Rapid Emergence of Rechargeable Car Battery Market - Assignment Example

Rapid Emergence of Rechargeable Car Battery Market Introduction Batteries act as an important part of our lives because they help to use various technological appliances such as cameras, radios, mobile phones and even computers with effectiveness. In the contemporary society, which is characterized with developments in science and technology, batteries have been enhanced to improve their energy capacity at a reduced cost. Regardless of the area of use, it is necessary that batteries are used effectively so that they can allow us users to receive services that are worth the investment into these products as explained by Hsiung and Ritz (2007, p. 14). This paper is a report on the development of rechargeable batteries in terms of technology, uses, cost, size and environmental friendliness. Rechargeable Batteries Rechargeable batteries are electrochemical cells that produce energy through a reversible chemical reaction as defined by Li, Weng and Chan (2011). The potential of these cells to be recharged makes them fall under the group of secondary cells. Like other cells, rechargeable cells comprise of various sizes and are manufactured in various shapes. The diverse types of rechargeable cells are made though technological combination of various chemicals to enhance their effectiveness and energy output. Trevey and Bright (2011, p. 139) say that when compared to disposable batteries, rechargeable batteries are less harmful to the environment. Additionally, rechargeable batteries are less costly than the disposable ones. Developments in Application According to Lim (2010, p. 22), the development of rechargeable batteries was aimed at enhancing their use in the portable appliances such as mobile phones. In the motor vehicle industry, rechargeable batteries have commonly been used in vehicle starters. The development in the use of rechargeable batteries is parallel to the advances in technology which has led to innovations of various appliances, equipment and hardware. The development of light vehicles such as electric bikes and wheelchairs has also led to the application of rechargeable batteries in motorizing these vehicles. Li, Weng and Chan (2011) add that rechargeable batteries have found wide use in sports such motorizing golf carts. Cameras which capture sports activities also apply rechargeable batteries to enhance the experiences of the viewer which are related to the increased demands of consumers for the enhancements of technology. Rechargeable batteries are also finding increasing use within the computing environment. The advances in information and computing technology have led to the development of portable computing devices such as lap tops, notepads and iPads. This has motivated equal enhancements of the rechargeable battery which is aimed at allowing consumers to enjoy the services and products that are enabled by modern technology. The developments in the rechargeable battery are demonstrated by its use in the electric vehicles. These batteries are used in hybrid automobiles with an aim of reducing the cost of automobile expenditure. Hsiung and Ritz (2007, p. 21) add that the application of rechargeable battery also helps to increase the lifetime of electric and hybrid automobiles. Development in Charge Duration Trevey and Bright (2011, p. 139) demonstrate that rechargeable batteries have been developed into long lasting products. When rechargeable batteries were introduced into the market, they had to be recharged frequently so that they would be effectively used again in appliances. Innovations in the chemical combination of rechargeable batteries have allowed consumers to use them for a long duration and thus they would be usable in many months. Lim (2010, p. 28) add that even through the longer lasting rechargeable batteries have a relatively higher cost price, the advantages of long use and the fact that they are not recharged frequently makes them very cost effective. The ability of modern rechargeable batteries to last long is due to the fact that they are designed to discharge energy at a lower rate. Furthermore, wastage of energy through dissipation into the environment is reduced as much as possible in the enhanced long lasting rechargeable batteries. Developments in composition The chemical composition of a rechargeable battery which defines its type, characteristics and strength includes a combination of chemical compounds such as lithium ion and lithium ion polymer which makes the lithium rechargeable batteries. Trevey and Bright (2011, p. 142) assert that the changes in the chemical combinations are responsible to the developments in the rechargeable technology which has in return resulted into enhanced cells at low costs. The developments in the rechargeable battery which increased its volumetric charge is attributed to Yi Cui and his colleagues who in 2007 increased the density of lithium ion battery by introducing the use of silicon nanowires at the anode end of the battery. Lim (2010, p. 28) says that this is one of the significant contributions into the development of the rechargeable energy technology especially in the enhancement of the charge capacity. As a result rechargeable batteries are now available in smaller sizes and longer duration of their chemical energy and charge. Zhang and Read (2012, p. 77) illustrates that the self-recharge ability of rechargeable batteries is another significant development in the technology which is as a result of innovative advancement of the composition of these batteries. The combination of lithium polymer secondary cell with a thin film that is extracted from an organic solar cell is the technology which led to the development of the self- recharge cell. Further developments in the rechargeable cell technology include the capability of the cells to operate at very low temperatures with sufficient effectiveness. Trevey and Bright (2011, p. 141) emphasizes that chemical combinations of rechargeable cell components has enhanced the production of high voltage energy at lower temperatures. As a result of these developments, it is possible to use your batteries at very low temperatures without reduction of their effectiveness in powering the electrical appliances in use. Motorized vehicles have used rechargeable batteries that are designed to withstand very low temperatures and thus enhanced expeditions in Polar Regions and during cold weather. Recommendations In order to receive the worth of one’s investment into batteries, rechargeable cells are recommended for use in various electrical and technological appliances and equipment. This is due to their lower cost and recharge capability that makes them to be generally cost effective as compared to the primary batteries. Moreover, the recommendation for the use of rechargeable batteries is motivated by their friendliness to the environment. Trevey and Bright (2011, p. 141) explain that disposal of primary batteries exposes the environment into harmful chemical compounds which are detrimental to living organisms and the ecosystem in general. The fact that rechargeable batteries can be reused makes them the best suited in the contemporary society where environmental concerns have caused general concern. More research is recommended in the energy sector which should involve funding by the government. The research will enhance further developments in the rechargeable battery technology which will lead to its wide application in the motor vehicle and manufacturing industries. Li, Weng and Chan (2011) emphasizes that the need for the enhancements of the rechargeable battery is demonstrated by the fact that consumption of oil by automobiles and manufacturing industries is contributing into the largest cause of pollution in the environment. Therefore developments in the rechargeable battery are highly encouraged so that the world can be saved from the adverse effects of pollution and climatic change which is a product of global warming. Conclusion Developments in the rechargeable battery technology have led to a cost effective and long lasting battery which has found wide applications. Rechargeable batteries are widely used in portable appliances and technologies but with the developments of rechargeable motor battery, they are used to motorize automobiles as opposed to the traditional limited use within vehicle starters. The environmental friendliness of the rechargeable battery and the capabilities that the developments in this technology has cause makes the secondary cells be recommended as the most appropriate source of energy. References Lim, T 2010, 'Rapid Emergence of Rechargeable Car Battery Market', SERI Quarterly, 3, 2, pp. 22-29. Li, H, Weng, G, Li, C, and Chan, K 2011, 'Three electrolyte high voltage acid–alkaline hybrid rechargeable battery', Electrochimica Acta, 56, 25, pp. 9420-9425. Trevey, J, and Bright, V 2011, 'Nanostructured silicon electrodes for solid-state 3-d rechargeable lithium batteries', Sensors and Actuators A: Physical, 167, 2, pp. 139-145. Zhang, S, and Read, J 2012, 'A new direction for the performance improvement of rechargeable lithium/sulfur batteries', Journal of Power Sources, 200, pp. 77-82 Hsiung, S, and Ritz, J 2007, 'Reusable Energy and Power Sources: Rechargeable Batteries', Technology Teacher, 66, 6, pp. 14-20. Read More