New Articles

The information provided on this website is based on the best knowledge of
the author at time of publishing. The content of Batteries in a Portable World
(second edition) is available in its entirety; battery topics of interest are
summarized in short articles for the enjoyment of the reader.

Neue Artikel - new articles in German
Articulos Nuevos - new articles in Spanish
Articles Nouveaux - new articles in French
Svenska Artiklar - new articles in Swedish

• When was the battery invented?
  in French in German in Spanish
  This article describes early experiments with electricity and the development of the battery. The reader is introduced to famous inventors such as Galvani, Volta, Ampère, Faraday and Planté.
  

• What's the perfect battery?
  The article evaluates the advantages and limitations of rechargeable batteries and suggests the best choice for specific applications. The batteries are not only scrutinized in terms of energy density but also on longevity, load characteristics, maintenance requirements, self-discharge and operational costs.
  
  

• Will the Lithium-Ion battery power the new millennium?
  in French In German in Spanish
  This article looks at the strengths and weakness of the Li-ion battery, evaluates different chemistries within the lithium-ion family, explains charging techniques and offers methods of testing.

• High-power lithium-ion, a new area in portable power.
  Until recently, portable devices requiring high current were reserved for nickel-based batteries. A new generation of lithium-based batteries has emerged that will change the world of power tools and medical instruments.
  In German

• The Li-Polymer battery: substance of hype?
  In this article the reader learns the difference between the classic Li-ion and the polymer version in terms of packaging and energy-to-cost ratio. It explains the position the Li-ion polymer battery holds in a market that demands ultra-slim geometry.
  

• Is Lithium-ion safe?
  The recall of almost six million laptop batteries by Dell and Apple has caused concern about the safety of lithium-ion packs. This article looks at the cause of failures, evaluates different lithium-ion system and advises what we can do as consumer to minimize the risk.
  in German
  
  
• How will the recall shape the future of the lithium-ion battery?
  In light of safety concerns, consumers are asking for alternatives to lithium-ion. This article describes safer battery systems and looks at the fuel cell as an alternative but none offers the high energy density of the cobalt-based lithium-ion provides.
  in German
  
  

• Can the Lead Acid battery compete in modern times?
  In Spanish
  The article evaluates the oldest of all rechargeable battery systems and assesses its position in modern applications. The reader learns about charging techniques, as well as methods to restore and prolong battery life.
  
  
  

• Serial and parallel battery configurations.
  Most battery packs contain multiple cells that are connected in series and parallel. This article describes typical cell configurations to attain the correct voltage and desired runtime. We also address failure modes and advise on household batteries.
  in German
  
  
• Not all chargers are alike — Improve battery performance with proper charge methods

inFrench in German in Spanish
The article addresses weaknesses in commercial chargers and suggests proper methods to charge NiCd, NiMH and Li-ion chemistries. The reader will learn how to identify a malfunctioning charger.


• Is the 'smart' battery help or deterrent?
  The article evaluates the benefits and limitations of the 'smart' battery and discusses methods of measuring the state-of-charge and state-of-health. The reader is introduced to the SMBus and learns about charging methods and calibration.
  

• What causes batteries to fail? - Four renegades and ways to defeat them
  in French In German in Spanish
  The article provides basic information on what governs the runtime of a battery. The article suggests ways to maximize performance and improve longevity. The phrase 'my battery does not hold a charge' is explained in language every battery user can understand.
  
  

• Can laptop batteries be repaired?
  
Laptop batteries differ from other battery types in higher cost, unusual terminal configurations and limited service life. This article examines why these batteries do not last as long as other packs and looks at testing, calibration and cell replacement.



• Choosing a battery that will last
  in French In German in Spanish
  The article compares NiCd, NiMH and Li-ion in terms of cycle life, impedance and self-discharge. The article makes reference to battery impedance and suggests correct maintenance requirements to maximize battery life.

• The battery and the digital load
  in French In German in Spanish
  The article emphasizes the importance of low internal battery resistance. The article observes seemingly good batteries and explains why they fail on digital loads. The reader is introduced to methods of measuring battery impedance as a means of battery quick test.
  
  

• Memory: myth or fact?

There is a misconception about the word 'memory'. The phenomenon is still an issue with nickel-based batteries and the reader learns how to minimize the effects to prolong battery life. The article concludes with three case studies involving memory.


• Getting the most of your batteries examines proper charging, storage and maintenance methods. The article describes restoration techniques, looks at recovery yields and suggests suitable equipment to service the batteries
  
  

• The green light lies
  in French In German in Spanish
  The green light lies looks at the battery as a corrosive device that gradually loses the ability to hold charge. The article describes simple battery maintenance programs for fleet applications to prolong battery life and help weed out the deadwood.

• Caring for your batteries from birth to retirement
  in French in German In Spanish
  The article compares personal and fleet battery users and suggests how to strengthen a fleet system. The article addresses typical fleet users and reveals how they have overcome the critical issues of unreliable battery service.

• Stemming the million-dollar cell phone return problem
  in Spanish
  This article addresses the liberal battery return policies for cell phones and introduces new technologies to allow battery service to storefront. The service includes rapid-testing and a quick-fix.

• How to increase the runtime of your cell phone
  "How to increase the runtime on a cell phone" discusses ways to conserve battery power. The article talks about warranty returns and ways to reduce operating cost with point-of-sale battery service.
  in French inGerman

• Recycling your battery
  The article emphasizes the importance of recycling environmentally unfriendly batteries. The article looks at the economics of recycling, discusses different techniques and evaluates recycling activities overseas.
  

• Battery testers for modern batteries
  inFrench In German in Spanish in Swedish
  The article evaluates the different features of a battery analyzer and recommends the most suitable unit for your application. You learn how modern analyzers are used to test maintenance-free batteries and how PC-run software can enhance and simplify battery maintenance.
  
  

• The changing demands of modern battery testers

"The changing demands of modern battery testers" explains the causes of battery failures and short runtimes. The article describes quick testing and methods to re-energize packs that have failed due to low discharge. You will learn how to connect batteries to the analyzer.



• Breakthrough in battery quick testing
  in French In German in Spanish
  This article examines the shortcomings of battery testing using conventional ohmic values and voltage trends. The article introduces a new approach using an inference algorithm, a technique that is self-learning and resembles the thinking process of the human brain.
  
  

• Rapid-testing of large batteries.
  in German
  Checking vehicular and stationary batteries by non-invasive methods may still be in its infancy. The article introduces a new technology based on Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy, which produces improved readings over AC conductance methods.
  
  

• Starting is easy… but can I steer and brake
  in French in German in Japanese (pdf version) in Spanish
  This article looks at emerging technologies capable of estimating battery reserve capacity. With increased demand for auxiliary power on vehicles, measuring energy reserve is becoming more relevant
  than CCA.
  
  

• Does internal resistance reveal battery capacity?
  in French in German in Spanish
  This articleis a study of various rapid-test methods for stationary and automotive batteries. The article introduces an advanced new multi-frequency technology capable of measuring battery conductivity, capacity and state-of-charge.
  
  

• What causes car batteries to fail early?
  in French in German in Spanish
  The article addresses premature battery failures, a phenomenon that is often caused by driving habits. The article introduces battery rapid testers and discusses a bar code system to simplify battery testing. We learn about failures induced by low charge and acid stratification and examine methods to reverse the effect.
  
  

• The Cost of Battery Power — Will rechargeables replace the primary battery?
  in German
  This article evaluates the advantages and limitations of primary and secondary batteries. We examine the cost of storing energy in a batteries and compare cost with the combustion engine, fuel cell and electric grid.
  


• The Fuel Cell: is it ready?
  In German
  The article examines the fuel cell as an alternative power source for stationary, mobile and portable applications. It addresses the current technologies in development, focuses on the advantages of clean power, and tackles concerns that could cause delays.
  
  
• Are the Hybrid Cars here to stay? NEW!
  Overcoming the weak link, the battery

  
  
  
  
  Note: These publications may contain forward-looking statements. Readers should take appropriate caution in developing plans utilizing these products, services and technology architectures. All trademarks used in this summary are the property of their respective owners.