A battery that could last for 30 years? Probably not, but worth a look!
Many people use the term "battery" to describe anything that gives off power that can be used for another purpose. The average consumer is totally used to the idea of a AA-sized alkaline battery that comes from the store charged, gets used up and then gets thrown away. So, the idea of a "battery" which could potentially last... say, 30 years sounds awesome! And indeed, the technology exists already in the form of the power source used in some space satellites. Via the decay of Tritium, researchers are working on a power source which would act like a battery that lasts a very long time. Think of the process like weak nuclear power. The type of radioactivity that the power units give off can be easily blocked so that it is not harmful to humans. Of course, there are drawbacks. The unit is rather heavy for the power it gives off and is too easily damaged to be used by consumers. The military, however, might be interested. So, while we might not be driving electric cars that generate their own on-board electricity from decaying radioactive matter in 5 years, in 50 years... who knows?
[Source: Engadget]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Dave 11:58AM (10/04/2007)
Nuclear powered cars. Now youre talking.
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AES 12:43PM (10/04/2007)
NASA has already used something conceptually similar to this for deep-space probes (Voyager, etc) for decades. It lasts for a very long time, but is highly inefficient.
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Carlin 2:14PM (10/05/2007)
Why not use a Battery Xtender to safely extend the useful life of a throw away "non rechargeable" Alkaline battery more than 10 times.
You can read about it and buy one at www.BatteryXtender.com
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Carlin 2:16PM (10/05/2007)
For easy access to the Battery Xtender try http://www.BatteryXtender.com
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