low cost high performance batteries

[Higgler]

What rechargeable battery type gives the most bang for the buck. I have a commercial product in need of a thin battery that can be worn on a belt clip, probably a 9 volt battery to power portable wearable electronics. The power consumption is 30-60 watts, so the units are used for only 1-10 minutes before battery recharge or replacement is needed.
Who's the best source for them in medium volume? 1000/month?
Thanks,
kch

 

[VEBill]

"...wearable electronics....30-60 watts..."

Sounds very painful, I can almost smell the burning flesh already...


Best bang for the buck is often good ole lead acid. There are gel cells that don't leak. I dimly recall flat lead acid cells (years ago).

Something more modern would be an off the shelf NiMH or Li-ion pack. Not cheap.

 

[VEBill]

I just saw an ad from Varta that puts Li-Polymer at the head of the pack in terms of Wh/mass and Wh/volume. Lead acid is at the other end, but is probably cheaper.

link:

http://www.varta-microbattery.com

 

[IRstuff]

Your numbers imply that you only need about 1 Ah. 6 AA NiMH batteries will give >7 V and 2.5 Ah capacity

TTFN

 

[Higgler]

I'm still experimenting, the more the better for power capability, but thanks IRstuff for the math. I didn't realize that NiMh were that good. I'm just starting on this make-a-million invention.

I'd prefer a flatter battery than AA if possible, especially when you add the battery holder. Although the long skinny form factor of six in a row may be useful, although a bit tricky.

VE1Bll, thanks,
I looked up Varta and asked for prices. They have a 3.7 V, 2 amp hour battery that's 0.5 x 1.5 x 2.5 inches size, not bad, not too heavy, 60 grams. The qty=6 NiMh AA math seems a bit better.

thanks,
kch

 

[IRstuff]

Another option would be RC battery packs:

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0093p?&C=ANC

TTFN

 

[itsmoked]

Higgler; right now the definition of low cost, high performance, *rechargeable* batteries is NiMH. They also do not have the horrible stigma of cadmium.

The definition of low cost, high performance, *non-rechargeable* batteries is still alkali batteries.

However as pointed out by VE1BLL lead acid are great batteries if you can stand the weight/size.

Li-Polymer are only for those who absolutely, positively, must have small and light. Like the product will not be viable with out them. Expensive!

 

[Higgler]

Thanks,
all good input.
Is China the only option for purchase economically nowadays?
I'd guess yes if the volume is high enough.

kch

 

[VEBill]

Polaroid - they used to make flat batteries. Those very flat batteries were intended to be embedded into their Polaroid film packs to power the camera (fresh battery with every film pack). I suspect that they're long gone from the market, but I just wanted to follow up on that dim memory mentioned previously.

 

[itsmoked]

VE1BLL I had a whole stack of their marketed for other uses I just tossed them in the garbage a few months ago.. They were amazing. Flat and light. But man, how could this product of Higgler's be viable with non rechargable batteries? Five minutes battery life?? Like $5/min!!?

This thing must be a battery powered 4 slice toaster...