An Iron Solution

An Iron Solution

Delivering a breakthrough in industry technology

  • By JR Andrews
  • Apr 01, 2019

One of the primary criteria for any surveillance, access or security system is the requirement for a consistent and reliable power source, as even the most complex and expensive system solutions will be rendered useless if power is interrupted. Consequently, almost every DC operated power and transmission product deployed today includes some form of battery charging and back-up to help ensure that mission critical systems continue to operate when their primary AC input source is disrupted.

For more than 40 years, Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) battery charging and back-up has been the longstanding go-to solution, but now there’s a new and extremely efficient option available.

Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries, also known as LiFePO4 batteries, usher in a new generation of DC power that, for all intents and purposes, will eventually render Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) batteries obsolete. LiFePO4 batteries are being used with great success in a myriad electronic devices ranging from drones and smoke detectors to recreational vehicles and solar energy systems.

LiFePO4 are quickly becoming the batteries of choice given their superior longevity, high level of efficiency, and improved safety compared to SLA batteries. Lithium Iron Phosphate battery technology is now becoming a cornerstone of power and transmission devices, first introduced by Altronix, which provides security professionals with a unique value proposition to ensure continuous operation of critical systems and at lower overall cost.

LiFePO4 batteries offer a tremendous improvement over legacy SLA batteries and back-up solutions. Although the initial purchase price of a LiFePO4 battery is more than a conventional SLA battery, it offers a significantly lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) with a cost per cycle of approximately $0.31 versus $0.92 for SLA batteries. Factors impacting these calculations include the fact that LiFePO4 batteries can cycle up to 5,000 times over their life span versus only up to 500 cycles for SLA batteries.

Additionally, LiFePO4 batteries have a 10 year shelf life which allows resellers the ability to leverage their buying power as SLA batteries require charging every six months while not in use.

Also, because LiFePO4 batteries allow for rapid charging and discharging, they deliver more uptime, keeping systems running longer. Another key feature of Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries is that they operate more efficiently in high-stress environments where temperature fluctuations can adversely affect SLA battery life. It’s easy to see that LiFePO4 batteries provide increased operational efficacy for critical systems.

'LiFePO4 batteries are made from light metals, which results in a weight reduction of 33 to 50 percent versus conventional SLA batteries. This reduces shipping costs and provides an environmental benefit since they do not contain toxic chemicals that cause decay in SLA batteries. This makes recycling and redistribution both easier and more cost-effective by reducing the added cost and time associated with disposing SLA batteries.

'The first power and data transmission security products featuring LiFePO4 battery backup technology is Altronix’s new series of Net- Way Spectrum Hardened PoE+ Switches. The products in this new series are optimized to leverage the numerous benefits of LiFePO4 battery charging and back-up with unique features to eliminate the necessity and weight of four SLA batteries by allowing for a single 12VDC LiFePO4 battery to provide 48VDC backup.

'The introduction of LiFePO4 battery charging from Altronix, for demanding power and transmission solutions, represent a significant breakthrough for the professional security industry. It’s an innovation impacting virtually all surveillance, access, security and fire systems by greatly improving the reliability, uptime and TCO of new and existing systems.

This article originally appeared in the April 2019 issue of Security Today.

About the Author

JR Andrews is the national sales executive at Altronix.

Featured

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.