The Latest in Battery Technology
New Chargers
Duracell recently released two new Powermat accessories for the iPhone 5. One product is called the AccessCase; phones may be charged wirelessly without removing this lightweight snap-on case. IPhone users can charge their smartphones by placing them on Duracell's new TravelMat. This flat, rectangular device makes the charging process as simple and convenient as possible. Both products reduce the number of wires that people need to charge their cellphones.
Four students at Houston's Rice University have designed a pair of running shoes that produce electricity when people walk or run on any surface. The amount of energy they supply is adequate to charge a cellphone, according to Runner's World. The students hope that an improved version of the shoes will be able to power pacemakers and other electronic medical devices.
Popular Science reported in May that the U.S. Army had developed a new universal charger. It energizes two USB gadgets and up to eight batteries at the same time. The heavy duty device can draw power from a wind turbine, solar panel, fuel cell or generator. Additionally, it may be connected to the standard 12-volt cigarette lighter in an automobile. The military will also supply soldiers with folding solar panels that they can use to power the chargers.
Texas Instruments recently introduced another new charging technology. The system improves lithium-ion battery life and charges batteries more quickly without damaging them, according to Phys.org. It also produces less heat during the charging process. Another benefit of this technology is that it allows devices to accurately measure the amount of energy in their batteries. Texas Instruments has begun selling the charger chips in wholesale quantities. Consumer electronics manufacturers can purchase this item and integrate it into their products.
New Batteries
Researchers in Germany have created lithium-ion batteries that accept many more charges before they must be replaced. Digital Trends reports that they only lose 15 percent of their capacity after being charged 10,000 times. People may eventually install these high-capacity batteries in electric vehicles and homes with solar panels. By eliminating the need to replace an expensive battery every four to seven years, this would make renewable energy much less costly to store.
Meanwhile, scientists at Stanford University have developed a rechargeable zinc-air battery. This technology could significantly reduce the cost of batteries for electric cars and mobile devices, according to the Stanford Report. It may also improve safety; the zinc-air chemistry is less flammable than lithium-ion. Disposable zinc-air batteries are already common, but manufacturers have remained unable to develop a rechargeable version for many years.
We will probably see additional improvements in battery technology during the year to come. USA Today reports that many businesses and educational institutions are working to create batteries that last longer, decrease the cost of electric vehicles and store renewable energy more efficiently.
