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Sure, batteries keep our cars moving, our
fire alarms working, and our alarm clocks ringing, but they have the power to do
so much more. And, believe it or not, improvements in battery technology does
occur - especially now that today's mobile professionals require longer lasting,
more powerful, and increasingly smaller batteries to power their portable
devices such as cell phones, laptops, and PDA's. For over fifty years, zinc-carbon was our
main disposable power source until alkaline and nickel-cadmium (NiCad) batteries
took over in the 1960's. Although more alkaline batteries are sold today,
zinc-carbon is still sold in large volume for flashlights and toys.
In the 1990's new rechargeable technologies, nickel-metal hydride (NiMh)
and lithium ion (LiIon), became popular and now power portable electronic
products such as laptops and cellular phones. Until now, the most technologically
innovative battery was LiIon because it retained its charge longer than NiMh and
NiCad. It also did not suffer from memory effect (when batteries only charge at
the level at which it had last discharged) and was lighter than other batteries
on the market. But the market soon realized that today's
mobile professional needed even better performance and versatility from these
necessary power sources. To address that need, battery manufacturers enhanced
existing technology while at the same time invented new ones. For example, did
you know that the sun and the air we breathe now power some of the most powerful
and environmentally sound batteries? Zinc air batteries use oxygen to create a
chemical reaction that generates electricity. The result is a battery with a
whopping 350% increase in talk-time over standard NiMh batteries, and as many as
30 days of standby time. ZincAir batteries, which have been used for hearing
aids over the past fifteen years, are now being used in cellular and portable
phones, camcorders, laptops, portable audio/visual products and other products
that require a battery with a longer life. Solar batteries are the answer for the more
environmentally conscious individual who wants a renewable and free power
source. This completely natural alternative features tiny cells that capture the
sun's energy to power your portable devices. Although solar batteries weigh more
than other batteries on the market and cost considerably more upfront, it's an
economical investment in the long run because the battery has a shelf-life of up
to twenty years. If you're looking for a thinner and lighter
power source, then the newly developed Lithium Polymer (LiPolymer) battery may
meet your needs. This new battery can be manufactured into moldable shapes
unlike alkaline batteries, which are cylinder. It is also as thin as 4mm- a real
time-saver and lightweight alternative for people on the go. LiPolymer batteries
are expected to be used for cell phones, PDA's, and certain laptop computers in
the near future. Cell phone users will be glad to hear that
manufacturers such as Nokia are making batteries with built-in chargers. This
means you no longer have to carry additional chargers or power adapters to power
your cell phone. Instead, you simply plug your battery directly into a
power outlet for a quick charge in only three hours. As we continue to adapt ourselves to the mobile and wireless world, battery technology will transform itself to meet our needs. Thanks to this transformation, we no longer have to sit at the base of our phone, be tied to our desks, or even be confined to an office. The battery, in all its glory, has allowed us in many ways to experience true freedom. |
