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Micro-battery development for juvenile salmon acoustic telemetry system applications.
Honghao Chen1, Samuel Cartmell1, Qiang Wang1
1Energy and Environment Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, 902 Battelle Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, US.
Scientific Reports
|January 22, 2014
Summary
Researchers developed novel micro-batteries for injectable fish tags, improving survival rates for fish encountering hydroelectric dams. These advanced batteries offer high pulse current, extended life, and better performance, aiding endangered species conservation.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Hydroelectric dams pose significant risks to migrating fish populations, including salmonoids, leading to injury and mortality.
- Current methods for tracking fish, such as surgically implanted tags, can be invasive and costly.
- Developing minimally invasive tracking technologies is crucial for monitoring and conserving endangered aquatic species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and fabricate a low-cost, injectable micro-battery for acoustic transmitters used in fish tagging.
- To address the challenge of power source limitations in developing revolutionary, minimally invasive fish tracking devices.
- To enhance the survival rates and passage of fish affected by hydroelectric dams.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of novel micro-batteries specifically for injectable fish tags.
- Characterization of micro-battery performance, including pulse current, service life, and energy density.
- Evaluation of electrochemical performance at low temperatures and comparison with commercial batteries.
- Field trials of micro-battery powered injectable transmitters in fish.
Main Results:
- Achieved high pulse current and required service life for the micro-batteries.
- Doubled the gravimetric energy density compared to existing technologies.
- Demonstrated intrinsically low impedance, leading to superior electrochemical performance at low temperatures versus commercial SR416 batteries.
- Successfully conducted field trials with injectable, micro-battery-powered transmitters in fish.
Conclusions:
- The developed micro-batteries represent a significant advancement for injectable fish tags, offering a low-cost, effective power solution.
- These batteries provide improved electrochemical performance, particularly in cold conditions, enhancing their utility in diverse aquatic environments.
- The successful field trials validate the practical application of this technology for fish conservation and research, demonstrating a successful transfer from research to a functional device.
