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low cost high performance batteries

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Higgler

Electrical
Joined
Dec 10, 2003
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997
Location
US
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
 
"...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.
 
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:
 
Your numbers imply that you only need about 1 Ah. 6 AA NiMH batteries will give >7 V and 2.5 Ah capacity

TTFN



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

kch
 
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.

 
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...
 
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