Battery Charging Systems

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Introduction

Battery charging systems are components used to recharge a wide variety of cordless, battery charged devices such as digital music players, lap tops, mobile phones and electric shavers. More than 230 million devices with battery charging systems are currently in use in American homes today. Conventional battery charging systems - even when not actively charging a product - can draw 5 to 20 times more energy than is actually stored in the battery. On average, ENERGY STAR qualified battery charging systems can use 35% less energy than conventional systems. Using more energy efficient battery chargers has the potential to save Americans more than 1 billion kWh of energy per year, saving consumers more than $100 million annually while preventing the release of more than 1 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions - equivalent to taking 150,000 cars off the road.

Technology Options

Battery charging systems all work in essentially the same way. They are comprised of two separate parts that, in order to save the maximum amount of energy, must both be working as efficiently as possible. Batteries experience energy loss at two different intervals: charging and discharging. High quality batteries can soften these energy depletion episodes and result in higher efficiency gains. Lithium ion batteries contain properties that make them more energy efficient and longer lasting than nickel-cadmium batteries, and they are also becoming more reasonably priced.

Efficiency Benefits

Many rechargeable battery types are available in the same sizes as those that are disposable, such as AA, AAA and CR123A, and can therefore meet the requirements of your everyday electronics. While the rechargeable cells are initially higher in cost, they have a significantly longer life span than disposable batteries and will save you money over time. Rechargeable batteries can also reduce toxic materials sent to landfills compared to an equivalent series of disposable batteries. Whether you are shopping for an independent battery charger, or a device that uses built-in batteries, always look for the ENERGY STAR label to ensure efficiency.

Manufacturers

Visit the ENERGY STAR website for a complete list of qualified Battery Charging Systems.