• NEW Products Launched!

• Reader Questions Answered: Are Rechargeable Batteries Better Than Disposable Batteries?

• UBC005 Improved

• RoHS Position Explained

• $1.9 Million BA-5390A/U Order and Other Releases

• Ultra Brain Teaser

Over the past few weeks, the following new products have been launched:

• UBBL09: a dual mode rechargeable battery (12V & 24V) ideal for rugged portable electronics, robotics, communication devices and AUVs/UUVs.

• CH0014: a desktop charger designed to work specifically with the UBBL09 battery.

Visit the download center where all technical datasheets and material safety data sheets are available in PDF format.
 

A non-rechargeable battery's chemistry is irreversible, while a rechargeable battery's chemistry is reversible. When current is driven into a non-rechargeable battery that is opposite its discharge current, the resulting electrochemical plating reactions that occur do not return the battery to its original state. When current is driven into a rechargeable battery that is opposite its discharge current, the resulting electrochemical reactions are reversible, in that the battery returns nearly to its original electrochemical state. The reversibility of electrochemical reactions is a function of the thermodynamic and kinetic properties of the electrochemical couple as well as the materials that are used.

In terms of usage, the best way to describe the difference between rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries is that they are both good for the purposes they are intended. One isn't necessarily better than the other. For example, applications that are used very frequently and require a lot of battery power are best served by rechargeable batteries (e.g.: mobile phones and laptop computers). Using non-rechargeable batteries in those applications would be very expensive because of the number of times batteries would have to be replaced.

Non-rechargeable batteries are good for applications where it is either inconvenient to use a rechargeable battery or where the power requirement is less (e.g.: smoke alarms or garage door openers).

In summary, one isn't necessarily better than the other, they are just used for different purposes.
 

The UBC005 has been updated. It now has a 250 mAh capacity, an energy density of 142 Wh/kg, 313 Wh/l and is only 5.8 mm thick.
 

Ultralife concurs with the position of the European Commission, Directorate-General Environment that the European RoHS Directive 2002/95/EC on the Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment does not apply to batteries.

Click here to read the complete document.
 

• 4/10/06: Ultralife Batteries Announces Preliminary First Quarter Revenue; Management Reaffirms Fiscal 2006 Revenue Guidance

• 4/19/06: Ultralife Batteries Receives $1.9 Million BA-5390A Battery Order

• 4/20/06: Ultralife Batteries to Report First Quarter Results on May 4, 2006; Investor Conference Call to Be Webcast at Ultralife Batteries' Web Site

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