 |
The Mail 11/03/98
Charging ahead A Footscray engineer has developed the world's first recharger of disposable alkaline batteries. Mr Wilson Lee, of Digital Works Engineering in Footscray, took four years to develop the technology.
For many years it was believed normal alkaline batteries could not be recharged because they would be a fire hazard.
The "LazerCharge" is a small, compact charger able to recharge almost all types of domestic portable batteries including the popular alkaline variety. It is approved by the Chief Electrical Inspector in accordance with electrical approval regulations and certified for Australian, European and US use.
Mr Lee said he had consumers' increased usage of batteries in mind, and the effect of disposable batteries on the environment when he undertook the project.
"Research shows 15 billion batteries are disposed of annually worldwide and buried in landfill. Eventually they will leak back into our water and food. We wanted to try and reduce that", he said.
Recharging times for batteries depend on size, and an off-switch is automatically activated when the battery reaches full capacity. Most batteries may be recharged eight to 20 times.
The charger operates on electricity. It will cost about 1 cent to recharge a set of four AA batteries.
Mr Lee said the project was a financial strain on the company. "We didn't get any financial aid from the government. It is a small business and we suffered a lot financially to bring the product out", he said. "We tried to look towards the end result and didn't give up hope".
LazerCharge became available to consumers on a national television home shopping program late last month and Coles supermarkets have shown an interest in stocking the product.
Mr Lee believes the increase in battery-operated appliances may counterbalance any effect the recharger will have on battery sales.
Rating:  [5 of 5 Stars!] |
|
|
