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New Battery Technology Powers For 12 Years

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the plug-it-in-plug-it-in dept.

wellington map writes "University of Wisconsin-Madison scientists say they are developing a new lithium battery technology capable of making batteries smaller, last longer and, soon, accept a charge from outside the body without the need for surgery. These organosilicon batteries are projected to power tiny implantable devices for more than 12 years."

6 of 128 comments (clear)

  1. Blegh. by FireballX301 · · Score: 4, Interesting

    MADISON, Wis., Oct. 3 (UPI) -- University of Wisconsin-Madison scientists say they are developing super-charged tiny lithium batteries to help treat nervous system and other disorders.

    Key word there, 'developing'. The article gives basically no information at all about how it works.

    I remember a story about human-powered pacemakers and such though - did those pan out? Seems that those would be more useful than these low-current batteries.

    1. Re:Blegh. by DrEldarion · · Score: 1, Interesting

      They should make batteries that get recharged from the static electricity people build up. Low battery? Wear a sweater.

  2. Would be good for cochlear implants by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Buying & changing batteries for people like me with a cochlear implant is a major pain - something like this would be fantastic.

  3. Using a coil and background power? by dascandy · · Score: 3, Interesting

    What about preserving power in a capacitor and using a coil to recharge it from background radiation? By now people are constantly in a sort of electromagnetic field, so if you switch between two of them you should be able to generate a current, with a few proper diodes etc. you could charge a capacitor with that... given people that are still alive and enough mobile phone use, it would work?

    You might just get into a fight with the people next to you, since you're in a way using their mobile phone battery to reload your pacemaker. On the other hand, calling in public and in hospitals would become accepted and even encouraged.

  4. May be ok for humans by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Interesting

    But I used to work for a large battery company, and I can guarentee you they will always ensure they have a short life.

    More batteries to buy.

    And about 90% of a battery is recyclable...Scrap places will buy them for around $1 per battery.

  5. All very weel and good by Timberwolf0122 · · Score: 3, Interesting

    But when are they going to get me a laptop that can last 12 years bewteen charges!?

    Instead of lithium organo-what ever why not use decay from an alpha source with a long (20+years) halflife? the alpha emmissions can be shielded by a modest tianium/glass shell

    --
    In the not too distant future, next Sunday A.D.