Page 4 - batteries
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- May 26, 2011
Nintendo’s 3DS portable gaming system has only been available in the U.S. for a short time, but it has already sold more than a million units. The 3DS is the first commercial device with a glasses-free 3-D screen and kids, teens and adult gamers alike are flocking to the new device.
But while they love the 3-D illusions, Science Daily is reporting that its three-hour battery life is less than half of its predecessor, the 2-D DS device, which may make some gamers quite unhappy with decreased play time.
But that may change soon, due to some innovative researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. They have developed a fundamentally new approach to glasses-free 3-D called HR3D, which they say will double the battery life of devices without compromising screen brightness or resolution. The technique is claiming to also expand the viewing angle of a 3-D screen, which could pave the way to larger devices with multiple users while maintaining the 3-D effect.
Why are we putting this
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- May 19, 2011
The idea of no more gas cans and quiet mowing with an easier start are some of the top reasons why more and more families are turning to the idea of battery-powered lawnmowers and lawn equipment this year. While early models of battery powered mowers may not have had the power or charge time consumers wanted, that is no longer the case.
Improved designs and better battery technology means that battery mowers can provide the powerful performance to navigate through a variety of grass conditions and have the power needed to get the job done.
In addition, there is no gas or oil to spill and no engine emissions to pollute the air.
Battery types vary by models so you’ll want to check out what type of battery is used before you choose a battery-powered mower. Most mower styles feature removable, rechargeable batteries that are ideal for lawns up to 1/3 acre on a single charge. For larger lawns, consider buying an optional spare battery so your mowing won’t be interrupted.
Take a look at this
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- May 12, 2011
Researchers have shown that ozone can be reduced when electric vehicle charging is done at night. That’s good news for both environmentalists as well as car owners of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, who typically choose to charge cars in the evening when drivers are more apt to be at home.
Ozone is a known pollutant that can cause harmful effects on certain individuals with respiratory ailments. It forms as hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides, emitted into the air, react with sunlight. Two of the largest emitters of these pollutants are vehicles and electricity generating units.
Charging plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, also known as PHEVs, is already known to be more cost effective and reliable. But a new report issued by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Texas have found that charging at this time leads to lower levels of pollution on average.
PHEVs have the capability to run off battery power and gasoline. When PHEVs run off battery power
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- May 09, 2011
[caption id="attachment_324" align="alignright" width="264" caption="MP3450 Tekkeon Portable Battery"][/caption]
The Tekkeon portable battery packs have arrived at Impact Battery! These lightweight lithium polymer batteries can be used to power a multitude of gadgets including, cell phones, laptops, PDA's, portable DVD players, iPhone, iPad, hand held gaming systems--the list goes on. They are versatile rechargeable units that draw power from the included AC adapter and DC power sources such as the cigarette lighter adapter in vehicles and solar panels. The output voltage ranges from 5V (USB portal) to 19V. At 6.85" (L) x 3.32" (W) x .89" (D) and less than 1 lb these external batteries can easily fit into your carry-on bag and are approved for air travel. The MP3450, for example, can power a laptop about 4hrs and power your cell phone at the same time. When the 2nd extended battery is attached you can effectively double your output.
The most compelling argument for these
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- May 05, 2011
If you’ve popped your hood and taken a close look at your car’s sealed lead acid battery lately, chances are you’ve noticed a build-up (unless your battery is new) of corrosion caused by acid condensation. The crusty-looking whitish or greenish appearance is actually easy to clean, and most likely you already have everything you need. But while it is easy enough to accomplish, you’ll need to make sure you keep safety protocols in mind so that you don’t hurt yourself—or your car—in the process.
While some batteries may be so corroded that they require disconnection of the cable clamps or terminals, we’re not recommending that and instead talking about general maintenance and cleaning that you can do while keeping your car’s battery still in place. A severely corroded battery may require additional maintenance and cleaning beyond what we are discussing here today.
Supplies:
- Safety goggles/protective glasses
- Box of baking soda
- An old toothbrush or similar bristled brush
- Cleaning rags or sponges
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- April 21, 2011
Why do batteries get old and fail, and is there any way to avoid this? While it would be amazing to have a battery that will last the lifetime of your device or equipment, the truth is that no battery lasts forever. The key cause is sulfation.
Sulfation occurs when the electrolyte solution begins to break down. Sulfur in the solution essentially leaches from the electrolyte and sticks to the lead plates as converted lead sulfuric crystals. These crystals coat the plates and prevent them from doing their job the next time you power up. At the same time, the electrolyte solution becomes weaker because it then lacks the sulfuric acid that has converted to crystals, which then interferes with the ability of the battery to accept, hold and deliver a charge.
Stage One of sulfation may be an initial form that reduces quick starting but will be absorbed back into the electrolyte when charged. With more time, sulfation progresses and a battery may require a greater charge. The final stage is when
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- April 14, 2011
It’s far from being on the marketplace, but Science News is reporting that a battery is being tested with a three-dimensional nano-structure for battery cathodes that allows for dramatically faster charging and discharging without sacrificing energy storage capacity.
Batteries that can store significant energy and release it fast and then recharge quickly are desirable for the up-and-coming electric vehicles. In addition, they are sought after in the medical field for equipment, lasers and in military applications.
The performance of traditional lithium-ion (Li-ion) or nickel metal hydride (NiMH) rechargeable batteries degrades significantly when they are rapidly charged or discharged. Making the active material in the battery a thin film allows for very fast charging and discharging, but reduces the capacity to nearly zero because the active material lacks volume to store energy.
The test design essentially wraps a thin film into three-dimensional structure, achieving both high active
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- April 08, 2011
There have been numerous reports about the battery market and how the tragic earthquake that has devastated parts of Japan could lead to a shortage. While it is true that Japan is home to numerous production sites, for not just batteries, but components for computers, cars and other technology, analysts are saying that consumers should not be adversely affected.
Most companies have a supply buffer already in place, and other plants throughout the world are stepping up production efforts to meet continued demand for Lithium-ion batteries especially, which are used to power a wide variety of consumer devices including smart phones and laptops. Battery manufacturers are also turning to alternative components sources besides those in the devastated parts of Japan to ensure supply remains constant.
The Japanese company Kureha, for one, which supplies a critical component that is used in lithium-ion batteries and in batteries used for electric vehicles, previously held over 70 percent of the
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- March 31, 2011
Researchers looking for ways to power our country more efficiently have developed a battery that takes advantage of using river water and salty. Stanford scientists have calculated that if all the world’s rivers were put to use, about 2 terawatts of electricity could be produced annually—roughly 13 percent of the world’s current energy consumption.
While the tests are a long way from actual production, the concept of using existing water from the planet is promising and environmentally exciting. A power plant could be potentially placed anywhere freshwater enters the sea, such as a river mouth. In addition, the battery would not require the water to be extremely clean—storm runoff and gray water could potentially be used as could treated sewage water. Because the water would be “borrowed” and then “returned” back to the source in the same condition, there should have little environmental impact. The discharge water would be a mixture of fresh and sweater, released into an area where the
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- March 24, 2011
In today’s technological society, hardly a day goes by when we’re not charging one device or replacing batteries in another. Studies show that our love of electronics and battery-powered equipment means we will only become more—and not less—dependent on items that need to be powered up.
At Impact Battery, we recognize that there is a battery and a charger for many of the necessities and extravagances that are part of more and more people’s lifestyles. Whether you’re searching for a charger for your golf cart, a replacement battery for your motorcycle, or a solar panel, we’re your source.
We are constantly evaluating our inventory of batteries and related equipment to keep up with technological trends and consumer preferences so that we can meet your needs. Whatever your gadget or gizmo is that needs a battery and/or charger, chances are we have what you’re looking for. For added convenience, we provide listings of batteries by brand and type and include a battery selector guide and a tutorial