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xxii PREFACE
Another feature of the Fourth Edition is the consolidation of information from two or more chap-
ters into one new chapter to provide easier access to similar battery systems or batteries for similar
applications. Part 4 on Reserve Batteries has been eliminated, and reserve systems are covered in a
new Part 4 on Specialized Battery Systems. Among the consolidated chapters is a new Chap. 13 on
Button Cell Batteries. This combines information on silver/zinc and zinc/air button cells because of
the similarity in sizes and applications for such batteries. Two chapters on Nickel-Metal Hydride
Batteries have now been combined into a new Chap. 22 since the use of such batteries in vehicular
applications is covered in a new Chap. 29. This combined chapter provides detailed information on
improvements in this technology and the development of energy cells for consumer applications and
power cells for HEVs. In the former category, the design of precharged cells for consumer applica-
tions is a major advancement.
Two new chapters on batteries for military and space applications have also been included in this
edition. In the first case, two chapters on Magnesium Water-Activated Batteries and Zinc/Silver
Oxide Reserve Batteries have been combined into a new Chap. 34 on Reserve Water-Activated
Batteries. This has been carried out because these two systems are similar in their design and appli-
cations. Two earlier chapters on military application, one on Ambient-Temperature Lithium Anode
Reserve Batteries and the other on Spin-Dependent Reserve Batteries, have also been combined into
a new Chap. 35 on Reserve Military Batteries.
With the enormous increase in the use of high-energy battery systems in consumer electronics,
field failures have become more common. A new Appendix H on Failure Analysis Methods in
Battery Technology is another new feature of this edition.
The editor wishes to acknowledge the work of more than 60 contributors who have given of their
time and energy to complete this volume. Without them, this new edition would not exist. The assis-
tance of Mrs. Lois Kisch with typing is also acknowledged. The editor is grateful for the assistance
provided by Drs. Dan Doughty, H. Frank Gibbard, Mark Salomon, and George Blomgren during the
preparation of this edition. The editor also wishes to thank Stephen S. Chapman, executive editor at
the McGraw-Hill Professional Book Group, for his advice and counsel during the planning and prepa-
ration phases of this work. The contributions of David Fogarty and his associates at McGraw-Hill and
the Glyph International team during the production phase of this volume are also acknowledged.
This Handbook was initiated by David Linden, who served as editor of the First and Second
Editions. At Dave’s request, I served as coeditor of the Third Edition. Following his death, I have
completed the Fourth Edition and sincerely hope that it meets the standards set by him in the earlier
Editions.
Thomas B. Reddy
Bronxville, New York