Designers slow to adopt new battery technology

A new European study reveals that designers of digital devices - digital cameras, for example - are not necessarily using the most suitable power sources available to them.

Duracell has published the results of a European study that examined the process by which design and research and development (R and D) engineers across the UK, France and Germany develop next generation portable digital devices.

Executed by the independent research firm Vanson Bourne, the study uncovered the key drivers in portable device design in particular the influence of power sources.

The study discovered that designers of digital devices - digital cameras, for example - are not necessarily using the most suitable power sources available to them.

Approximately 50% are specifying traditional AA (primary) and rechargeable batteries instead of newer, arguably more suitable prismatic battery designs.

Although consumers want cutting edge technology that is portable and lightweight - consumer desires factor heavily into product design according to 69% of respondents - the study shows that most designers are still using more traditional forms of batteries such as primary or rechargeable AA cells.

Many of today's digital devices can be powered by either primary (nonrechargeable) or rechargeable battery systems, but form factors like the AA cell, primary or rechargeable, are bulky in comparison with prismatic batteries.

A key consumer concern is convenience - primary lithium cells that do not need charging before use and will hold their charge beyond 10 years can be seen to have real benefits over a rechargeable battery that loses its charge relatively quickly.

Batteries bear a heavy influence on product design, with 48% of designers considering battery technology in the R and D phase.

In fact, 55% design the device around the battery.

Device functionality and battery life were top considerations when selecting power sources (ratings of 8.01 and 7.86, respectively, out of 10).

Comparing the research findings to what consumers desire, today's portable digital devices - particularly high-drain units such as digital stills cameras (DSCs) - might be better designed using prismatic batteries.

However, only 4% of designers are using them.

Philip Rowland-Smith, Business Director Duracell Europe B2B, said: "Clearly there is a significant market opportunity for prismatics as they provide the ideal power source for tomorrow's digital devices".

"But there is an equally clear need for market education on the benefits of prismatics over traditional form factors".

The top five considerations cited for selecting batteries were, in order: environmental issues (eg recyclability), discharge curve, availability, physical geometry and cost.

Consumer demand is a key factor in the design of any product, but there are other influences as well.

Some 88% of designers stated that technology advancements influenced them while others cited legislation (51%), usage patterns (50%) and retailer demand (27%).

The study also asked designers what product-related factors impacted their work.

The top five considerations today were, in order: functionality, usability, battery life, cost and durability.

Interestingly, when asked what would influence them in five years' time, designers cited virtually the same list - but with a significant addition.

The top five for 2009 were: safety requirements/legislation, battery life, durability, usability and functionality.

The findings suggest that safety and environmental legislation coming into effect over the next few years will heavily influence the products coming to market.

Duracell found that 81% of designers view environmental impact as a key factor when designing products.

According to the UK Department of Trade and Industry, 45% of all portable batteries sold in the EU went to final disposal in 2002.

The EC Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) addresses this by mandating that manufacturers separate batteries from the appliance prior to recycling.

After spent portable batteries are removed from waste electrical and electronic equipment, they will soon become subject to a European Battery Directive currently in preparation.

This directive aims at creating free of charge collection schemes in all member states, promoting the recycling of batteries.

An additional requirement will be the marking of all batteries, wherever possible, with the "crossed wheelie bin" symbol on the battery label.

By the end of 2006, the EEE industry must achieve a target of recovering a minimum of 70-80% of electronic goods and recycling a minimum of 50%.

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