Solving issues in Pipeline Monitoring in Harsh Environments

All-solid-state battery × energy harvesting technology enables long-term operations of pressure monitoring system

Pipeline monitoring systems with primary battery-powered pressure transmitters, which are common today, potentially have a problem that once the battery runs out, the system stops operating until the battery is replaced. This is especially true in harsh environments where it is difficult to dispatch workers. By combining Maxell's all-solid-state rechargeable batteries and energy harvesting technologies, which collects electricity from sunlight, vibration, and heat etc., in the pressure transmitters of pipeline monitoring systems built in harsh environments, it becomes possible to build a stand-alone monitoring system that operates stably over long periods of time while reducing maintenance man-hours. In addition, by expanding the choice of communication methods and sensors without being restricted by battery capacity, more accurate monitoring can be expected, which has not been possible with primary battery-powered pressure transmitters.