Using engineering expertise to power stairlifts

DC systems (rather than AC ones), are used in these stairlifts because they are inherently safer. Also, power delivery is better regulated, resulting in a smoother ride for the user. In addition, operation can continue even if a power outage occurs on the mains supply.

To complement the lightweight and streamlined motor systems Lemac provides for these stairlifts, compact high-density batteries are mandated. The company had previously used an offshore source for its battery units. However, there were some significant issues in terms of quality. Denchi was able to offer a much more compelling alternative, manufactured in the UK for only a marginal increase in cost.

Certain key criteria need to be met by the substitute battery. It had to match the existing power delivery parameters, while fitting into a space-constrained enclosure. Maintaining the highest degrees of reliability was of course imperative too. This would mean that sending out service engineers and the cost of replacing faulty batteries could be avoided. After a short consultation phase, Denchi was able to propose a new bespoke design to Lemac.

This consisted of a pair of 12V batteries, each with dimensions of 220x71x23mm, allowing a 6Ah total capacity to be supported. Thanks to the power densities that Denchi technology can attain, it was possible to reduce the number of cells needed from 16 down to just 12 cells. This made the solution 25% smaller than the previous one and reduced the weight too - thereby helping to improve system performance. The units have exactly the same circuit protection mechanisms as those featured on Denchi’s military-grade battery products.

After the prototyping and field test work had been completed, it was not long before ramp up to high volume shipments began (covering both production units and spares). Following on from this, Denchi and Lemac are now discussing future development projects.

“Often we see companies that went offshore to source energy storage solutions for their products coming to us when they suffer with technical and logistical problems, or experience a lack of responsiveness,” stated Nick Simmons, Denchi’s Sales Director. “Thanks to ultra-reliable operation and exceptional longevity, our solutions present customers with a far lower total cost of ownership, and that’s what really matters. Furthermore, supply continuity and first-class engineering support are completely assured.”

As Liz Blunsum, Managing Director of Lemac, comments; “The Denchi team have been a real asset, helping us to resolve a very difficult situation. We appreciate their efforts in providing a highly effective solution that has enabled us to upgrade our motor systems, and look forward to working closely with them in the years ahead.”