

Another important directive is the Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive (2014/30/EU). It ensures that electric and electronic equipment, including those powered by batteries, don’t interfere with the functionality of other devices through electromagnetic emissions.

 

Applicable both inside and outside of the EU, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) are introducing new regulations specifically for the transport of lithium-ion batteries. These regulations, effective on January 1, 2025 , limit the state of charge for all lithium-ion batteries transported by air, land, or sea to 30%. It applies regardless of whether the batteries are shipped loose or packed as part of an end product. 

 

Excell Battery Company: Your Partner in Compliance

With over 30 years of experience, Excell Battery Company has established itself as a trusted partner for OEMs navigating the complexities of battery regulations. Through a commitment to continuous learning, Excel maintains a strong understanding of the ever-evolving regulatory landscape. This includes changes in regulations, training requirements, label requirements, and packaging requirements. Excell works closely with their customers to ensure compliance and create a better battery industry for everyone.

The EU’s New Battery Regulation 2023/1542 marks a significant step toward a more sustainable and responsible future for lithium-ion batteries. By addressing safety concerns, promoting responsible sourcing, and ensuring steps toward circularity, the Regulation will ensure the continued growth of lithium-ion technology. While the regulation targets the EU market, its impact will likely be felt globally as manufacturers strive for consistency across their product lines.

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168极速赛车 Battery Bob: Your Battery Questions Answered in This Q&A Series https://excellbattery.com/battery-bob-your-battery-questions-answered-in-this-qa-series/ https://excellbattery.com/battery-bob-your-battery-questions-answered-in-this-qa-series/#respond Tue, 30 May 2023 16:25:19 +0000 https://excellbattery.com/?p=2809 Bob Fay, Regional Manager of Excell Battery’s Houston office answers your questions in this ongoing series. From general Li-Ion questions to specific LWD battery pack queries, leave us a message and ask him yourself! We will be posting all the Read the full article...

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Bob Fay, Regional Manager of Excell Battery’s Houston office answers your questions in this ongoing series. From general Li-Ion questions to specific LWD battery pack queries, leave us a message and ask him yourself!

We will be posting all the answers in this YouTube playlist:

Current questions Bob has answered:

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168极速赛车 The North American Edge in Supply and Product Development Chains https://excellbattery.com/north-american-network/ https://excellbattery.com/north-american-network/#respond Tue, 28 Mar 2023 11:16:11 +0000 https://excellbattery.com/?p=2294 In a world increasingly driven by the “buy local” movement, we are witnessing a shift in how consumers view the products they bring into their lives. Although the concept of “local” may seem difficult to apply to electronics, innovative companies Read the full article...

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In a world increasingly driven by the “buy local” movement, we are witnessing a shift in how consumers view the products they bring into their lives. Although the concept of “local” may seem difficult to apply to electronics, innovative companies are leading the way by incorporating the principles of localization into their engineering and manufacturing processes. By leveraging the talents and resources of our North American employees and facilities at Excell Battery, we are able to ensure a more robust and resilient supply chain and a streamlined product development process.

The Logistical Benefits of Onshoring

In any industry, the greater the distance required to move components through a supply chain, the greater the risk for delays. During the last few years, ports have been plagued by congestion, with shipping containers sometimes waiting weeks to be unloaded. When it comes to batteries, delays in the supply chain can have dire consequences for tech OEMs. In response to logistical delays and tariffs, there is a current movement amongst manufacturers toward “onshoring” their choice of suppliers. By partnering primarily with North American suppliers, Excel Battery substantially reduces the risk of shipment delays, avoids costly tariffs, and ensures a constant and reliable flow of essential components. 

At Excell Battery, we take a strategic approach to our engineering and manufacturing operations by positioning them in key North American hubs. Our Canadian facilities in Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto, coupled with our American facility in Houston, Texas, enable us to meet the demands of North American entities. 

The Engineering Benefits of Onshoring

Localization goes beyond the physical location of our manufacturing facilities. Excell Battery boasts a close-knit North American engineering team, allowing us to oversee the entire design process with unrivaled speed and efficiency, free from offshore complications. Even small hurdles like managing workflow amongst different time zones are eased or eliminated when a core team is centralized. This facilitates quick design iteration cycles, enabling us to respond promptly to rapidly changing market demands and stay at the forefront of technological advancements. As a result, our product development chain is characterized by agility, responsiveness, and reliability. 

The 2023 North American Advantage

As we settle into the post-COVID era, the persistent reality of supply chain disruptions looms large, fueled by ongoing geopolitical conflicts, inflationary pressures, and unforeseen challenges. Consequently, the accessibility and smooth flow of goods may be affected, leading to port delays, reduced freight availability, price surges, and other concerns. However, at Excell Battery, we are well-positioned to meet these challenges head-on.

Addressing the Challenges of Supply Risks and Rapidly Changing Technology and Conditions.

The surge in EV (electric vehicles) sales over recent years has intensified the demand for critical materials, putting tremendous pressure on battery component supply chains. As road transport electrification efforts continue to expand, driven by the global commitment to achieve net-zero emissions, the demand for essential materials is expected to further escalate, and technology is expected to advance rapidly. To mitigate the risk of disruptions, one effective strategy is to establish long-term contracts and partnerships with local suppliers, ensuring stability and a reliable supply of crucial resources. Keeping any design operations close to home also enhances our adaptability and responsiveness, so we can navigate any economic or product development challenges with resilience.

Addressing the Challenges of Economic Instability

Economic instability has triggered a cascade of challenges across global supply and product development chains. Fluctuations in demand have become unpredictable, making it challenging for businesses to effectively plan and produce goods. Rapid shifts in demand can lead to excess inventory or shortages, disrupting the supply chain flow. Additionally, the rise in interest rates is compounding the cost of corporate debt, further driving up the cost of labor and goods.

Fluctuating currency exchange rates add another layer of complexity, making it difficult for companies to forecast and manage costs for importing and exporting goods. The constraints of financial uncertainties weigh heavily on businesses, restricting their capacity to invest in crucial areas such as technology, infrastructure, and workforce. Excell Battery’s decision to center our operations within North America offers stability and efficiency. By utilizing local facilities and personnel, we maintain greater control over our supply and product design chains, reducing our vulnerability to external economic pressures.

Addressing the Challenges of Geopolitical Tensions

Amidst current geopolitical tensions, the prospect of material scarcity and soaring raw material prices looms large, presenting challenges to supply chains worldwide. As nations re-evaluate their relationships with global partners, exploring new strategies becomes a necessity. By reducing reliance on overseas suppliers, Excell Battery can maintain a stable flow of materials and minimize the risk of demand fluctuations. In their article, “The Supply Chain Trends Shaking up 2023,KPMG explained, “Governments and industry leaders are exploring domestic self-sufficiency in material supply and manufacturing. Short of this, they are looking to build ‘friend-shoring’ relationships – trade links with like-minded and most likely geographically close countries (‘nearshoring’) where the supply of goods will likely be more secure.” Taking advantage of friendshoring or nearshoring has additional benefits such as enabling Excell Battery to reduce lead times, lower costs, and improve the speed of our products to market. 

The advantages of a North American supply and product development chain are clear – reduced risks of delays, avoidance of costly tariffs, efficient engineering processes, and a focus on local talents and resources. Additionally, local manufacturing offers greater control over production, ensuring consistent quality and timely delivery. By prioritizing these aspects and exploring new supply chain options, Excell Battery is well-equipped to navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing landscape and emerge stronger and more resilient in the face of economic instability, material scarcity, geopolitical issues, and any other challenges that the future may bring.

Learn about mitigating risk to your battery supply chain

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168极速赛车 The Next-Generation of Intelligent Battery Packs (WEBINAR) https://excellbattery.com/the-next-generation-of-intelligent-battery-packs-webinar/ https://excellbattery.com/the-next-generation-of-intelligent-battery-packs-webinar/#respond Tue, 21 Mar 2023 00:01:45 +0000 https://excellbattery.com/?p=2746 In industries such as medical, safety, industrial, and data monitoring equipment, applications are demanding increasingly more efficient, effective, and reliable usage out of batteries. While batteries hardware and chemistries are slow to evolve and adapt, the next generation of smart Read the full article...

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In industries such as medical, safety, industrial, and data monitoring equipment, applications are demanding increasingly more efficient, effective, and reliable usage out of batteries. While batteries hardware and chemistries are slow to evolve and adapt, the next generation of smart battery packs integrates battery management system software to provide the data needed for both the user and the device to get the most out of the power available. These intelligent lithium-ion battery packs enable longer lifespans, reduced wastage, and more reliable, safer energy storage.

In this webinar, Ian Kane (CEO of Excell Battery), Caron Craig (Excell Battery Regional Manager – Vancouver), and Mike MacWillie (Excell Battery Director of Engineering) discuss:

  • Industry trends that drive the need for intelligent battery packs.
  • Steps and best practices to design a device with an intelligent battery pack
  • Information on Excell Battery’s Criterion iQ intelligent Li-Ion battery pack

Industry trends that drive the need for intelligent battery packs

Steps and best practices to design a device with an intelligent battery pack

You can download a copy of the checklist discussed in this portion here:
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Information on Excell Battery’s Criterion iQ intelligent Li-Ion battery pack and Q&A

The Criterion iQ intelligent Lithium-Ion battery pack provides the data needed to ensure the devices is always ready. For more information (including the product’s spec sheet), click here.

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168极速赛车 Intelligent Battery Applications – Design Checklist https://excellbattery.com/intelligent-battery-applications-design-checklist/ https://excellbattery.com/intelligent-battery-applications-design-checklist/#respond Tue, 14 Mar 2023 19:24:02 +0000 https://excellbattery.com/?p=2733 Why spec smart/intelligent lithium-ion battery packs? As the battery application demands increase rapidly, battery hardware and chemistry are struggling to keep up. Software known as Battery management Systems are becoming increasingly important for meeting these demands through performance optimization. Intelligent Read the full article...

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Why spec smart/intelligent lithium-ion battery packs?

As the battery application demands increase rapidly, battery hardware and chemistry are struggling to keep up. Software known as Battery management Systems are becoming increasingly important for meeting these demands through performance optimization. Intelligent battery packs that incorporate these systems can improve battery lifespan, reduce waste, and enhance reliability and safety.

Download the Design Checklist

Click the button below to download Excell’s Intelligent Battery Applications Design Checklist for a step-by-step guide to the process of designing an intelligent battery pack, such as Excell’s Criterion iQ, into your next application.

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168极速赛车 Thoughtful Design for Hazardous Environments https://excellbattery.com/thoughtful-design-for-hazardous-environments/ https://excellbattery.com/thoughtful-design-for-hazardous-environments/#respond Tue, 07 Dec 2021 10:48:30 +0000 https://excellbattery.com/?p=2326 Over our 35 years, we have honed the ideal balance between innovative design and unyielding safety standards. Customers operating within hazardous locations (HAZLOC) face a host of safety-related complexities. All of the manufacturing – from the largest machinery, down to Read the full article...

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Over our 35 years, we have honed the ideal balance between innovative design and unyielding safety standards. Customers operating within hazardous locations (HAZLOC) face a host of safety-related complexities. All of the manufacturing – from the largest machinery, down to the smallest battery unit, must comply with the governing country’s safety requirements. The HAZLOC classification was the standard in North America. However, the US and Canada are moving towards the IECEx system, which closely resembles its EU counterpart, the ATEX system.

How do we do it? At Excell, the design process and regulatory requirements work in tandem with each other. All battery pack components are designed to operate seamlessly within their intended environments. Our engineers design with the larger safety picture in mind. Understanding that these certifications are stand-alone is a guiding factor in the engineering process. Despite their regulatory similarities, IECEx and ATEX-certified products cannot automatically be used together. Products must be rigorously re-tested in a certified lab before they are approved for use together in a specific hazardous environment. This process can be incredibly costly and frustrating for HAZLOC customers. With our world-class lab testing facilities, our Excell team helps customers navigate their unique safety requirements. 

The ability to provide an integrated battery solution that satisfies the strictest safety standards is one of the cornerstones of our business. Customers operating under HAZLOC/IECEx/ATEX guidelines can rest assured that Excell products meet the most exacting standards.

 

Learn more about ATEX/HAZLOC/IECEX certifications in our white paper.

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168极速赛车 Smart Engineering https://excellbattery.com/smart-engineering/ https://excellbattery.com/smart-engineering/#respond Wed, 17 Nov 2021 15:27:04 +0000 https://excellbattery.com/?p=2303 Left brain versus right brain. Artistic versus scientific. We are all familiar with these classic dichotomies, but real-world experiences often land more in the grey than the black and white. A biochemist with a talent for watercolours might be unique Read the full article...

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Left brain versus right brain. Artistic versus scientific. We are all familiar with these classic dichotomies, but real-world experiences often land more in the grey than the black and white. A biochemist with a talent for watercolours might be unique but not impossible. Individuals who can look beyond their specialized field offer an invaluable perspective to the companies they work within. A marketing executive joining a sales rep on account visits will be able to see first-hand what impact a top-down marketing campaign has in the field. This approach holds true in the battery operating world as the best engineers share an ability to widen their lens from a single cell to the supply chain as a whole. 

Choices made at the cell level have consequences on the entire manufacturing process. Our engineers design with the supply chain in mind. The ripple effects of each design choice are carefully weighed against their impact on the overall demand flow. We use our extensive North American resources to inform both our design and manufacturing decisions. Offering multiple cell and component alternatives allows production to move forward, unimpeded by material shortages. A quick internet search for cell vendors will pull up hundreds, if not thousands, of results. The quantity of results is not always accompanied by trustworthy rankings on the quality of these cells and vendors. A seasoned team of engineers provides the best oversight on supplier and product quality. 


Curating a healthy catalogue of raw materials is often where some manufacturers stop. Smart engineering goes a step beyond by establishing quality control procedures to test all cell and component alternatives. Qualification of cells through rigorous in-house lab testing should be second-nature to battery suppliers. Even the most reputable cell vendors are not immune to quality issues. Before signing on with a supplier, OEM clients should ask tough questions regarding quality control and safety procedures. In addition to testing the quality and safety of individual cells, an established lab program also provides assurances that all manufacturing quality standards are followed. North American standards are particularly stringent so any manufacturers operating within the continent should be well-versed in protocols such as ISO 9001, ISO 13485, UN38.3, etc.

Strong supplier relationships are one of the most crucial differentials separating top-tier manufacturers from their competitors. When a demand spike forces a supplier to pick and choose which orders to fill, the tipping point is often the strength of the customer-supplier relationship. This scenario continues to play out frequently across industries weighed down with pandemic pressures. The trust and reliability forged with our suppliers over many pre-pandemic years became critical factors when the ultimate stress test of COVID-19 hit. Our supply chain is built to support our clients through the entire design and manufacturing process, regardless of external disruptions. We partner with suppliers who share that same methodology. 

An infrastructure built on smart engineering principles provides the sturdiest foundation for OEM clients. Highly-specialized training does not have to translate to a hyper-narrow perspective. Engineers with a realistic approach to design and an awareness of the broader supply chain set clients up for the best chance of success.

 

Learn about mitigating risk to your battery supply chain

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168极速赛车 A Quick Introduction to HAZLOC and ATEX Requirements https://excellbattery.com/quick-introduction-to-hazloc-requirements/ https://excellbattery.com/quick-introduction-to-hazloc-requirements/#respond Mon, 15 Nov 2021 19:09:42 +0000 https://excellbattery.com/?p=2175 There are many types of electrically operated devices, some of which are used in hazardous environments such as coal mines or petrochemical plants. The nature of these battery-operated devices may not be hazardous, but their environments may cause an explosive Read the full article...

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There are many types of electrically operated devices, some of which are used in hazardous environments such as coal mines or petrochemical plants. The nature of these battery-operated devices may not be hazardous, but their environments may cause an explosive reaction due to potential hazardous combinations of materials. 

To prevent unexpected combustion, equipment has evolved and is designed to be safe in these situations. Devices must undergo testing and certification before being distributed and used, which depends on the geographic location of the area of consideration. 

In the US and Canada, these locations are termed hazardous locations or HAZLOC, and devices qualified to be used in these locations are known as HAZLOC-rated devices. However, Canada and the US are moving towards the IECEx system of classification, and all new devices must fit the IECEx code of standard. European countries use the ATEX system, which is similar to the IECEx system. It is required for devices to be evaluated based on the location in which they will be used. 

Each system is based on different qualifications. The HAZLOC-based system is a class and division-based system:

  • I – gases may be present
  • II – dust may be present
  • III – fibres may be present

The division is based on how often the hazard is present, which is either the hazard is always present or the hazard may exist under abnormal conditions. The IECEx and ATEX systems differ from the HAZLOC system in that they are zone-based. The degree to which hazardous gases or dust are present is classified by numerical zones. 

A common factor of these systems, and international systems, is that they are end-product standards. The products are evaluated based on the explosive environment’s regulations alone. This means that two HAZLOC/IECEx/ATEX certified products cannot be plugged into each other and used. Their certifications stand-alone, and if they are to be used together they must repeat the testing and certification process to ensure they can be used together in that specific location. 

Testing is an expensive and time-consuming process and requires a specialized lab that has the knowledge to evaluate these types of products. Consulting a lab should be one of the first steps in the process of designing such a device. Once a product is evaluated and approved, it will bear certification marks from a well-known certification company. Depending on the certification, it will also have markings depicting explosive atmospheres in which the product can be used.

 

Learn more about ATEX/HAZLOC/IECEX certifications in our white paper.

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168极速赛车 How To Safely Ship Lithium Ion & Lithium Metal Batteries https://excellbattery.com/how-to-safely-ship-lithium-ion-lithium-metal-batteries/ https://excellbattery.com/how-to-safely-ship-lithium-ion-lithium-metal-batteries/#respond Mon, 13 Sep 2021 09:55:48 +0000 https://excellbattery.com/?p=2027 Manufacturers should be aware that products containing dangerous goods like lithium batteries must be shipped within the guidelines of multiple regulations. Individual countries’ transportation regulations such as the USDOT, Transport Canada, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and the International Read the full article...

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drone view of shipping containers
Manufacturers should be aware that products containing dangerous goods like lithium batteries must be shipped within the guidelines of multiple regulations. Individual countries’ transportation regulations such as the USDOT, Transport Canada, the International Air Transport Association (IATA)
, and the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG) all regulate the transport of lithium batteries.

Transporting lithium batteries can be dangerous if not packaged and handled safely because they present both chemical and electrical hazards. The UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Sixth Revised Edition, SubSection 38.3 was created to ensure safe transportation of batteries. Frequently known as UN 38.3, these recommendations are enforced by all regulatory bodies and must be followed when shipping lithium batteries.

The Hazards of Lithium Batteries

Lithium batteries may pose significant hazards if mishandled or abused. Consequently, safety practices must be followed when packaging and handling lithium batteries for transport. Abusive conditions can cause lithium batteries to catch fire, leak corrosive liquids, or explode in certain situations.

To help explain the various hazards that may occur if batteries are mishandled, Excell Battery has made our Safety Training Course available online for free. 

Download our White Paper about lithium-ion batteries and their safety issues.

The Steps to Follow

As outlined in the above regulations, several things must be in place before a business is allowed to ship lithium batteries. These include:

Training

All persons involved in preparing, packaging, and completing paperwork must be formally trained in these procedures before offering batteries for transport. Specific training requirements are outlined in the UN 38.3, but they generally include the following:

  • General awareness/familiarization training of regulations
  • Function-specific training on shipping lithium batteries
  • Lithium battery safety
  • Security awareness training

Many training organizations and companies offer this type of training either online or in person.

Testing Requirements 

Lithium batteries must be tested safe for transport in accordance with UN 38.3. A variety of tests is performed, from altitude to forced discharge, to ensure the batteries can be transported safely. For more information, review the US DOT/IATA lithium battery testing requirements

 

Packaging/Labeling Requirements       

Performance tested shipping containers must be tested in accordance with the above regulations. These boxes must contain the proper UN marking in order to be used for shipping lithium batteries. In addition, labeling of boxes (Class 9, Cargo Aircraft Only if applicable) must be properly applied to the packaging.

Paperwork Requirements

HAZMAT Bill of Ladings, Airway Bills, and other Dangerous Goods paperwork, such as a Shipper’s Declaration of Dangerous Goods, must be completed before lithium batteries are offered for transport. Failure to comply can result in costly delays, the shipment being rejected by carriers, or even fines for failure to follow the proper paperwork requirement.

About Excell Battery

Excell Battery has a proven track record of manufacturing safe, reliable battery solutions for over 35 years. When it comes to shipping safety and regulations, it’s important to have a professional team partnering with you to ensure the safety of your product. Contact us today and let us help you bring your product to the world! 

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