Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane Australia, leading the charge for panel-powered car 06 November 2014 A car powered by its own body panels could soon be driving on our roads after a breakthrough in nanotechnology research by aQUT team. Researchers have developed lightweight "supercapacitors" that can be combined with regular batteries to dramatically boost the power of an electric car. The discovery was made by Postdoctoral Research Fellow Dr Jinzhang Liu, Professor Nunzio Motta and PhD researcher Marco Notarianni, from QUT's Science and Engineering Faculty - Institute for Future Environments, and PhD researcher Francesca Mirri and Professor Matteo Pasquali, from Rice University in Houston, in the United States. The supercapacitors - a "sandwich" of electrolyte between two all-carbon electrodes - were made into a thin and extremely strong film with a high power density. The film could be embedded in a car's body panels, roof, doors, bonnet and floor - storing enough energy to turbocharge an electric car's battery in just a few minutes. The findings, published in the Journal of Power Sources and the Nanotechnologyjournal, mean a car partly powered by its own body panels could be a reality within five years, Mr Notarianni said. "Vehicles need an extra energy spurt for acceleration, and this is where supercapacitors come in. They hold a limited amount of charge, but they are able to deliver it very quickly, making them the perfect complement to mass-storage batteries," he said. "Supercapacitors offer a high power output in a short time, meaning a faster acceleration rate of the car and a charging time of just a few minutes, compared to several hours for a standard electric car battery." Dr Liu said currently the "energy density" of a supercapacitor is lower than a standard lithium ion (Li-Ion) battery, but its "high power density", or ability to release power in a short time, is "far beyond" a conventional battery. "Supercapacitors are presently combined with standard Li-Ion batteries to power electric cars, with a substantial weight reduction and increase in performance," he said. "In the future, it is hoped the supercapacitor will be developed to store more energy than a Li-Ion battery while retaining the ability to release its energy up to 10 times faster - meaning the car could be entirely powered by the supercapacitors in its body panels. "After one full charge this car should be able to run up to 500km - similar to a petrol-powered car and more than double the current limit of an electric car." Dr Liu said the technology would also potentially be used for rapid charges of other battery-powered devices. "For example, by putting the film on the back of a smart phone to charge it extremely quickly," he said. The discovery may be a game-changer for the automotive industry, with significant impacts on financial, as well as environmental, factors. "We are using cheap carbon materials to make supercapacitors and the price of industry scale production will be low," Professor Motta said. "The price of Li-Ion batteries cannot decrease a lot because the price of Lithium remains high. This technique does not rely on metals and other toxic materials either, so it is environmentally friendly if it needs to be disposed of." The researchers are part of QUT's Battery Interest Group, a cross-faculty group that aims to engage industry with battery-related research. Media contact: Rob Kidd, QUT Media, 07 3138 1841, rj.kidd@qut.edu.au After hours, Rose Trapnell, 0407 585 901

Perhaps you have noticed that your smartphone is running hot, getting shorter battery life, or even switching off altogether? ... Time to inspect your battery! In most android phones and windows based phones this will be as easy as sliding or unclipping the back of the phone.  If you own an iphone however, then inspecting the battery is out of the question as the battery is integrated inside the phone and is generally not user replaceable. (What a clever way to incorporate limited service life). In terms of battery issues, one of the most common issues we see these days is the phenomenon of swelling batteries.  Upon removing the battery cover, many people discover to their horror that their  battery appears to be   “swelled, pillowed, ballooned or bulged” . Sometimes the swelling is slight, sometimes very pronounced. In severe cases, due to the increased size of the battery, it is impossible to fit the cover back onto the phone. Even more serious is the issue of corrosive electrolyte leaking out of the battery and into the battery compartment, and subsequently into the phone due to the internal cell membrane having ruptured. If you are unsure if the battery is “swelling” place the battery on a flat hard surface and see if it will spin. If it does, then there is some degree of swelling. Although the phenomenon seems more common in Samsung Galaxy Smart phones (possibly due to  higher sales) , other manufacturers are experiencing this issue also. Some batteries go for years before a problem arises and others last just a few months.The majority it seems are batteries that have been in service for a while. Battery analysis reveals how bad things can get. In the above results, a swollen battery was put through two charge-discharge cycles. Effectively, there is no energy absorbsion during charge mode. The cell voltage peaks at around 4.2v but almost immediately drops to a critical low when placed under load due to it`s inability to absorb charge in the first place. This poor battery was only able to deliver 0.4% of it`s rated capacity! Not nearly enough even to boot the phone up. How can this happen? Some known characteristics of Li-ion batteries may help in understanding why this happens so commonly. Lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries are voltage sensitive (voltage limited) devices. This is for good reason. Even slightly raised charging voltages can play havoc with them and as such, voltage to the cell must be controlled accurately. However there is an advantage in applying elevated charge voltage, and that is longer runtime between charges. It is after all what consumers want - a phone with the longest possible battery life, and manufacturers are trying to oblige. The typical Li-ion phone battery is just one cell. Most are rated between 3.7v – 3.8v.  A cut-off voltage of 4.2 is typically applied in charging. When this cut-off voltage is reached, the battery is actually only about 85% charged and requires a period of “trickle” to fully saturate the battery to 100%. While it is advantageous to the consumer to have longer run time by fully saturating the battery, at the same time, if this process is not controlled, or extended too long, the battery can be stressed, total service life is reduced and battery safety can be compromised. While slightly elevated charge voltage is often not a problem in the laboratory, the real world is often not so kind. Charging in a hot environment for example can exacerbate problems, increasing internal cell pressure, and increasing the likelihood of swelling. Whilst it is safer, and more reliable to apply lower voltage during charge, the battery will not reach full saturation resulting in shorter service between charges. This is the dilemma for the charging circuit designer. Produce phones with longer battery service but less reliability, or shorter battery service but better reliability. Battery age also seems to play a part. As the battery ages and cycles more times during it`s life, so too does it`s internal chemical efficiency and it`s ability to accept energy diminish. As charge absorbsion decreases, the input energy is most often then converted to heat and is dissipated by the battery itself by becoming hot. Internal gassing, increased cell pressure leading to swelling is often the result.   What can I do to prolong my phone`s battery? *Avoid charging your phone in hot or extremely cold environments if possible. *Avoid leaving your phone on charge unnecessarily for extended periods. Although the batteries themselves contain various protection circuits, and the phone`s charging circuit controls charge application, still it is wise and just plain common sense to unplug your phone from the charger when the phone indicates charging is complete. Overcharging may still be possible on certain phones;  (phones that continue to apply trickle charge after main charge is complete) if left connected to the charger endlessly. *Turn your phone off during charge. This will allow your phone to reach the correct end point voltage more easily without loading the battery up and confusing the phones charging algorithm. *Disconnect the charger if the battery is getting hot. * If storage is necessary, store at approximately 50-70% charged. Do not store batteries in a discharged state. But most importantly, if your battery has succumbed to the phenomenon of swelling, stop charging it and replace it as soon as possible. Continuing to charge a battery in this state is very risky indeed. New batteries for all makes and models are available from our website.          

There has been a heightened awareness of the dangers of lithium coin cells following the tragic death of a young child in Queensland. When ingested, saliva can activate the battery causing a reaction that can cause serious internal burns. Even batteries that are flat should be discarded immediately. If ingested, emergency medical attention should be sought immediately. Children under five years are considered to be a greatest risk. Family pets are also at risk if ingested. All carers and parents are urged to store such batteries well away from the reach or sight of young children . As consumer awareness rises about the hazards of such cells, it would be hoped that the number of such incidences might be reduced and avoided. Lithium Coin cell

   You will need a new replacement battery and a    tool kit.   Battery available at:http://www.batterydoctor.net.au/p/5092499/navman-my50t-my75t-s30-s45-s50-s70-s80-s90-s90i.html   Tool kit available at:   http://www.batterydoctor.net.au/p/8462625/tool-kit---gps-mobile-phones-etc.html   (This NAVMAN is clipped together) The tool kit contains the plastic prising tool for separating the  covers. ) Unscrew the two screws at the bottom  of the unit                   Gently prise the side covers off using the plastic  pry tool included in the tool kit.         Unscrew the four screws that hold the front and back faces together.               Gently separate the front and back halves.                 Pry the battery away from the board using the plastic pry tool. Unplug the battery. Reverse the process to install your new battery!  

What do you do when your Electrolux Vacuum cleaner starts to run out of sucking power? Maybe it just sucks! You can of course go to your local Vacuum cleaner outlet and buy a new battery to replace your old one. However there is another alternative.  - Battery Repacking. Sometimes called Battery Refurbishment, this process involves opening up your old  battery pack and replacing the batteries located inside with a new ones. Pre assembled battery packs are readily available for the Electrolux Vacuums. A great advantage of repacking is that the new pack inserts are usually much higher capacity.  Often these battery inserts are up to twice the capacity which  means twice the run time of the original. They can often be cheaper as well. For the Electrolux version  here , the capacity is incresed from 1300mAh to 2500mAh. If you are handy with a soldering iron then this is a great way to supercharge your vac.  Suitable for Electrolux 2570, Z570, Z570a, Z750, Z5705 Electrolux 506000289005, A5028, EV127 battery The Battery Doctor manufactures these packs in their Australian workshops with quality Japanese cells for extended lifespan and performance and are available on this website at the links below. DIY Insert http://www.batterydoctor.net.au/p/8521941/electrolux-diy-insert-for-506000289005.html Send to us for repacking http://www.batterydoctor.net.au/p/8521942/electrolux-506000289005---rufurbishment---original-battery-required.html        

  You will need a new replacement battery and a tool kit. Battery available at: http://www.batterydoctor.net.au/p/8462623/tomtom-go-730-battery-replacement.html Tool kit available at: http://www.batterydoctor.net.au/p/8462625/tool-kit---gps-mobile-phones-etc.html (This TOMTOM is clipped together and is also secured with special torx screws. The tool kit contains the correct drivers and a plastic prising tool. ) 1.Unscrew the two screws at back of the TOMTOM using the correct driver, and pop the tiny  rubber dust cover off the External antenna socket. 2.Gently prise the back cover away from the front panel using the plastic prising tool. Work your way around the edges looking for the clipping points. 3.Separate the face from the rear cover by about 10mm. 4.Lay the GPS on it`s back and expose the inside 5.You will see four screws which hold the main PCB in place which you will need to remove. Screw 1 Screw 2 Screw 3 Screw 4 6.Prise the PCB out gently and slowly. Keep the GPS face close to the PCB to ensue you do not accidently pull the ribbon cable out from it`s connector. 7.Turn over and reveal the battery 8. Disconnect the old battery by gently pulling the plug 9.Slowly prise the battery up from it adhesive. Patience is required . Use plastic and be careful not to damage any surrounding components or the board when levering. 10.Place some double sided adhesive on the new battery and mount it back in the TOMTOM. Plug it in the same way as pictured. The plug is designed to fit one way only. Reverse the process to close and finish. 11. Make sure you screw this wire back to the PCB  as shown when closing 12.use your prising tool to help refit the casing together 13.Re-fit the rubber antenna socket plug The big test! The battery should have enough charge to power up the unit.

Battery technologies and chemistries have progressed rapidly over the past 20 years. In the early nineties, analogue mobile phones manufactured by Motorola for example, often called "bag phones", used large and heavy 12volt SLA (Sealed Lead Acid Batteries) to power them up. I remember selling these phones from our electronics outlet to tradesman and truckers in particular. At the time, we marvelled at these mobile monsters and at around $2000AUD per phone and wondered if they would really take off. But they did. Professionals realised very early that mobile phones would enhance their business , giving their customers the ability to enquire of them even when they were out and about. At around 800g and full of lead, the SLA batteries that powered them were very heavy. These batteries are still used for special applications and are available from The Battery Doctor at the following link. http://www.batterydoctor.net.au/p/8460325/vb10-sealed-lead-acid-battery.html The development of the brick phone which incorporated a 7.2v Ni-Cd (Nicad) battery , dramatically reduced the weight to around 200g depending on the capacity and were consequently all the rage for a while. Today`s modern digital phones primarily use Li-ion (Lithium Ion) cells which weigh in at a measly 20 to 40 g . These tiny batteries reside in a tiny compartment inside your phone that easily fits in your pocket. Miniturisation in electronics has certainly been a key factor in the development of these smaller power sources, but our phone batteries have also come a long way since those old days!.  

Replacing the battery in your Leimo is easy and if you can DIY it will save you money! Buy at the following link: http://www.batterydoctor.net.au/p/8683025/leimo-hair-laser-battery-for-personal-grooming.html