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Evaluation of Alternative Power Sources for Operating CDC Mosquito Surveillance Traps
J E Cilek1, J D Fajardo1, J R Weston1
1Navy Entomology Center of Excellence, Box 43, 937 Child Street, Jacksonville, FL 32212.
Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association
|March 11, 2022
Summary
Portable lithium-ion (Li-Ion) power banks can replace traditional batteries for mosquito surveillance equipment. These power banks offer comparable or superior performance, especially for extended field deployments.
Area of Science:
- Entomology
- Vector-borne disease control
- Battery technology
Background:
- Traditional 6-V gel lead-acid batteries are commonly used for mosquito surveillance equipment.
- These batteries can be heavy and cumbersome, posing logistical challenges for field deployments.
- Exploring alternative, portable power sources is crucial for enhancing the efficiency and reach of mosquito surveillance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the suitability of portable, rechargeable lithium-ion (Li-Ion) cell phone power banks as alternatives to 6-V gel lead-acid batteries for operating mosquito surveillance equipment.
- To compare the performance of various Li-Ion power banks with standard batteries in laboratory and field settings.
- To determine the minimum capacity (mAh) of Li-Ion power banks required for effective operation of mosquito light traps.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory trials were conducted to assess the operational duration of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suction light traps powered by different Li-Ion power banks and 6-V batteries.
- Field studies were performed to compare mosquito species diversity and abundance when traps were powered by the tested sources over 24-hour periods.
- Performance metrics included operational time, species diversity, and mosquito abundance.
Main Results:
- Several Li-Ion power banks (ToughTested® 16000 and 24000, Goal Zero Venture™ 70, Griffin Survivor®) met or exceeded the 24-hour operational capacity of 6-V batteries.
- The ToughTested® 24000 unit demonstrated the longest operational time, averaging approximately 73 hours.
- Field studies showed no significant differences in mosquito species diversity or abundance across the different power sources.
Conclusions:
- Portable Li-Ion cell phone power banks with a capacity of ≥10,050 mAh are suitable replacements for 6-V gel lead-acid batteries in operating CDC light traps.
- Li-Ion power banks offer a lighter and more compact alternative, potentially improving mosquito surveillance efforts, particularly under weight and size constraints.
- The adoption of Li-Ion power banks can enhance the practicality and extend the reach of mosquito surveillance operations.
