By Shedding Weight, Cost, Ni-MH Batteries Take On More Roles

摘要

First appearing on the market in 1990, nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries have rapidly come into wide use, riding the wave of demand that has accompanied the proliferation of mobile electronic equipment. While keeping pace with the expanding market, manufacturers have also worked hard to come out with products with larger capacities. These advances in technology have expanded the number of applications for Ni-MH batteries. Ni-MH batteries now power an assortment of information technology products and audio-video (A/V) products. In addition, the market now offers some power tools and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) that also accept power from Ni-MH batteries. After peaking at 1.03 billion cells in 2000, production of Ni-MH batteries in Japan declined to 630 million cells in 2001 and to 540 million ceils in 2002. Prospects for Ni-MH batteries will depend largely on such factors as faster charging characteristics and improved reliability, as well as reductions in cost.