NEWS

Ecology, ecology, ecology... the phrase is repeated often, do we do it completely consciously? These promises are difficult to keep in the emergency lightning market due to the omnipresence of the Ni-Cd batteries and the fact that they include Cadmium. Each emergency lighting luminaire includes a built-in battery or is powered through an internal battery. How can we care for the environment then? The answer is simple - use appropriate batteries, i.e. lithium-iron-phosphate LiFePO4.

Why these batteries in particular?

1. They are environmentally-friendly. LiFePO4 batteries do not contain harmful substances.

2. The usable life of the luminaire is extended due to an increased duty cycles count. In comparison to Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd) batters, LiFPO4 batters have three times as many work cycles, while in comparison to nickel metal hydride batteries (Ni-MH) up to five times more work cycles! That translates to an average lifespan of LiFePO4 battery at 6-8 years.

3. LiFePO4 batteries are not subject to the memory effect, i.e. there is no need for performing the standard three battery charge/discharge cycles. For comparison, Ni-Cd batteries should be discharged and charged in full cycles.

4. The specification of LiFePO4 batteries allows them to operate at low temperatures. The combination of a LiFePO4 battery and a high ingress protection rating of IP65 allows for an external installation of the luminaire (COLD version). Ni-Cd batteries include water in the electrolyte, which degrades the battery at low temperatures. One possible solution would include using the Ni-Cd battery with a heater and a thermostat, but would that be enough? Taking a high-storage warehouse as an example, where the installation would take place at a time when the ambient temperature drops below 5°C, using Ni-Cd batteries poses a high risk. Above all, the temperature inside such unused warehouse remains at a level similar to the external temperature. In addition, due to cost optimisation, the installation of emergency luminaires is carried out simultaneously with the installation of the remaining devices, including the basic lighting. No primary power for the emergency light luminaires and the used thermostats and heaters will cause degradation of the battery due to low ambient temperature.  

5. Due to the lower energy density, LiFePO4 are smaller in comparison to Ni-MH and Ni-Cd batteries.

6. Indisputable fact -  energy efficiency. LiFePO4 does not and is not allowed to charge constantly, which clearly translates to savings.

It is also worth noting that TM TECHNOLOGIE offers the LiFePO4 battery as a standard because you, your surroundings and the environment are of the highest importance. If the smartphones and tablet market features mostly solutions based on lithium-ion batteries, the time has come for emergency lighting. We believe that each component which can make the world a better place is worth our attention.