Linden's Handbook of Batteries, 4th Edition

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website, including the negative aspect of these otherwise complimentary accounts, in that the 2001 edition is badly out of date for the 2010 engineer or scientist.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.

A very comprehensive and accurate book on batteries that gives the educated reader a firm unbiased background. This book is essential to anyone who is truly serious about studying and mastering any specific battery chemistry and its operations constrains.

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 book clarified and explained in great detail many matters about batteries - it's discussion of the internals and trade offs made by manufacturers is great - the breadth and depth is also very good. One note of warning though - it is a collection (but the pieces are very consistent in style etc) - so it is not complete. For example, while it talks of all the various tradeoffs for electrode materials and electrolytes for Lithium Ion cells it does not have any discussion on charging regimes or methods - or details of required protection. But for Lead Acid the charging is very well described.

Comprehensive handbook. A lot of thermodynamics. Unfortunately, in this field, much becomes dated rather rapidly, however the foundation for much of today's work is here. Must have available, but learn about current realities.

Up to date and very informative.

I am familar with this book and looked forward to having the current version on my Kindle. At $100 it is a significant savings over the hard copy. Unfortunately, in too many places the characters in the equation to the left of the equal sign are cut off in the margin. While you can sometimes figure out the missing characters, it is not always possible. I am disappointed in the current product and plan to return it if this issue is not corrected.

Batteries appear to be a neglected science. Most people take them for granted and do not realise what they are all about. My work involves me in all types of batteries and I need to keep abreast of the developments. This book is more expensive than a lot, but with such a small demand and the large amount of input, I still rate it as excellent value for money. By chance I received it on a Wednesday and a colleague at work, on Friday, asked me about batteries. By chance it was exactly what I had read in the book the night before - how coincidental can life get? At home I use rechargeable batteries in preference to primaries, so that I always have charged batteries on hand and it goes a long way to respect the environment. Related to this is the fact the I (being lucky that I can) design my own battery chargers to ensure I do not over charge the batteries and also manage the memory effects. This book has given me lots of new information which I need to improve my chargers. My present charger is built round an Arduino which enables me to easly change the parameters based on later information which I have researched. An important difference with my charger is that when the battery is charged, the charger switches off. This help to prevent gassing and loss of capacity. Over all. An excellent book and a lot to read, but it is well set out and indexed.

This is THE reference hanbook about batteries for professionnals. I'm an electrical PE and it is very useful to cut the BS from everybody that bring all their half-truth on you.

Great

This is the most thorough and complete book on batteries I have seen so far. Highly recommended for electrical engineers and for those who basic concepts are not enough.

A library 'must have'