The contracts represent a major commercial breakthrough for the Eternacell brand, developed specifically for utility metering applications in emerging economies, where the batteries offer a unique combination of value for money, performance and long life.
For these latest contracts, Saft is supplying Eternacell ER 14250 cells, a 1/2AA format offering a nominal voltage of 3.6 V and a nominal capacity of 1.2 Ah. Saft has optimized the Eternacell design to provide a lifespan exceeding 10 years and to power the microprocessor clock functions and real-time memory protection for the new generation of electricity meters in emerging economies. The cells can supply typical electricity meter currents across a wide operating temperature range, covering any outdoor conditions. They offer exceptional standby time thanks to a low self-discharge rate of less than one percent per year (at +20°C).
Manufactured at Saft's Chinese plant in Zhuhai using the most demanding quality procedures, Eternacell cells feature Saft's proven lithium-thionyl chloride (Li-SOCl2) chemistry, perfected over decades of experience in measurement applications.
“We are delighted to have made this significant progress with the Eternacell brand in Asia. These large contracts confirm that Eternacell is the perfect design and the best choice for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to meet the specific needs of these emerging markets. Thanks to our highly competitive pricing and our emphasis on long lifespan and completely reliable field operation, Saft has already become an expert in the metering market,” said Thomas Alcide, Managing Director of Saft’s SBG division. “This success in the electrical metering market is the perfect platform to position Eternacell solutions in other applications.”.
Field and laboratory data collected over more than 30 years have been used to develop a unique lifetime model that accurately predicts the lifespan of primary cells in this demanding application. The data used by this model includes base current, pulse currents, cutoff voltage, and temperature range. The calculated results are combined with bench test results, which sometimes take years to produce the most accurate lifetime prediction.
As planned, deliveries were made throughout 2014 until the beginning of this year.
