Battery developments: The positive connection to a greener future
Extraordinary innovations are being made in the performance of today`s portable electronic equipment. But, although electronics manufacturers have been leaping generations ahead of themselves technologically, they are still forced to look back to see battery technology struggling to close the distance that ever widens with each new electronics breakthrough. The need to improve battery performance, namely in the area of battery longevity, has stemmed from a growing consumer demand and has become one of the electronics industry`s newest challenges. Battery manufactures like Duracell, Ovonic Battery Company (OBC), Ergenics, Matsushita, and Sony Corporation are answering the call with research and development programs that will aid the transition to more efficient, environmentally friendly batteries. Traditionally, the market was dedicated to primary batteries, or non-rechargeable, disposable batteries that are composed of zinc-carbon, alkaline-manganese, mercury oxide, silver oxide, lithium metal, and lead-acid. Conventional lead-acid automotive batteries, while rechargeable, are toxic and not recyclable; new secondary battery designs will satisfy the needs of the electronics industry, while offering environmental benefits. The new types, such as rechargeable nickel metal-hydride (NiMH), lithium-ion, and lithium-polymer have longer life-cycles and are also recyclable. Zinc-air batteries, which are classified as primary batteries, are not rechargeable but offer substantial power and environmental benefits. Portable computers, cellular telephones, video camcorders, stereo equipment, and LCD televisions are a few of the many practical applications that will benefit from new battery technology.
- OSTI ID:
- 68728
- Journal Information:
- Elements, Vol. 4, Issue 1; Other Information: PBD: Feb-Mar 1995
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
ELECTRIC BATTERIES
MARKETING
ENERGY DENSITY
LIFE-CYCLE COST
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
MISCH METAL
HYDROGEN STORAGE
ZINC-AIR BATTERIES
PERFORMANCE
NICKEL-HYDROGEN BATTERIES
ELECTRIC-POWERED VEHICLES
NICKEL HYDRIDES
LITHIUM IONS
LANTHANUM ALLOYS
CESIUM BASE ALLOYS
NEODYMIUM ALLOYS
PRASEODYMIUM ALLOYS