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COO Joshua Renicker: “Battery Charging Technology Will Shape the Future of Medical Devices”COO Joshua Renicker: “Battery Charging Technology Will Shape the Future of Medical Devices”

Joshua Renicker of Energy Access explores how battery technology ensures reliability, safety, and innovation in life-saving medical devices.

Maria Guerra, Senior Editor-Battery Technology

January 22, 2025

3 Min Read
medical devices and battery charging
Battery charging technology is critical for medical devices.Peter Dazeley/The Image Bank/ Getty Images

Medical devices rely on precise, uninterrupted power to perform life-saving functions, making battery technology a critical component in their design. To shed light on this vital intersection, Battery Technology spoke with Joshua Renicker, COO of Energy Access Inc., who will present "What Role a Battery Plays in Medical Device Power Implementation" at the upcoming Medical Battery Show, part of the MD&M West Show in Anaheim, CA. In this Q&A, Renicker shares insights on the evolving role of batteries in medical applications, the challenges of integrating power solutions into life-critical devices, and the innovations shaping the future of medical battery technology.

How does Energy Access ensure its chargers meet the unique demands of medical devices?

Joshua Renicker, COO at Energy Access Inc.: At Energy Access, we ensure our chargers meet the unique demands of medical devices by adhering to stringent industry standards like IEC 60601-1, emphasizing early collaboration with device manufacturers, and prioritizing the end-user experience. For instance, we once partnered with a medical customer who was attempting to use off-the-shelf solutions but faced reliability issues. By reengineering their power system, we provided a robust and integrated charger that ensured continuous power availability, which is essential in critical healthcare applications.

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How does Energy Access collaborate with medical industry leaders to develop charging solutions that enhance the performance of life-saving devices?

Renicker: We collaborate with medical industry leaders by serving as a bridge between OEMs and battery assemblers, ensuring that all power system components work cohesively. Our consultative approach involves asking detailed questions about the device’s environment, usage, and critical power needs to design charging solutions that maximize performance and reliability. By integrating power management into the device's core design, we’ve helped customers create more effective and life-saving technologies.

What advancements in battery charging technology have had the most significant impact on medical devices?

Renicker: Smart charging technology, particularly systems using System Management Bus (SMBus) communication, has been transformative for medical devices. These chargers optimize charging cycles, ensuring the battery remains healthy and reliable over time. Additionally, advancements in energy density and modular charger designs, like our Pantheon platform, have enabled faster, more flexible solutions tailored to specific medical applications. These innovations directly improve device uptime and user satisfaction.

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Medical devices require exceptional reliability. How does Energy Access address the safety and reliability requirements of batteries used in critical healthcare applications?

Renicker: Safety and reliability are at the heart of everything we design. Our chargers incorporate multiple layers of protection, such as overvoltage and thermal safeguards, and are rigorously tested to meet and exceed medical safety standards. Additionally, we design systems with features like hot-swappable batteries, ensuring devices remain powered even during battery replacement—a crucial requirement for life-saving applications.

Looking ahead, what role do you see battery charging technology playing in shaping the future of medical devices, particularly with emerging trends like wearables and remote monitoring?

Renicker: Battery charging technology will continue to shape the future of medical devices by focusing on reliability, scalability, and integration rather than chasing the latest trends. While wearables and remote monitoring devices grow in popularity, we believe the real value lies in proven, effective solutions that deliver consistent performance and long-term reliability. At Energy Access, we focus on practical advancements—like intelligent charging systems and efficient power management—ensuring that the technology meets the needs of both manufacturers and end users without unnecessary complexity or distraction from what's truly important.

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About the Author

Maria Guerra

Senior Editor-Battery Technology, Informa Markets Engineering

Battery Technology Senior Editor Maria L. Guerra is an electrical engineer with a background in Oil & Gas consulting and experience as a Power/Analog Editor for Electronic Design.  Maria graduated from NYU Tandon School of Engineering with a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (MSEE). She combines her technical expertise with her knack for writing. 

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