PowerGenix Battery Technology Power Tool Applications

The Power Tool Industry
The ability to supply short bursts of high power for extended periods of time with rapid recharge capability, makes PowerGenix's patented nickel zinc (NiZn) battery technology an ideal solution for the power tool industry. We are especially suited for applications requiring batteries that are capable of delivering increased power and torque, in a smaller, lighter package without increasing the total solution cost -- all components of our high-energy density, high-life cycle and low-cost NiZn battery.

As an example, PowerGenix retrofitted an existing 18V battery pack of a major power tool manufacturer with our patented NiZn cells. The resulting performance benefits were dramatic:

Increased pack voltage to 24V
25% fewer cells at 24V (20 sub-C cells to 15)
Torque at bit increased by more than 10% due to 29% lower pack impedance
Pack volume decreased by 33% compared to a 24V pack
Pack weight decreased by 35% compared to a 24V pack
No change to pack housing or form factor
Increased MTBF due to lower cell count, fewer interconnections and lower weight

Leading OEMs in the power tool industry have been seeking solutions that offer clear market differentiators such as those inherent in the PowerGenix battery. The $500 million industry is also pressed to find an adequate replacement for the toxic nickel-cadmium (NiCd) battery, which is broadly used today. Current legislation in Europe is pressing for limited use of cadmium and its eventual elimination in consumer goods. Efforts to replace NiCd with nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) have been met with limited success. As a replacement for NiCd, NiMH batteries have limited high rate discharge capabilities, quickly lose capacity at low temperatures, and are not abuse-tolerant.

Conversely, the PowerGenix NiZn battery uses a cutting-edge technology that delivers high power, offers high cycle life, is abuse tolerant, and is environmentally friendly -- all of which provide a clear advantage over other rechargeable batteries. Since we are using a well understood and accepted alkaline chemistry that can be easily transferred onto existing manufacturing lines, the change-over risk to both the OEM and tool user are low. Additionally, there are no safety, fire, volatility or handling issues, making the PowerGenix battery an ideal drop-in replacement solution for the growing power tool market.