Avnet Abacus powers ahead for Varta Microbattery

Avnet Abacus, a leading European distributor of Power & Battery products, has been named pan-European Distributor of the Year by VARTA Microbattery, a global supplier of rechargeable and primary battery systems, following a strong sales performance during 2010.

Alex Stapleton, Distribution Manager UK and Ireland, VARTA Microbattery of VARTA Microbattery commented; “VARTA Microbattery is actively involved in the research and development of new battery technology, and Avnet Abacus is the kind of channel partner that we need to take these solutions to the European market. The commitment shown by their technical team in securing new design opportunities during 2010 has been exceptional”

Responding, Tim Parker, Battery Products Business Manager, Avnet Abacus said “VARTA is one of the best-known names in the battery market, with an innovative range of products. Our success with VARTA on both standard & custom designs is due to our technical knowledge and experience in the development and design of battery solutions. This recognition from VARTA fully endorses our strong technical credentials.”

Recent new technologies from VARTA include rechargeable lithium microbatteries, mercury-free silver oxide cells and high energy nickel metal hydride button cells. The innovative CellPac PLUS & CellPac LITE programmes support custom design and development of battery packs to meet individual customer requirements.

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Israel based manufacturer of Super Capacitors, Cellergy, have appointed Broadband Technology 2000 ltd to market their innovative range of Super Capacitors in the UK & Ireland.

Cellergy’s extensive product portfolio is designed to extend the life of Batteries, especially reducing stress during pulses and supporting Batteries in cold Environments to which the Cellergy’s performance is outstanding when compared to similar technologies. The Ultra Low ESR products cover a range of 7mF to 700mF and have an extensive range of 1.2 to 14volts with life expectancy to 50,000 hours

Cellergy have recently made major investments into automation and production expansion in readiness for the anticipated market growth. Cellergy have identified major applications which include Energy Harvesting.

Menachem Gilad, CEO of Cellergy said that BT2000s market knowledge , customer base and product portfolio was an excellent match for the Cellergy technology. Mike Collen, Marketing Manager BT2000 whilst visiting the production facility in Migdal Haemek in Northern Israel met the full team along with their parent company and said “ I was delighted by the commitment Cellergy have made to this innovative Technology. The Quality control is excellent and they have major commitments to developing the processes further. The Parent company, PCB, have made the resources available so production can double within weeks” Collen said “ we have already received major interest from the AMR Market and companies investigating renewable energies. Cellergy will be a great asset and partner for our customers”

Typical applications for the Cellergy Super Capacitor technology are Motor Drives, Solenoids, GSM/GPRS, RFiD pulses and Energy harvesting for all market sectors including Military applications.

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RS Launches Battery Recycling Service

RS Components is pleased to announce the launch of its battery recycling service for customers in accordance with Part 2 of The Batteries Directive, The Waste Batteries and Accumulators Regulations 2009, which came into force on 1st Feb 2010.

As a producer of batteries, RS has registered with the recycling scheme operated by BatteryBack. Most portable and industrial batteries can be recycled at RS Trade Counters, alternatively BatteryBack has now established over 2000 battery collection points, a figure that is growing daily and aims to have 30,000 sites by the end of 2010 and over 60,000 by the end of 2012. RS customers can also arrange for BatteryBack to collect waste batteries free-of-charge from their premises, provided the weight of portable batteries exceeds 30kg.

Customers can find full details of the recycling options on RS’ website, rswww.com/batteryrecycling in a section dedicated to the Batteries Directive. Information about the regulations, frequently asked questions and links to other useful websites are also provided.

UK Battery Recycling Targets
In 2008, the UK only recycled 2.8% of all batteries put onto the market, with the vast majority of waste batteries being disposed of in landfill sites. Most batteries contain heavy metals, and are a significant cause for environmental concern. When disposed of incorrectly, these heavy metals may leak into the ground when the battery casing corrodes. This can contribute to soil and water pollution and endanger wildlife. The new legislation has set a target for recycling of 25% by 2012, and 45% by 2016, which RS is committed to helping to achieve.

Already compliant with Part 1 of The Batteries Directive – The Batteries and Accumulators (Placing on the Market) Regulations 2008, RS is also fully compliant with Part 2, The Waste Batteries and Accumulators Regulations 2009, which came into force on 1st Feb 2010.

Both parts of the Directive apply to all types of batteries and accumulators, regardless of their shape, volume, weight, material composition or use (industrial, automotive and portable), placed on the EU market on or after 26 September 2008.

Part 1 defines the requirements for placing batteries and accumulators on the market including battery labelling and design, while Part 2, covers the remaining provisions relating the collection, treatment and recycling of waste batteries and accumulators.

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