THE DEF GUIDE
NXTGENbps: One significant challenge is the lack of knowledge and understanding regarding the advantages of battery technologies. Some crews may be afraid of change and adopting new workflows. This can be overcome through education, training and hands-on experience. Anton-Bauer: As accessories are added to the camera set-up, they also add to the power draw. It’s important to ensure the battery’s continuous output current can power the complete set- up. Exceeding the overall current draw can cause the battery to fail, shutting down the camera and causing a loss of production time. Def: What are the main regulatory considerations filmmakers need to be aware of? Bebob: Most airlines do not accept batteries that are higher than 100Wh within hand luggage. Anton-Bauer: We have heard many times how batteries are being refused, as the staff hear the phrase ‘lithium battery’, even though you’re allowed 20 spare batteries under 100Wh. Knowing your batteries’ chemistry will also come in handy, as some are not classified as ‘dangerous goods’. This means you can transport the battery without any restrictions, which can save a lot of time and money. Def: How do filmmakers ensure the safety of batteries on-set, especially when working in challenging conditions? Hawk-Woods: Even though manufacturers try to produce robust products, they can still be damaged. Batteries should not be thrown or
Def: How can batteries and battery manufacturers contribute to sustainable efforts such as recycling?
dropped, and if there is damage, they should be checked by a professional before being used. Batteries that are UN-certified go through rigorous testing to ensure they are safe. That said, people still need to regularly check on their batteries. Runtime especially will vary considerably if they are being used in extremely hot or cold environments. Once filming finishes, make sure that the batteries are stored properly. With lithium-ion batteries, it’s advised to store them about halfway charged and in a cool, dry place. We advise that any lithium-ion battery should be charged every three to six months. Anton-Bauer: Safety concerns are rising, as a small percentage of cheaply constructed batteries in the market continue to malfunction, causing fires and accidents. It’s important for filmmakers to research battery manufacturers before making a purchase to ensure safety protocols have been built into the power solution.
Hawk-Woods: In the world of lithium-ion batteries, it’s crucial for companies to get the best-quality cells from suppliers who respect both human rights and the environment. This approach ensures that batteries last as long as possible. Anton-Bauer: In product design, this can be approached by using recyclable outer casings or having a re-cellable battery. We also believe manufacturers should minimise their carbon footprint. Manufacturers can also explore more environmentally friendly chemistries such as sodium. Sodium is a more sustainable solution than rare-earth materials such as lithium or cobalt. Bebob: All vendors should aim to reduce their CO2 footprint within their supply chains and their production processes. There’s also a lot that can be done by using plastic-free packaging, reducing and recycling waste and by educating employees and partners. NXTGENbps: Manufacturers can play a vital role in sustainable efforts. Using second-life cells for certain solutions and ensuring ethical and sustainable sourcing of parts is critical. Additionally, recycling and repurposing cells and components at the end of a battery’s life are vital steps towards establishing a circular economy.
SODIUM IS a more sustainable solution THAN RARE-EARTH MATERIALS such as lithium or cobalt ”
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