Product Description

PowerGenix 4 Pack AA 1.6v High Voltage Nickel Zinc Rechargeable cells 2500 mWa

Product Details

• Brand: PowerGenix
• Model: PGX-4AAZiNc-1.6v
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: 4.50" h x 3.75" w x .75" l, .50 pounds

Features

• High Voltage 1.6v AA Offers improved performance for any high drain devices especially Digital Cameras .    Approx 30% Higher Voltage vs ordinary rechargeables 1.6v NiZn vs 1.2v NiMH

From the Manufacturer
PowerGenix has developed a high-energy density, high-cycle life and low-cost nickel-zinc (NiZn) battery ideal for applications that demand high discharge rate capabilities. The technology offers compelling performance advantages, most notably a 30% weight and size reduction coupled with higher power and superior low temperature discharge behavior. Two of the more prominent features of the PowerGenix NiZn battery are its small size and low internal resistance, which enables the delivery of significantly more power during periods of peak demand than a nickel-cadmium (NiCd) or nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery of comparable size. Although the design and construction of the cell is similar to NiCd, the higher voltage of PowerGenix's NiZn cell results in a 25% lower cell requirement in multi-cell packages, representing significant space and cost savings.

NOTE: These batteries cannot be recharged in a standard NiMh recharger. Please use a PowerGenix or other Nickel Zinc charger.

Customer Reviews

Marketing Hypes vs. Technical Facts of Nickel-Zinc Batteries
On first glance, the PowerGenix Nickel-Zinc Rechargeable Batteries seem to offer many advantages over ordinary rechargeable NiMH cells: higher voltage, higher energy density, lighter weight, longer cycle life, and so on. But before you rush to replace all your rechargeable batteries with NiZn type, let's examine each claim carefully to separate marketing hypes from technical facts:

"30% Higher Voltage" [FACT]
The NiZn cell has a nominal voltage of 1.65V, which is 30% higher than that of a NiMH cell (1.25V nominal). When freshly charged, its terminal voltage is even higher at 1.85V!

"33% Higher Energy Density" [HYPE]
The PowerGenix AA cells are marketed as "2500 milli-WATT-hour" (energy capacity). Most people may confuse this with "2500 milli-Ampere-hour" (charge capacity). But the data sheet for NiZn AA cell shows that its current capacity is only 1500mAh (this is verified by my own testing). It turns out that an 1500mAh NiZn cell actually contains the same amount of energy as a 2000mAh SANYO eneloop AA cell.
- Energy in eneloop AA cell: 1.25V * 2000mAh = 2500mWh
- Energy in PowerGenix AA cell: 1.65V * 1500mAh = 2475mWh

"30% weight and size reduction" [HYPE]
The weight of each NiZn AA cell (25g) is about the same as NiMH AA cell (27g for eneloop). For certain applications, it is possible to use three NiZn cells (3*1.65=5V) to replace four NiMH cells (4*1.25V=5V). But doing so also shortens run time by 25%.

"Longer Cycle Life" [HYPE]
PowerGenix claims service life of NiZn cell 'meets or beats' that of NiMH cells. However, technical data found on PowerGenix web site says NiZn cell is rated for 200 cycles (at 100% deep-discharge), shorter than the 500-1000 cycles cited for most NiMH cells.

"Longer shelf life" [HYPE]
It is probably true that NiZn cell offers longer shelf life than Lead-Acid batteries (which are notorious for high self-discharge rate), but how does it compare against low-self-discharge NiMH cells? In the PowerGenix "Charging Procedure" section, it says you have to recharge the NiZn batteries once every 30 days!


In summary, the only verifiable benefit for PowerGenix NiZn cell is its higher operation voltage. However, even this may turn out to be a curse rather than a blessing. For example, the light bulb in a typical two-AA flashlight is only rated for 2.3V. But a pair of freshly charged NiZn cells produce 1.85*2=3.7V, which is enough to burn out the bulb. If you intend to use those NiZn cells in your digital camera, make sure the latter is still covered by warranty!

Finally, NiZn cells cannot be recharged using ordinary NiMH chargers. You have to purchase the special PowerGenix ZiNc 4-Position Charger, and be careful not to mix up different types of AA batteries and chargers. So unless you are desperate for higher battery voltage, it is probably not worth the extra expense and risk.

Bottom line....
Yes, they are rated in milliwatt hours not milliamps. However, my digital camera loves them since they are much closer in voltage to the 1.5v of alkalines, my portable ham radio loves them (uses 6 to get over 10 volts), my GPS loves them due to higher 1.6 volt vs. 1.2 of NiMh.

Almost all of my Nimh cells are in various states of degradation, won't charge, won't hold a charge for long etc. Nimh cells are terrible for self discharge and internal self-shorting. With the NiZn cells in it, my ham radio has been sitting for over a month and the display still says 10.6 volts.

I just order 8 more of these. You will love them too.

Perfect for use in digital camera!!!!
Who cares about the technical gobbledy goop!! I have problems with my camera when I am trying to take the next picture. It seems like it takes a long time and I miss the next shot. That definitely makes a huge difference to me! Try em, you'll love em! The "eco" aspect is just an additional benefit to our planet.