RM 162: Battery Selection and Safety Best Practices with Alex Norman

Today we’re diving into a critical yet sometimes overlooked component that powers so many of the devices we rely on: batteries. Batteries are the heartbeat of countless electronic products, from medical devices and electric vehicles to consumer gadgets and industrial systems. 

Choosing the right battery is not a one-size-fits-all decision. It requires a keen understanding of the application, performance needs, and environmental demands. The right selection can make the difference between a product that excels in reliability and one that, quite literally, fails to deliver.  But there’s more to batteries than just selecting the right chemistry or capacity. Safety is paramount. Poor battery selection, design, or management can lead to performance issues, overheating, or catastrophic failures. As we’ve all seen in headlines, battery malfunctions can result in recalls, damage to brand reputation, or, worse, safety hazards for users.  

To shed light on this vital topic, we’re joined by an expert in the field of battery technology. Alex Norman is a Battery Management System Designer at Pro Technologies, a well-established and trusted custom battery pack manufacturer, providing engineering capabilities from concept through production. Their leading-edge manufacturing facility and headquarters is based in Pilot Mountain, North Carolina.
 
Alex has deep experience in Printed Circuit Board Design, Product Development, Battery Management Systems and more. Alex is also a content creator, focusing mostly on electronics, battery, and BMS content available on his LinkedIn page and YouTube channel.

Today, we’re going to explore how to choose the right battery for your assembly, best practices for integration, and how to mitigate potential safety risks.  

So, if you care about keeping your products powered, reliable, and safe, don’t bolt just yet – this podcast on batteries is positively charged with insights! Stick around and top off your battery knowledge!

Chapters:
00:00:00 Choosing the Right Battery for Electronic Assemblies
00:02:44 Exploring Battery Technology and Safety Concerns
00:05:21 Starting a YouTube Channel: Journey and Growth
00:07:55 Performance and Safety: Alkaline vs. Lithium-Based Batteries
00:10:28 The Future of Sodium-Ion Batteries vs. Lithium-Ion
00:13:12 Causes of Samsung Phone Battery Fires
00:16:01 Advancements in Solid State Battery Technology
00:18:44 Dangers of Swollen Lithium Batteries and Battery Safety
00:21:19 Battery Charging Myths and Optimization Techniques
00:24:04 Importance of Battery Management Systems (BMS)
00:26:51 Primary vs. Secondary Batteries Explained
00:29:28 Comparing Performance: Alkaline vs Rechargeable Batteries
00:32:11 Impact of Temperature on Battery Performance
00:34:51 Optimizing Battery Performance in Extreme Cold
00:37:28 Lead Acid vs. Lithium Iron Phosphate: Battery Safety and Advancements

00:39:56 Optimizing Battery Performance in Electric Cars
00:42:36 Advanced Lithium Iron Phosphate Cells  
00:45:24 Battery Regulations Impact and Safety Standards
00:48:05 Battery Safety and Standards in Consumer Electronics
00:50:49 Quality and Safety in Consumer Vs. Industrial Battery Cells
00:53:25 The Importance of Proper Battery Recycling
00:56:05 Lithium Iron Phosphate vs. Nickel Metal Hydride Batteries
00:59:51 Humor and Technology: Creating Engaging Content