All you ever wanted to know about batteries but were afraid to ask

Thanks to an e-mail from John S., I've been introduced to Battery University. It's an amazing compendium of knowledge on all things to do with batteries and their modern development.

Part One looks at the basics: different types of batteries, charging them, draining them, and so on.

Part Two examines how batteries are used (and abused) and how they behave under operating conditions. There's a particularly interesting look at hybrid motor vehicle batteries here.

Part Three is a brief behind-the-scenes look at the company that sponsors Battery University, Cadex Electronics.

There's a book available on the Web site, which goes into even more detail about batteries. Might make a good present for the geek in your life.

Battery University goes on my list of highly recommended Web sites.

Peter