Interesting BBC Battery Technology Story

ROSS said:
Wonder if this will turn out like the battery they said you could roll up like a tobacco pouch. That vanished without a commercial application.
Click to expand...
Another pipe dream :rolf::rolf::rolf:
 
Technology is the mother of invention, not necessity as we were encouraged to believe.... If Mr Apple and Mr Motorola want smaller batteries they will "happen"....
 
I've been dealing with batteries for Large Scale trains for the last 30 years when the only chemistry available was NiCd or Lead Acid.
In my opinion I still believe that NiCd is still the best value for money of all chemistries that have appeared since and I have tried them all.
The biggest myth going was that NiMh would solve all the (so called) problems exhibited by NiCd. Only to have it proven that NiCd cells have about twice the life span (according to Sanyo) with regards to the number of recharges it can achieve. Not only that but NiMh will self discharge at such a prodigious rate that new batteries (LSD such as ENELOOP) had to be developed in order for AA cells to be practical for Digital Cameras.
Lithium Ion have a limited life span in terms of age regardless of how many charges they may be capable of. Up to three years is my experience.
LiPo seem to be so dangerous, they have to be removed from a model and charged in a fireproof (preferably ceramic) cannister.
Maybe this new type of battery will prove to be the answer.
Somehow I doubt it.
Remember my comment was best value for money not just the best. Especially as I have seen 7.2 volt 2500 mah Sub C NiCd packs on the net for about US17 each. Even less in quantity. EG A$9.70 ea for 2 pieces and A$8.70 ea for 20 plus pieces.
 
Whatever happened to fuel cell development? I seem to recall a few years back the idea of a cell into which you poured salt water powering a car. I somehow envisaged vehicles pulling into service stations every so often to top-up with salt water - or am I living in my own little rose-tinted universe?

Rik
 
NiCd's are still readily available here.
Sure they are potentially toxic to the environment if simply dumped at the end of their life. However, they are perfectly safe if disposed of correctly.
I guess it is the same sort of irresponsible attitude on the part of some consumers who simply dump things that creates the problems and dangers with recharging Li-Po's
 
I noted they say they haven't solved the safety issues which suggests even more volatile than lipos. Lipo batteries are fine with specially designed chargers and following the instructions. Most fires I've heard about on forums and in mags were down to overcharging using cheapo chargers that couldn't sense the charge and they were forgotten due to distraction. I just treat Lipo batteries like gas for steam and solder torches, follow the instructions and take care, and never had a problem. I agree with Tony though they have a much shorter lifespan of full performance.
 
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