A powerful performer

摘要

Battery power source is a critical consideration for the designer of autonomous oceanographic instrumentation. This humble component determines the service interval and size of the instrument housing. When used in combination with a compass for directional measurements of waves, winds or currents, the battery needs to be non-ferromagnetic. This article describes a recently introduced non-magnetic alkaline battery which offers instrumentation manufacturers and users the opportunity to benefit from considerably improved performance, compared to zinc-carbon batteries, and substantial cost reductions, compared to lithium technology. As a bonus, the new battery is also available in a rechargeable version.