Customer Reviews

Handbook Of Batteries

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Linden's Handbook of Batteries, 4th Edition

When I was President of Duracell's New Products and Technology Division, David Linden was working for us at the same time as a consultant. At that time David was working on his second edition. Now I have acquired all 4 editions and can say there are no other reference books on battery and fuel cell technology that are nearly as comprehensive as these books. I have just started using the 4th edition and it contains much needed technology updates on old as well as new battery chemistries. This is absolutely critical because of the substantial R&D investment in battery technologies which has occurred in the last 15 years due to the rapid growth of portable electronics, handheld phones, notebook computers, and, recently, electric vehicles of many types. Tom Reddy has done an outstanding job, carrying on the work of David Linden by collecting and editing all the newest battery technology information. For anyone serious in understanding the complexities of electrochemistry this 4th Edition is a must have.

This is a most useful and comprehensive reference for almost any conceivable battery type and application. From the applications engineer wishing to design an appropriate power source to the scientist engaged in fundamental research on battery materials for the next generation, there is something here for everyone. I run a physics/materials science lab at a university and therefore consider myself in the latter category. The Handbook is required reading for all of my students. I basically agree with the more positive reviews of the 3rd addition on this website, including the negative aspect of these otherwise complimentary accounts, in that the 2001 edition is badly out of date for the 2010 engineer or scientist. This critical need has been met by the 4th edition and I will comment briefly on the updated material. There are several entirely new chapters and many of the original chapters have also been updated (in some cases, significantly). This new material could not come at a more opportune time. The pressure of climate change calls out for new batteries and battery systems to power electric cars and provide stabilization of the electricity grid which will rely more and more on renewable but intermittent generation from wind and solar. Another notable addition is a new chapter on batteries for biomedical applications, which describe applications ranging from saving lives (e.g. cardiac defibrillators) to improving the quality of life (e.g. drug delivery pumps). Also notable is a new Appendix on failure analysis, which goes beyond the basic chemistry and operation principles and provides very useful guidance for troubleshooting systems in the field. All chapters are written by the leading experts in their fields

The book is well written and full of detail that brings the amazing complexity of these devices into scrutiny. The breadth of chemistry types are well covered. The application I am researching was covered but not in as much detail as I would have liked. This is partial due to the fact that the application is for long duration very low discharge devices and this use is not wide spread. The fact that this was covered at all was worth the price of the book. Technical, yes for the engineer you know and love.

The 4th Edition of the Linden Handbook of Batteries is exceptional in that it recognizes the tremendous progress of the past ten years in this field. Billions of cell phones, billions of portable computer devices and ultimately hundreds of millions of electric vehicles, including electric two-wheelers that number around150 million worldwide today, will be in use because of the rapid advances in the battery technology accurately described in the 4th Edition. Dr. Reddy recognized that major changes have taken place since the last edition and incorporated them in a major restructuring of the Handbook. A new Chapter 29 reviews advances in batteries for electric vehicles including hybrids. The relative importance and future role to be played by Nickel-Metal-Hydride and Lithium Ion batteries are well discussed as both have unique contributions in the marketplace. Applications to the military and space that are so important to national security and earth information, like weather satellites, are highlighted in a new chapter that recognizes this important mission of batteries. Dr. Reddy also has wisely chosen to consolidate information in some chapters for greater access, like Reserve Systems now located with Specialized Battery Systems. The Handbook sectional authors are all very highly respected in their disciplines and some are know by this author. Overall this is an excellent Handbook that is timely and thorough for the most important technology of the 21st century.
Frank Jamerson, Ph.D.
Electric Battery Bicycle Company