Technical Marketing Issues in Commercializing Zinc-Air for Portable Consumer Electronic Products

摘要

1. Zinc-air Is Among the Few Choices of Energy for Future Products. Energy choices: conventional batteries with power management, fuel cells and zinc-air. Zinc-air has energy density and specific energy similar to fuel cells. 2. Zinc-air implementation is simple and the technology is ready today. Zinc-air "balance of plant" consists of a miniature fan. Zinc-air electrochemistry proven in button cells. Diffusion Air Mangers enable zinc-air use in high power, intermittent, long duration consumer products. 3. Zinc-air Replacement Cost & Form Factor Fits the Primary Battery Model. Rechargeable batteries and fuel cells have high up front costs but restore their energy for pennies. Zinc-air has a cost structure close to alkaline cells and can be made in alkaline battery form factors. Zinc-air fits the primary battery market model. 4. Zinc-air Can Enhance Existing Portable Products Using Recharqeables - OR Enable New Value Versions. 4.1 Dual battery products, i.e. using a primary and a rechargeable, provide the best of both battery worlds to consumers and OEMs. Can lower the initial product price point, always ready to use, convenient, high mobility - no AC, no charger. 4.2 Value versions of popular products can appeal to casual users, senior or youth markets, non-professionals.