Talk:Car battery

technologies

what about the environment's impact? The same technology deployed at sea-level semi-tropical areas will (afaik) not perform the same as those deployed in cold weather (a battery killer). And many countries don't have a 'single' environment... --Xavi 09:59, 1 May 2007 (EDT)

Yes that is true, for that reason we should look for DCBs that are well behaving under low temperatures, so that would be a point of choice for the batteries. --RafaelOrtiz 02:46, 26 May 2007 (EDT)

vendors

Some time ago, I explored green technologies and found the RETScreen (a Canadian government site, collaborating with NASA, UNEP, GEF & reeep) that has a lot of information, economic models, etc. to study green alternatives in a sound way (not just because it makes sense from the 'green' environmentalist perspective, but also in the 'green' dollar sense). For vendors of green technologies check: marketplace. --Xavi 09:59, 1 May 2007 (EDT)

Thanks Xavi This is really helpful --RafaelOrtiz 02:46, 26 May 2007 (EDT)

Safety

A car battery is designed to provide a very high DC current, with a low internal resistance. The danger with a DC current is that, unlike mains AC, it can cause a sustained muscular contraction in the event of electrocution, preventing the victim from being able to disconnect themselves from the circuit by releasing the terminals.

Most children, and many adults, may not be aware that car batteries pose (in this sense, i.e. if handled) a greater risk of electrocution than household electrical cabling. If OLPC is to recommend to teachers, schools, parents or children that car batteries be used to power the $100 laptop, it is crucial that handling precautions be given too.

The electrolytes can be hazardous as well. There is the issue of gel vs. liquid batteries; sealed vs. refillable to contend with. The former are less likely to leak acid onto users, although the latter may last longer overall if deionised water (boiled water may be sufficient) is available to maintain them.