Edison Battery brought to life by Stanford University researchers

Century-old technology could have a place in the world of alternative energy

Scientists from Stanford University have taken an interest in a technology that is over a century old. The technology is a rechargeable nickel-iron battery that was first developed by Thomas Edison in the early 1900s. Nicknamed the Edison Battery, the rechargeable energy system had been widely used for decades until the mid-1970s. Nickel-iron batteries have fallen out of favor almost universally, with only a small number of manufacturing companies left who make the energy systems. Stanford researchers believe that the Edison Battery could have a place in the world of alternative energy, however.

Researchers boost the performance of the Edison Battery

Professor Hongjie Dai, along with his colleagues at Stanford University, have made dramatic improvements to the Edison Battery. These improvements have made the energy system more durable, flexible, and powerful. With increased performance, the Edison Battery may be able to be used for new purposes. The Stanford team has made it possible for the Edison Battery to be fully charged in 2 minutes and discharged in less than 30 seconds.

Battery could have a future in the auto industry

Researchers believe that the battery could have a future in the auto industry. With the demand for electric vehicles growing, the need for more efficient and better performing batteries has reached a new high. Lithium-ion batteries have been able to meet the needs of consumers in terms of transportation, but automakers have been aggressively looking for alternatives or improvements to these energy systems. The low manufacturing cost of the Edison Battery, even in its new form, could make electric vehicles a more popular option amongst consumers.

Researchers to continue work to solve the battery’s issues

The Edison Battery could have a wide range of applications in future technology. Professor Dai believes the energy system could be particularly useful to military organizations, or it could be used to store power generated by an alternative energy system. The only significant drawback to the revitalized Edison Battery is its ability to hold a charge for a prolonged period of time. Dai and his team are currently working to solve this issue.

Related article(s) and resources:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/06/120626114316.htm