Industry Background: ESL Gateway & Smart Retail Power Needs

The global retail sector is undergoing an unprecedented wave of digital transformation driven by dynamic pricing,
omnichannel integration, and real-time operational visibility. Among these technologies,
Electronic Shelf Labels (ESL) have become essential for modern intelligent retail environments.

ESL systems synchronize pricing and product information across thousands of SKUs instantly, significantly reducing labor
costs, eliminating pricing errors, and enabling precise promotional control.

At the center of every ESL deployment is the ESL Gateway, a wireless communication hub that manages
two-way data exchange between the backend system and thousands of ESL tags. It relies on BLE, 2.4 GHz RF, sub-GHz ISM bands,
or proprietary mesh protocols to deliver stable communication.

To maintain uninterrupted store operation, the gateway’s power system must be reliable, long-lasting, and easy to maintain.
For retailers operating 24/7, battery reliability becomes mission-critical.

Key Challenges in ESL Gateway Power Systems

1. Growing Computational & Communication Load
   As ESL networks scale to thousands of labels, gateways must process more data with higher update frequency, demanding
   a stable voltage output and a battery system capable of handling peak loads.
2. Space-Constrained Installation Environments
   Gateways are often mounted on ceilings, shelves, or narrow walls, requiring compact battery packs with optimized
   thermal and electrical performance.
3. Maintenance Cost & Downtime Concerns
   Battery replacement is costly in large retail networks. Long-cycle-life batteries help minimize labor and avoid
   operational disruptions.
4. Backup Power Requirements During Outages
   Gateways must remain active during grid interruptions to maintain pricing and communication consistency.

Why Advanced Lithium Batteries Are the Ideal Solution

Lithium-based battery systems offer significant advantages for ESL gateway performance, maintenance, and lifecycle cost.

• Long cycle life and low maintenance reduce operational cost for retail chains.
• Stable voltage output ensures continuous communication and system reliability.
• Compact size allows easy integration in ceiling or shelf-mounted gateway housings.
• High energy density supports long backup duration during power failures.

Available chemistries include:

• Li-ion (NMC/NCA) — High energy density, excellent for compact gateways.
• LiFePO₄ — Ultra-long cycle life and top-tier safety.
• 18650/21700 cylindrical packs — Strong thermal stability and long lifespan.
• LiPo pouch cells — Ultra-thin form factor for slim gateway designs.

Retail integrators often pair ESL gateways with
custom Li-ion polymer packs
or
LiFePO₄ modules
depending on their deployment environment.

Technical Insights for ESL Gateway Battery Design

• Low Self-Discharge
  Ideal for gateways that require long standby performance with periodic communication bursts.
• Stable Voltage for Transmission Cycles
  Ensures reliable BLE/RF communication without packet loss.
• Pouch vs. Cylindrical Cell Selection
  Depending on housing size, energy density, and thermal management requirements.
• Thermal Performance for Retail Environments
  Designed to operate effectively in supermarkets, warehouses, and areas with fluctuating temperature.

For device makers building an integrated ESL gateway solution, PKNERGY also provides

Industrial Automation Power Solutions

that share similar reliability requirements.

Where ESL Gateway Solutions Are Deployed

Battery-powered ESL gateways are widely used in:

• Supermarkets & Hypermarkets
• Warehouses & Industrial Retail Centers
• Convenience Stores & Pharmacies
• Pop-Up Stores
• Multi-Store Franchise Chains

These deployments often align with broader

consumer electronics power solutions and retail IoT networks.

PKNERGY Custom Battery Solutions for ESL Gateways

As a specialist in custom lithium battery packs, PKNERGY supports ESL gateway developers with tailored solutions to meet
system size, runtime, safety, and operational requirements.

• Battery chemistry selection — NMC, LiFePO₄, 18650/21700, LiPo pouch.
• Integrated BMS — OVP, UVP, OCP, SCP, temperature sensing.
• Mechanical customization — Slim housings, mounting brackets, cabling optimization.
• Backup power design — Long-duration UPS-style support during outages.
• Certification support — UN38.3, CE, MSDS for global retail deployment.

PKNERGY can also support new projects exploring
sodium-ion battery customization
for long-lifecycle retail IoT deployments.

ESL Gateway Battery FAQ