The status of the rechargeable alkaline manganese dioxide zinc battery

The rechargeable alkaline manganese dioxide/zinc (RAM(TM)) battery system has reached a performance level that enables the consumer to utilize RAM for practically all applications where currently Single-Use cells (alkaline manganese, zinc-carbon) are being used. In addition, it can replace nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal hydride cells in low to medium power applications with much improved charge retention at higher operating temperatures and in intermittent use and works well with solar charging. A review is given on RAM cell performance as well as a comparison to competing rechargeable technologies. Potential new possibilities in the field of OEM (original-equipment manufacturer) applications are discussed.