Page 14 - Fast Forward to a Sustainable Future

Originally published October 2015

Power Tool Batteries:

A Technology Story

Lithium-ion batteries are the go-to power source for power tools, and
wireless charging is making battery-operated power tools even more efficient.

BY TIM TRUESDALE

ATTERY POWER COULD be
thought of as the most impor-
tant yet least considered ele-
ment of power tool operation.
Great battery power, runtime
Band longevity are expected.
But a lot of technology and brainpower goes
into the ongoing march toward greater pro-
ductivity. Here’s what the landscape looks
like today.

THE ADVANTAGES OF
LITHIUM-ION TECHNOLOGY
Lithium-ion batteries make ultra-compact
and heavy-duty tools the norm, not an
exception. And the three inherent benefits—
more power, runtime increase and no weight
penalty—are the basic building blocks
behind the technology. ROBERT BOSCH TOOL CORP.
Lithium-ion cells can either hold more
power in the same-size package (as tools
change) or maintain the same power in a Superior Technology. Lighter weight combined with compact size, more power and
smaller package. The reason can be found at increased runtime make lithium-ion tools the workhorses of cordless technology.
the basic chemistry level: A single lithium- ery, extensive heat resulting from high individual lithium-ion cells and enable
ion cell can hold and use up to 3.6 volts, but amp-draw applications can cause damage them to last longer. A larger battery doesn’t
weighs less than its predecessor NiCad cell. to battery cells and drastically shorten their need to work as hard as an 18-volt battery in
As a result, a 36-volt lithium-ion battery offers lives. Only by engineering the battery and the same heavy-duty application, resulting
twice the voltage capacity of previous tech- its cells to resist these conditions are manu- in less heat and extended battery life.
nologies, even as it weighs about the same. facturers able to bring a lithium-ion bat- 2. Electronic Cell Protection (ECP) located
Any increase in voltage will increase tery with acceptable life to the professional within the tool can manage the battery’s
runtime; consequently, users inherently market and not cost end users significant activity to eliminate overheating and extend
benefit with a runtime increase along with investment and continual battery replace- battery life. Not all manufacturers’ tool-
the power advantages of increased voltage. ment. based electronics offer ECP, which is key
There are three design steps that protect to the long-term battery life in professional
THE BATTERY LIFE CHALLENGE and extend a lithium-ion battery’s battery applications. Other makers include their
How a manufacturer preserves its bat- life, especially in heavy-duty applications: electronics within the battery, which
tery products’ battery lives is impor- 1. Higher-voltage batteries, such as generates extra heat and defeats the goal
tant. Similar to any engine or machin- 36 volts, reduce the overall strain on the of ECP.

14 FAST FORWARD TO A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE