Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in
Book cover

Robust Electronic Design Reference Book pp 227–268Cite as

Batteries, Fuel Cells, and Solar Cells

  • Reference work entry
  • First Online:

  • 2402 Accesses

13.1 Introduction

We use batteries, fuel cells, and solar cells to provide direct-current (DC) power to electronic and electrical devices that we can't—or don't want to—tether to a wall outlet or a generator. The convenience of portability often outweighs the disadvantages of having to lug our power source with us. Batteries convert chemical energy to electrical energy, with all or most of the reactants stored within the battery. Fuel cells also convert chemical energy to electrical energy, but the reactants are stored externally. Solar cells turn light directly into electrical power.

The basic unit of all of these power sources is the cell (Figure 13-1). Under specified conditions (temperature and state of charge, fuel and oxidizer flow rates, light intensity), a cell will have a certain open-circuit voltage, and will put out a certain amount of current at a somewhat lower voltage. We can model a cell as a voltage source in series with an internal resistance.

Figure 13-1
figure 1

Battery/Fuel/S...

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   649.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

Books

  • AC Power Handbook: Problems & Solutions, 5th Edition San Diego, CA: RTE DELTEC, 1975, pp. 83–;91.

    Google Scholar 

  • Applications Handbook. Merrimack, NH: Unitrode, 1997, pp. 3–78–3–88, 3–226–3–234.

    Google Scholar 

  • Eveready Battery Applications Engineering Data. New York: Union Carbide, 1971, pp. 17–752.

    Google Scholar 

  • International Rectifier Corporation Engineering Handbook. El Segundo, CA: International Rectifier, 1959, pp. 118–128.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nickel-Cadmium Battery Application Engineering Handbook. Gainesville, FL: General Electric, 1971, pp. 1–1–G–6.

    Google Scholar 

  • Power Applications Manual. Motorola, 1993, pp. 447–449.

    Google Scholar 

  • Practical Design Techniques for Power and Thermal Management. Norwood, MA: Analog Devices, 1998, pp. 5.1–5.25.

    Google Scholar 

  • The ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications 2003. Newington, CT: American Radio Relay League, 2002, pp. 11.20–11.23.

    Google Scholar 

  • The Radio Handbook, 10th Edition. Los Angeles, CA: Editors and Engineers, pp. 48, 49.

    Google Scholar 

  • Unitrode Power Supply Design Seminar SEM-1100. Merrimack, NH: Unitrode, 1996, pp.–1–P5–18.

    Google Scholar 

  • Unitrode Power Supply Design Seminar SEM-1200. Merrimack, NH: Unitrode, 1997, pp.–1––18.

    Google Scholar 

  • Clifford, Martin, Basic Electricity & Beginning Electronics. Blue Ridge Summit, PA: TAB Books, 1973, pp. 39–54.

    Google Scholar 

  • Clifford, Martin, Master Handbook of Electronic Tables and Formulas, 5th Edition. Blue Ridge Summit, PA: TAB Books, 1992, pp. 44–55.

    Google Scholar 

  • Crisp, John, Introduction to Copper Cabling: Applications for Telecommunications, Data Communications and Networking. New York: Newnes, 2002, pp. 159–162.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Croft, Terrell, Summers, Wilford I., American Electricians' Handbook, 11th Edition. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1987, pp. 4–147-4–185.

    Google Scholar 

  • Falk, S. Uno, and Salkind, Alvin J., Alkaline Storage Batteries. New York: John WIley & Sons, 1969, pp. 1–637.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fink, Donald G., Electronic Engineers' Handbook. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1975, pp. 7–45-7–91.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fleischer, Arthur, and Lander, John J., Zinc-Silver Oxide Batteries. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1971, pp. 3–526.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ginsberg, Gerald L., A User's Guide to Selecting Electronic Components. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1981, pp. 128–142.

    Google Scholar 

  • Harper, Charles A., Passive Electronic Component Handbook, 2nd Edition. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1997, pp. 375–429.

    Google Scholar 

  • Heise, George W., and Cahoon, N. Corey, The Primary Battery, Volume 1. New York, John Wiley & Sons, 1971, pp. 1–477.

    Google Scholar 

  • Henney, Keith, and Walsh, Craig, Electronic Components Handbook Volume 2. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1958, pp. 82–94.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kaufman, Milton, and Seidman, Arthur H., Handbook of Electronics Calculations for Engineers and Technicians. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1979, pp. 11–1-11–23.

    Google Scholar 

  • Knowlton, Archer E., Standard Handbook for Electrical Engineers, 9th Edition. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1957, pp. 1891–1940.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lenk, John D., Handbook of Electronic Meters: Theory and Application. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1969, pp. 130–131.

    Google Scholar 

  • Linden, David, Handbook of Batteries & Fuel Cells. New York, McGraw-Hill, 1984, pp. 1–3-E–14.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mantell, Charles L., Batteries and Energy Systems, 2nd Edition. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1983, pp. 1–309.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mazda, F. F., Electronic Engineer's Reference Book, 5th Edition. Boston, MA: Butterworths, 1983, pp. 20/3–20/20.

    Google Scholar 

  • Money, Steve A., Newnes Radio Amateur & Listener's Data Handbook. Oxford, UK: Newnes, 1995, pp. 281–287.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moses, Morris, Printed Circuits. New York: Gernsbach Library, 1959, pp. 121–134.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mueller, Gustav A., The Gould Battery Handbook. Mendota Heights, MN: Gould, 1973, pp. 1–358.

    Google Scholar 

  • Graham, Robert W., Secondary Batteries: Recent Advances. Park Ridge, NJ: Noyes Data, 1978, pp. 1–388.

    Google Scholar 

  • Linden, David, Handbook of Batteries & Fuel Cells. New York, McGraw-Hill, 1984, pp. 1–3-G–9.

    Google Scholar 

  • Page, Victor W., Storage Batteries Simplified. Bradley, IL: Lindsay Publication, 1986 (original 1917), pp. 13–201.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pease, Robert A., Troubleshooting Analog Circuits. Boston, MA: Butterworth-Heinemann, 1991, pp. 74, 75.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sinclair, Ian, Passive Components for Circuit Design. Boston, MA: Newnes, 2001, pp. 190–213.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Venkatasetty, H. V., Lithium Battery Technology. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1984, pp. 1–241.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vinal, George Wood, Storage Batteries, 3rd Edition. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1940, pp. 1–451.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wagman, G. H., The Handy HamBook. Milltown, NJ: Romanco Enterprises, 1994, pp. 105–124.

    Google Scholar 

  • Walsh, Ronald A., Electromechanical Design Handbook. Blue Ridge Summit, PA: TAB Professional and Reference Books, 1990, pp. 298–305.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wedlock, Bruce D., and Roberge, James K., Electronic Components and Measurements. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1969, pp. 133–138.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rechargeable Nickel-Cadmium Sealed Cell Consolidated Data. Waco, TX: Marathon Power Technologies, 1993.

    Google Scholar 

Standards

  • Code of Federal Regulations, Part 49, Paragraph 173.185, TITLE 49–TRANSPORTATION CHAPTER I–RESEARCH AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, PART 173–SHIPPERS–GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SHIPMENTS AND PACKAGINGS–Table of Contents, Subpart E–Non-bulk Packaging for Hazardous Materials Other Than Class 1 and Class 7, Sec. 173.185 Lithium batteries and cells. download from http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2002/octqtr/49cfr173.185.htm

    Google Scholar 

Catalogs

  • Maintenance-Free Rechargeable Batteries. Reading, PA: Yuasa Exide, 1992, pp. 1

    Google Scholar 

Papers and Articles

  • New Technologies Battery Guide National Institute of Justice Guide 200-98. download from http://www.ncjrs.org/pdffiles/172868.

    Google Scholar 

  • Frank, R., and Giess, H., “The thermal behavior of VRLA/AGM cells and monoblocs,” Seventeenth International Telecommunications Energy Conference, The Netherlands, pp. 353–359, October 29–November 1, 1995.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hawkins, J. M., and Barling, L. O., “Some aspects of battery impedance characteristics,” Seventeenth International Telecommunications Energy Conference, The Netherlands, pp. 271–276, October 29–November 1, 1995.

    Google Scholar 

  • Heydecke, J., and Kiene, H. A., “Portable NiCd-and Ni-MH-Batteries for Telecom Applications,” Seventeenth International Telecommunications Energy Conference, The Netherlands, pp. 758–765, October 29–November 1, 1995.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jacobs, Sol, “Choosing a lithium battery,” Electronic Products, vol. 45 no. 7, pp. 24–27, December 2002.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jones, William E., and Feder, David O., “Float Behavior of VRLA Cells: Theory vs. Reality,” Seventeenth International Telecommunications Energy Conference, The Netherlands, pp. 154–160, October 29–November 1, 1995.

    Google Scholar 

  • Karlsson, Gunder, “Predicting life of valve regulated batteries, how can we do it right?,” Seventeenth International Telecommunications Energy Conference, The Netherlands, pp. 148–153, October 29–November 1, 1995.

    Google Scholar 

  • Koizumi, Yasuyuki, and Yotsumoto, Katsuichi, “Power Supply System Reliability Taking Battery Failure into Account,” Seventeenth International Telecommunications Energy Conference, The Netherlands, pp. 53–58, October 292-November 1, 1995.

    Google Scholar 

  • McMenamin, Dan, “A Maintenance Engineer's Perspective on Battery Performance Relative to Network Reliability,” Seventeenth International Telecommunications Energy Conference, The Netherlands, pp. 137–142., October 29–November 1, 1995.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ogata, Tsutomu, and Yamaki, Junichi, “Battery Research for Telecommunications Power Supply Systems at NTT,” Seventeenth International Telecommunications Energy Conference, The Netherlands, pp. 697–703, October 29–November 1, 1995.

    Google Scholar 

  • Selanger, Per A., Johansson, Arne O., Lundqvist, Kjell, Oberger, Kjell, and Humla, Lars, “End-User Experience of VRLA Batteries,” Seventeenth International Telecommunications Energy Conference, The Netherlands, pp. 143–147, October 29–November 1, 1995.

    Google Scholar 

Web Pages

  • “Battery Configuration: Parallel or Series?”. Leipper Management Group, 2003. download from http://sierranevadaairstreams.org/owners-guide/understanding/battery-config.html

    Google Scholar 

  • “Electrochemical Cells & Batteries.” download from http://www.ausetute.com.au/battery.html

    Google Scholar 

  • “Lithium Batteries.” EaglePicher Technologies. download from http://www.epcorp.com/NR/rdonlyres/B51C9EAF-FF71-444D-BE70-660A51506F5B/0/LiProducts_OnlinePDF.pdf

    Google Scholar 

  • “Reserve Batteries.” download from http://www.voltaicpower.com/PrimBatt/Reserve.html

    Google Scholar 

  • Davidson, Michael W., “Ambient-Temperature Lithium Anode Reserve Batteries.” 1995–2003. download from http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/electromag/electricity/batteries/lithiumreserve.html

    Google Scholar 

  • Davidson, Michael W., “Ammonia Batteries.” 1995–2003. download from http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/electromag/electricity/batteries/ammonia.html

    Google Scholar 

  • Davidson, Michael W., “Lithium/Iron Sulfide Batteries.” 1995–2003. download from http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/electromag/electricity/batteries/ironsulfide.html

    Google Scholar 

  • Davidson, Michael W., “Spin-Dependent Reserve Batteries.” 1995–2003. download from http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/electromag/electricity/batteries/spindependent.html

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Authors
  1. John R. Barnes
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

John R. Barnes

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2004 Kluwer Academic Publishers

About this entry

Cite this entry

Barnes, J.R. (2004). Batteries, Fuel Cells, and Solar Cells. In: Barnes, J.R. (eds) Robust Electronic Design Reference Book. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/1-4020-7830-7_13

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/1-4020-7830-7_13

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4020-7739-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4020-7830-9

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation