Non-Toxic Battery a ‘Significant Step’ For Recycling
by Trey Granger
Published on August 6th, 2009
3 Comments
San Diego-based PowerGenix is looking to revolutionize the rechargeable battery industry by offering single-use batteries without the heavy metals and metal hydrides that pose environmental challenges.
The company manufactures nickel zinc (NiZn) batteries, which have been tested to replace consumer AA/AAA batteries as well as automotive batteries. They are 30 percent lighter than traditional batteries and take up less space because they have 25 percent less cells than nickel cadmium (NiCd) rechargeables.
NiZn power is not a new technology. In the video below, PowerGenix claims that Thomas Edison first combined the elements to generate energy a century ago. NiZn batteries eliminate the need for toxic elements such as cadmium and lead.
The AA/AAA PowerGenix batteries are already available for sale on sites such as GreenBatteries.com. The company is still developing its NiZn batteries for cars and recently tested them in a Toyota Prius as a replacement for lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. An additional feature of using NiZn batteries in hybrids is that Li-ion batteries can cause fire or explode when punctured or under pressure, while NiZn batteries will not.
Impact on Battery Recycling
PowerGenix CEO Dan Squiller says the cost to recycle NiZn batteries is one-tenth of what it costs to recycle NiCd batteries.
Through a partnership with the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC), these batteries will be branded with an RBRC Battery Recycling Seal which allows consumers to drop them off at any RBRC affiliate that accepts rechargeable batteries.
If PowerGenix NiZn batteries are able to work in the same appliances as alkaline batteries, as the company claims, it could be a significant step for battery recycling. While alkalines are recyclable, the Battery Act of 1996 phased out mercury in single-use batteries so they are often deemed “safe to landfill.”
James Wood
posted on August 6th, 2009 at 8:10 am
Ratcheting the PowerGenix NiZn applications a step higher, Veloteq Corporation of Houston is replacing the sealed lead acid batteries currently in use in its electric scooter/bicycles with a custom designed system developed in cooperaton with PowerGenix engineering staff. The system which consists of 48V modules comprised of D-cell arrays features the ability to plug and play additional modules to increase the travel range of its all-electric products. A unique charger, also designed by PowerGenix, is capable of simultaneously recharging up to four modules.
Jim Wood
Veloteq
Silent Spring
posted on August 14th, 2009 at 9:06 am
Great news for the environment. The fact that Nickel-zinc outperforms nickel-metal hydride in nearly every way and is also up to 20 percent less expensive ensures that it will be a commercial success.
Imagine more than 30 million pounds of cadmium a year ends up in landfills from people throwing away their old batteries!! This cadmium then leaches into the surrounding environment contaminating all manner of wildlife. Wow that’s a lot of metal poison for nature to soak up.
The struggle to attain some kind of sustainability is going to be difficult.
Vibay Kumar.C
posted on December 28th, 2009 at 9:57 pm
Effective recycling reduces half the burden of the Earth pollution.Switching over from a Lead Acid battery shows a revolution in the Battery Industry and also in reducing Lead Poisoning among the society.