CHARGING OF BATTERY ON AIR
Battery is an important component in many gadgets, and its performance, life, recharging etc. are of concern for all of us. Times of India dated May 21, 09 discusses about the use of air for charging of battery for various uses. Oxygen is being used as a reagent. Battery using air as fuel has been made ready. It can be used for electric cars, mobile phones and laptops etc. When power is discharged from battery, one of its sections draws oxygen from the surrounding air, which reacts with a porous carbon component in the battery. In this way, it gets charged continuously. Due to continuous recharging, its storage capacity is much higher. Also it gives power ten times longer, and the battery size is smaller and lighter. It is likely to be economical. The researchers are desirous of getting 5 to 10 times increase in storage capacity. The research project is likely to be completed by 2011, and then such cells may be commercially available by 2016 or so.