Popular Mechanics Promotes Batteriser 2.0!

[EEVblog]

Popular Mechanics have an article promoting a Batteriser type device that will save the planet from BIG BATTERY!
https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/a40616227/battery-savers-invention-extend-battery-life/

[nctnico]

We need a 1e6 face palm for that article! What a bunch of BS!

[madires]

Are there any EVs running with AA or AAA cells, besides toys?

[ejeffrey]

The Mercedes AA class:

https://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/new-mercedes/3021121

[bdunham7]

Are there any EVs running with AA or AAA cells, besides toys?

No, but there are hybrids with D-cells.

[Stray Electron]

  Popular Mechanics has been a FARCE for over 40 years!  IIRC it was Ziff-Davis publishing company that bought them out in about 1973 and it's been nothing but trash ever since.

[free_electron]

since most devices use multiple batteries in series : why don't they just integrate this damn chip ?
make a chip for 1 cell , 2 cell , 3 cell , whatever. and sell those.
the device makers can take this energy harvesting chip , slap it inside the device and done.
no more fidgeting with sleeves, no stuff that ends up in landfills.

spoiler : linear tech and maxim (and probably many others) already have such chips. they can really suck a stack of batteries dry ...

[golden_labels]

Typical journalism at its best!

I am feeling sorry for this guy, though. He seems to be honestly working on solving a problem, offering realistic expectations, yet completely unaware that not only it is already solved, it’s also not going to be useful soon with the trend to replace primary cells with rechargeables.

free_electron:
Because, having to choose — a cheaper device or more expensive one with 10% longer battery life — you will choose the cheaper one, removing the manufacturer from the market. And if not that, almost all devices running on batteries are too simple: adding such a chip would increase their complexity even twofold.

[EEVblog]

Typical journalism at its best!
I am feeling sorry for this guy, though. He seems to be honestly working on solving a problem, offering realistic expectations, yet completely unaware that not only it is already solved, it’s also not going to be useful soon with the trend to replace primary cells with rechargeables.

Yeah, I feel sorry for him too.

[free_electron]

free_electron:
Because, having to choose — a cheaper device or more expensive one with 10% longer battery life — you will choose the cheaper one, removing the manufacturer from the market. And if not that, almost all devices running on batteries are too simple: adding such a chip would increase their complexity even twofold.

of course you are not going to do that in silly stuff like a reote control where the battery drain is already low. But , on high price items like , let's say a Fluke multimeter , this could be a nice add-on. Bonus points if the machine can indicate it is now actively using "reserve" power (the chip is pumping). Kind of like the fuel tank light in your car. Replace batteries soon...

There are applications where this is useful.

[armandine2]

of course you are not going to do that in silly stuff like a remote control where the battery drain is already low.

There are applications where this is useful.

I imagine some joule thief circuit where what you recover does little more work than light up LEDs?

Though your Fluke idea worked for me