POY2.JAN–Rayovac–SC
Rechargeability comes to
alkaline batteries
Alkaline batteries no longer need be thrown away. In 1993 Rayovac introduced the first rechargeable alkaline battery , called Renewal. It combines the rechargeability of NiCd (nickel cadmium) and NiMH (nickel metal hydride) batteries with the lower cost and discharge characteristics of alkalines. The battery can replace conventional alkaline, NiCd, and NiMH batteries in products ranging from household appliances to notebook computers.
The battery is made with a patented construction and is available in AAA, AA, C, and D sizes. It can be recharged only with a specially made charger from Rayovac, called the Power Station. The average cost per cell for a four-pack of AA or AAA Renewal batteries is about $1.40, which is twice that of conventional alkalines. But when the Renewal's rechargeability–it can typically be used for at least 25 recharging cycles–is factored in, the battery quickly repays its higher initial cost. A typical four-pack of NiCds would cost over $2 per cell, with NiMH batteries even higher.
Characteristic of alkalines, the Renewal battery has a slower shelf discharge rate than either NiCd or NiMH batteries. It can typically hold its charge for up to five years, compared to three months for a NiCd. Thus, unlike NiCd or NiMH batteries, which must be charged before their initial first use, the Renewal battery comes fully powered and ready to use.
Both AA and AAA size Renewal batteries can be recharged in three to five hours, while the C and D sizes can be recharged overnight. The reusable alkaline does not have to be discharged before reuse. NiCds, on the other hand, suffer from a “memory effect” whereby the battery remembers its past usage cycle and patterns its future usage according to that cycle.
Typically, the Renewal battery is good for at least 25 cycles. According to Rayovac, the battery lasts up to three times longer than a fully charged NiCd on its initial use. However, the discharge time per cycle gradually decreases after that until it is on a par with that of other rechargeable batteries at about 25 cycles.
The companion charger has a microprocessor chip that monitors each Renewal battery individually during recharging. It is available in wall- or table-mounted versions.
Safe for the environment, the UL-listed Renewal battery contains no hazardous cadmium and negligible amounts of mercury. (Batteries, from $5 to $6 for C or D two-packs or AA or AAA four packs–stock. Power Station charger, $15 for wall unit and $30 for table unit–stock.)
Rayovac Corp., Madison, WI
John Daggett 608-275-4912
CAPTION:
The Renewal reusable alkaline battery from Rayovac combines the low cost of traditional alkalines with the rechargeability of NiCds.
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