Applications of batteries

Automotive applications of batteries have developed well beyond the original crank requirement of Kettering and now include a continuum of function, from the basic crank and engine control modules all the way through hybrid and pure electric drive vehicles. Each of these applications has its own attributes and needs, so it is understandable that VRLA (or any battery technology) may be more suitable for one application than for another. 

Specialized applications of batteries cover military and space technology and some scientific instruments. Examples of such battery-powered devices are satellites, space probes, rockets, bathyscaphes and other submersible craft, electrically driven torpe-dos, meteorological balloons, and so forth. Specialized batteries may be divided into two subdivisions power sources for short-term loads (typically for a single discharge) and those for long-term low-drain discharge. 

Application of batteries in other imcontroUed environments, such as outdoor telecommunications cabinets, photovoltaic systems, and marine uses also reduces battery life. When batteries are operated in hot envirorunents, manufacturers often recommend reducing the charging current or float voltage to prevent the battery from overheating. 

Ratnakumar BV, Smart MC (2007) Aerospace applications - planetary exploration missions (orbiters, Landers, rovers and probes). In Pistoia G, Broussely M (eds) Industrial applications of batteries. From electric vehicles to energy storage and toll collection. Elsevier, Amsterdam, pp 327-387... 

A listing of a number of the major applications of batteries is given in Table 6.2a. These are listed in the following three major categories. 

The application of batteries, in particular, auxiliary batteries, is determined at present time by power consumption and operation time of electronic devices rather than size or shape. However, there has been steady progress in reducing the power consumption of electronic devices and the potential for paper batteries is improving. These batteries have excellent potential for safe operation as a high-power energy source for electric power driven automobiles. 

In our effort, we strongly held on to Prof. Besenhard s goal to fiU the gap between fundamental electrochemistry and application of batteries in order to provide a comprehensive source of detailed information for graduate or higher level students and those who are doing research in the field of materials for energy storage. ... 

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