Show CartThe heart defibrillator is one of the most energy-hungry portable medical devices around. This battery draws in excess of 10 amperes during preparation stages. Then, several shocks may be needed to get the patient’s heart going again. It’s very important that this battery be efficient and effective, as in some cases it could be the difference between life and death.
Most defibrillators are powered by nickel-cadmium batteries. Nickel-metal-hydride is also used but there is the concern of short service life. Sealed lead-acid batteries are often used to power defibrillators intended for standby mode. Although bulky and heavy, the lead-acid battery has a low self-discharge and can be kept in prolonged ready mode without the need to recharge. Lead-acid batteries perform well on high current spurts. During the rest periods the battery disperses the depleted acid concentrations back into the electrode plate. Lead-acid batteries would not be suitable for a sustained high load.
The medical industry is moving toward lithium-ion. The short but high current spurts needed for defibrillators are still a challenge. Paralleling the cells and adding current-limiting circuits that allow short spikes of high current will help overcome this hurdle.
Sometimes a battery can be the difference between life and death… so make sure it is charged.
For additional information, visit www.batterygiant.com