A research project has been carried out to provide BG plc with service life predictions of lithium primary batteries capable of supplying a continuous pulsed power supply to two new electronic domestic gas meters over a desired design life of 11.5 years, in UK weather conditions. The paper study includes investigations of the range of suitable lithium technologies and test methods, and detailed reviews of the discharge processes, polarisation and self-discharge failure modes of the lithium thionyl chloride system. A new multi-channel load test rig and a high resolution measurement system, and software analysis tools were designed and constructed, and some 440 accelerated discharge tests were carried out at different stress levels on 4 cell types. The results provide a unique database of the voltage/temperature/load trends through discharge, and generate a ranking order of performance. Basic statistical analyses have been carried out to quantify the variability of performance trends. A hitherto unreported behaviour pattern is characterised. Qualitative models are postulated to account for deviations from normal behaviour exhibited by two cell types. The analysis suggests that catholyte additives could predispose a system to early failure (due to modification of the crystal structure of the reaction products), and that manufacturing tolerances define the degree of failure. Mathematical models of self-discharge rate for both low and medium rate discharge were developed from laboratory measurements. Meter load profiles were also measured, which together with the self-discharge model enabled prediction of operational energy utilisation rates. A sample of 50 batteries was extracted from customers homes, after operating in the field for periods of up to 2 years, and the battery capacity loss rates were measured by the residual capacity method. A comparison of predicted and actual capacity utilisation rates yielded a discrepancy of approximately 1.28. Analysis implied that the source of the discrepancy could be adduced to an under estimate of the impact of self-discharge, but that a factor of up to six times the predicted value was required. Evidence was provided to show that self-discharge rate under operational stresses could be significantly higher than that under the steady-state laboratory measurement conditions, but that that the amplitude and time constant associated with a selfdischarge peak was unknown and not predictable. Mean service lives of 14 and 10 years for the respective battery types in the two types of meter are predicted, the worst case (probability of 0.13% of the population) being failure within approximately 5.9 years.

Los cambios que ha traído consigo la tecnología han ocasionado que muchos negocios sean más exigentes en el control de sus procesos y que busquen contantemente reducir sus costos a través de esta. Por ello la innovación es un punto importante en estos cambios que llamamos transformación digital – entendida como la capacidad digital en los procesos, productos y activos para mejorar la eficiencia- permitiendo que las empresas busquen nuevas maneras de hacer las cosas. Todos esos indicadores fueron un punto clave para identificar una oportunidad de negocio y ubicar nuestro nicho de mercado. Los negocios como restaurantes, hoteles y servicios en general, que su producción depende del gas GLP, no cuentan con una herramienta para medir su consumo ni saber cuándo deben volver a solicitar nuevamente gas. El presente negocio consiste en comercializar medidores digitales de gas GLP que sean compatibles con tanques estacionarios de hasta 1,320 GLN el cual trabaja junto con una aplicación móvil, ambos te permiten saber en tiempo real cuál es tu consumo actual, el consumo mensual promedio y cuando debes solicitar nuevamente gas. Por lo que podemos concluir que este emprendimiento satisface las necesidades de nuestro mercado objetivo. / Changes brought by new technology have made many businesses worry more about keeping control of their processes and constantly search for new ways to reduce cost through it. That is why innovation is an important point in these changes we call digital transformation – understood as the digital capacity of processes, products and assets to improve efficiency –allowing companies to find new ways to achieve their objectives. All the facts mentioned before, were the key point to identify a business opportunity and the right market niche to develop it. Businesses like restaurants, hotels and other service providers, with a need of GLP gas to operate, don’t have a precise way to measure their consumption nor know when they need to call for a refill to avoid unwanted pauses on their operations. The presented business plan proposes the marketing of digital GLP gas meter compatible with stationary tanks under 1,320 GLN capacity. This meter will work along with a custom designed mobile app, letting the business owner know in real time the tank occupancy level, as well as the present consumption, monthly average and estimated date to place a new purchase order for a refill. Considering this, we can conclude the present proposal covers and exceeds the needs and expectations of the target market. / Trabajo de investigación