HC-50 Battery

The HC-50 battery module powers the HC-50 measuring station. It contains a rechargeable lithium iron phosphate cell (LiFePO4/LFP) with 6000 mAh. This cell type is thermally stable, has no memory effect and survives many charge cycles.

The essentials in brief

• The module is delivered fully assembled and sealed. Do not open it.
• It can be inserted into the measuring station from above, protected against reverse polarity, and clicks into place.
• It is charged in the HC-50 CHRGR. Each charging process is assigned to the module.
• The measuring station monitors the charge level and warns in good time before the battery is empty.

Design

Inside the module the cell sits between a cap at the top and a base plate at the bottom. The base plate carries the 9-pin D-Sub connector for connecting to the measuring station. The module also contains an NFC chip for identification. The illustrations show the module as a CAD model, disassembled on the left, fully assembled on the right.

Inserting and removing

Insert the battery module into the measuring station from above and turn it slightly until it clicks into place with gentle pressure. To remove it, simply pull it out. The module is protected against reverse polarity. It can only click into place in the correct position.

After inserting it, check in the cloud whether the station reports.

Charging

Charge the module exclusively with the HC-50 CHRGR. It charges using the CC-CV method (constant current, then constant voltage) up to 3.65 V and is matched to this battery.

During charging the CHRGR reads the module's identifier via the built-in NFC chip. In this way each charging process is logged individually for each battery module.

Monitoring and service life

During operation the measuring station continuously measures the battery's discharge (with an INA219 sensor) and transmits the values to EcoSensors.cloud. From this it can be predicted when the battery should best be replaced or charged (predictive maintenance). A failure due to empty or defective batteries can thus be avoided. Warranty claims can also be easily substantiated with the log.

The NFC chip in the module contains this information and can be read with any NFC-capable smartphone and a suitable app:

• Serial number
• Date of manufacture
• Capacity
• Cell type

The battery module contains no components that could be updated. A firmware update is therefore not necessary.

Safety notes

Handling

• Keep away from heat, open flames and corrosive liquids.
• Do not open, disassemble, damage or burn the module.
• Immediately store and dispose of damaged batteries in a suitable container.

Hazards in case of damage

Damaged lithium batteries (broken, overheated) can explode or cause fires. Leaking liquid contains flammable and corrosive substances and can irritate skin, eyes and mucous membranes. Escaping vapours are harmful to health.

In case of liquid leakage:

• Isolate the area, let the battery cool and let vapours escape.
• Avoid skin and eye contact and inhalation of the vapours.
• Absorb leaked liquid with absorbent material and dispose of it properly.

In case of fire:

• There is usually no metallic lithium in a LiFePO4 battery. Common extinguishing agents (ABC powder, CO₂, water) can be used. Additionally follow the burning material in the surroundings.
• If possible, remove batteries from the fire area. From approx. 125 °C cells can catch fire or explode.
• Wear heavy respiratory protection and full-body protective clothing. Burning produces toxic gases, including hydrogen fluoride, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.

First aid

In case of contact with leaking electrolyte, gases or combustion products:

• Eyes: rinse thoroughly with water immediately for at least 15 minutes, keeping the eyelids open.
• Skin: remove contaminated clothing and rinse the skin under cold water for at least 15 minutes.
• Respiratory tract: ensure fresh air, give first aid if necessary.
• Afterwards always consult a doctor.

Disposal

Do not dispose of battery modules in household waste. Hand them in at a collection point for used batteries. Damaged or opened cells are hazardous waste and must be disposed of in accordance with the applicable regulations.

Technical data