CHARGING AHEAD: How to Find Powerful Rechargeable Batteries That Go on and On…And On
CHARGING AHEAD: How to Find Powerful Rechargeable Batteries That Go On and On…and On A Report by the Responsible Purchasing Network to San Francisco Department of the Environment Recommending Specifications for AA, AAA and D-Sized Rechargeable Batteries for San Francisco’s SF Approved Program Authors: Susan Kinsella Alicia Culver July 2016 The primary purpose of this report, Charging Ahead, is to recommend specifications for three sizes of rechargeable consumer batteries (AA, AAA and D) based on a review of available literature and an assessment of the technical and marketing information about available products. It includes: • Overview and History of Rechargeable Batteries • Recommended Specifications for Rechargeable Batteries that identify the battery chemistry (NiMH), the minimum power rating of the battery (measured in milli-amp- hours) and the maximum self-discharge rate of qualifying products. The specifications, which are based on RPN’s in-depth comparison of NiMH consumer batteries currently on the market, can be met by at least three brands of batteries in each size category. • Best Practices for Procuring and Using Rechargeable Batteries • Glossary of Terms • Comparison of Battery Chemistry Types describes the relative availability as well as the performance advantages and disadvantages of each type of rechargeable battery in the U.S. marketplace and compares them to standard, single-use alkaline batteries. • Applicable Standards • Cost Comparisons of AA NiMH rechargeable batteries with single-use alkaline batteries. • Report References • Appendix A: Benchmarking Assessment, which describes several federal agencies, local governments, state agencies and universities that have evaluated or pilot tested rechargeable batteries for their operations. • Appendix B: Contacts includes people interviewed or communicated with via email during the development of this report.
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