Micro Energy from IPS: Energy Storage Performance from INFINERGY: Energy Storage Technology Articles: Eco20/20

Micro Energy from IPS: Energy Storage Performance from INFINERGY

Infinite Power Solutions (IPS) has released its MPR or micro power module with the name Infinergy. Infinergy MPMs are plug and play power modules which, the company says will eliminate the cost of conventional battery replacement over the lifetime of the system when it is combined with energy harvesting devices.

The company also says that the Infinergy MPM products have three functional elements, which include: nearly perfect energy storage, efficient power management electronics and a regulated output voltage. The MPMs do all of this in a tiny space, less than three millimeters thick and measuring a mere 29mm by 29 mm for some types.

When compared with batteries of similar size, in this case the coin cell battery, the Infinergy MPM wins hands down with a much higher cycle life, a very low self-discharge rate and better continuous discharge current than the traditional button battery. In addition, the Infinergy can be used for both DC and AC applications simultaneously.

The MPM can serve in a number of ways including for wireless sensors, smart building or factory automation systems, real-time clock and memory back up systems and locating systems. In addition, they can be combined with other energy sources to provide gap coverage as well. When used with photovoltaic cells the MPM can continue to be used for virtually forever, increasing its positive aspects greatly.

In addition to the Infinergy, the company has several other plug and play modules that operate on the same theory; however they are not all as small or as thin as this one, with one nearly 4mm thick. Each module has different options and can be used in customizable configurations.

One of the major concerns that the average company or individual has when faced with choosing a new energy source is not only how well it will work but how much it will cost and how often it will have to be replaced or renewed. These MPM models have outperformed not only the traditional battery types that are no where near as small, but have also done so without the problems noted with self discharge (the MPM loses less than one percent of its charge per year), and with its cycle life can last far longer as well. The company states that the MPM has the "best cycle life in the industry", with more than 10,000 cycles typical.