Wireless scanning is standard – but lithium-ion batteries bring environmental, safety and cost issues. Supercapacitors now make barcode scanners battery-free: environmentally friendly and charged in seconds.
THE CORE PROBLEM
The drawbacks of lithium-ion batteries
We have grown accustomed to the advantages of working wirelessly with barcode scanners. The lithium-ion batteries used, however, still cause problems: environmental concerns in production and disposal, safety requirements in transport and storage – and after two to three years of use the batteries have to be replaced. Charging also takes a lot of time.
THE SOLUTION
Supercapacitors instead of a battery
For barcode scanners in particular, supercapacitors offer an interesting alternative. Honeywell has been using this technology in many barcode scanners for years – and the advantages are convincing: considerably more environmentally friendly, ready to use again after charging for just a few seconds, lighter in weight and no special safety precautions for transport and storage.
- →Purchasing and storing replacement batteries is eliminated
- →No special requirements for transport, recycling or disposal
- →No working time required for battery changes
- →An opportunity to make and present your company in a more ecological and sustainable way
- →Fully charged again within 30 seconds (Honeywell Xenon XP 1952g BF)
THE TECHNOLOGY
How the first battery-free scanner came about
The first battery-free scanner was developed by adapting supercapacitors (also called ultracapacitors). Supercapacitors are reliable, safe and environmentally friendly power sources that are frequently used in industrial products – but, owing to their size, not yet in barcode scanners or other handheld products.
Honeywell optimally adapted and further developed the technology for use in barcode scanners. The battery-free scanners have the same scanning performance as their battery-powered versions and read demanding barcodes at record speed. In addition, you save time and money because battery maintenance and replacement costs are eliminated – and a “green” barcode scanner underlines your organisation’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
The current flagship of the “green” barcode scanners is the Honeywell Xenon XP 1952g BF: a highly capable barcode scanner for use in retail and industry – with all the advantages of supercapacitor technology.
BACKGROUND
About supercapacitors
Supercapacitors were developed in the 1950s and originally served to provide starting power for military tanks and submarines. Leading car manufacturers are researching the technology jointly, alongside numerous public, private and university research programmes. Considerable sums flow into research and development every year – with impressive technical advances that keep opening up new fields of application.
FOR YOUR BUSINESS
More about battery-free scanning
- →Download the white paper on battery-free scanning (EN)
- →Honeywell Xenon XP 1952g BF datasheet (EN)
- →Honeywell Xenon XP 1952g in the OPAL web shop
Would you like to know whether battery-free scanners suit your processes? We are happy to advise you.
OPAL – your partner for AutoID solutions
