Lithium Batteries for Water Meters and Smart Meters

Water meters and smart meters are sealed into housings and installed in pits, basements and outdoor cabinets, where a battery change means a site visit. That is why meter makers choose primary lithium cells with a shelf life measured in years rather than months. LiSOCl2 cells are stated to offer more than 10 years of shelf life at category level, with self-discharge of less than 1 percent per year, and the ER series covers the sizes a meter design typically needs, from compact ER14250 and ER14505 cells up to large ER34615 cells.

Smart meters add a second requirement: communication. A meter that reports readings over a wireless network draws pulse currents during transmission, and a hybrid pulse capacitor pack handles those pulses better than a cell alone. The choice between a single ER cell and a hybrid pulse capacitor pack therefore depends on how often the meter transmits and at what power. For a meter that reports rarely, a single cell is usually enough; for a meter that reports frequently, the capacitor version protects the cell's service life.

Temperature is the third factor. Meters outdoors face winter cold and summer heat, and the ER series detail page states -55 to +85 degrees Celsius. Before ordering, confirm the model, the capacity variant, the transmission pattern and the final datasheet. Minimum order value is USD $500, according to the company FAQ, and samples are available. Lead time is confirmed per order. Certificates are available upon request.

Related pages: LiSOCl2 Batteries, ER14505, ER14250, Hybrid Pulse Capacitor Packs.