Rechargeable battery technologies

Table 3. Typical performance characteristics of various rechargeable battery technologies...

Battery technology, specifically rechargeable battery technology, is vital to portable electronic equipment and is driven by the billions of dollars spent by the laptop computer and cellular phone industries. The field of prosthetics and orthotics (P O) sits on the sidelines and picks up anything that looks like it could be of use. In an electrically powered prosthesis, the main current draw comes from the dc motor(s) used to actuate the device. In a dc motor, the output torque is directly proportional to the amount of current drawn. Motor use in prostheses is not continuous but is intermittent. Consequently, it is important not only to know how much energy a battery can provide but also how fast the battery can provide it. 

Page D, Stretching rechargeable battery technology. Popular Electronics, 14, 57-58, Jul 1997. 

Coupled with the development of electronics has been the development of energy sources to power the devices. Advances in rechargeable battery technology along witli more efficient photovoltaic cells have enabled the users of electronic devices to take them almost anywhere. 

During the past decade, an important development in rechargeable battery technology has been the introduction of the use of electronic microprocessors to optimize the performance of the battery, control charge and discharge, enhance safety and provide the user with information on the condition of the battery. The microprocessor can be incorporated into the battery (the so-called smart battery), into the battery charger, or into the host battery-using equipment. 

FIGURE 37.3 (d) Plot of specific energy vs. specific power for various rechargeable battery technologies. 

Comparative background data for rechargeable battery technologies are listed in Table 37.7. ° More information on each technology is contained in Table 37.8 with data for technologies for current and emerging applications, and Table 37.9, which describes other technologies of interest. 

TABLE 37.7 Comparative Background Data for Rechargeable Battery Technologies ... 

TABLE 37.8 Comparative Data for Rechargeable Battery Technologies for Current Emerging Applications... 

TABLE 37.9 Comparative Data for Other Rechargeable Battery Technologies of Interest... 

The major candidates for the electric vehicle (EV), hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) and electric utility apphcations in the near term are those rechargeable battery technologies that are now available commercially. Many of these have been improved over the last decade to meet the needs of the emerging apphcations. Further improvement may, in most cases, be necessary to effect economic viability. 

Dan P, Mengeritsky E, Aurbach D, Weissman I, Zinigrad E (1997) More details on the new LiMn02 rechargeable battery technology developed at Taridan. J Power Sourc 68 443-447... 

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