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View Full Version : Sweeeeeet - Sony announces sugar battery!


SteveHoward999
08-24-2007, 04:06 PM
http://uk.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUKSP22885120070824

TOKYO (Reuters) - Sony has developed an environmentally-friendly prototype battery that runs on sugars and that can generate enough electricity to power a music player and a pair of speakers, the Japanese company said.

The bio battery's casing is made of a vegetable-based plastic. It measures 3.9 cm (1.5 inch) along each edge and works by pouring sugar solution into the unit, where enzymes break it down to generate electricity.

Test cells had an output of 50 milliwatts, Sony said.

"Sugar is a naturally occurring energy source produced by plants through photosynthesis," Sony said in a statement.

"It is therefore regenerative, and can be found in most areas of the earth, underlining the potential for sugar-based batteries as an ecologically-friendly energy device of the future."

The company said it aims to produce the batteries for commercial use, without specifying when.

Jason Dunn
08-24-2007, 05:05 PM
Neat announcement, but I've completely given up getting excited about "breakthrough" battery concepts because so far NONE of them has amount to jack. All hype, no jump.

SteveHoward999
08-24-2007, 05:19 PM
I agree - but sometime, something will come to the consumer. Too much investment is going into new battery technology for it to all go to waste.

I just love the idea of wandering around asking for a teaspoon of sugar and a couple of drops of water coz your battery is flat :-)