zinc air batteries look like a very good potential power source for electric and hybrid cars, not to mention cellphones and laptops

But they, like any new tech are going to be expensive.

I come from a poor country and a lot of people here just wait for china to make a cheap knock off (whether legal or not) before they get to buy new tech.

Since this is a green tech, make it open suorce so cheap chinese knockoffs will flood the market enabling poorer people to reap the benefits
-- vmaldia, Nov 02 2009

Zinc Air Batteries at Electropaedia http://www.mpoweruk.com/zinc_air.htm
[phoenix, Nov 03 2009]

Flying Car http://www.youtube....watch?v=ElS9BKSsezw
[wagster, Nov 05 2009]

From my link:
"Primary cells available in a range of button and coin cell sizes."
"Sensitive to extreme temperature and humid conditions."
"Although recharging is possible it is also inconvenient and is only suitable for high power types."

Are they closed source?
-- phoenix, Nov 03 2009


In my opinion, open source only makes sense if the desired technology is being locked up in monopolies/ cartels. I don't see any evidence of this in zinc air battery technology, but it is possible some key patents to the technology are being used to stifle its development. So yeah, we all want cheaper stuff sooner, but just saying "let's open source it" won't make it happen.
-- xaviergisz, Nov 03 2009


how exactly is a zinc-air battery "closed source" right now?
-- WcW, Nov 03 2009


which part is proprietary, the zinc or the air ?

Anyways, it's probably a scam... you want something that's neat, look at EEStor's mega-ultra-supercapacitor that will be powering the Zenn Car.
-- FlyingToaster, Nov 03 2009


So, basically, the idea behind this is "Someone holds a patent for something I want, so take the patent away from them so I can get it cheaper", yes?
-- MaxwellBuchanan, Nov 04 2009


I reckon China will make cheap knockoffs whatever happens.
-- wagster, Nov 05 2009


I second [MB]'s sentiments (-). If good new tech is invented, don't steal it, promote it. If it as good as you think it is economies of scale will bring the price down and everyone will get them. If you steal it then you just disincentivize innovation and though you get the old tech, you will be delaying even newer better tech.

I'll avoid going into a Randian rant but unless you expect this thing to solve all your problems, try to help the system as we all still need cheap solar cells, small efficient electric drive systems, cheap white LEDs etc.

Also I am still waiting for my flying car.
-- MisterQED, Nov 05 2009


//Also I am still waiting for my flying car// I believe flying cars were baked to a T by messrs. Wright about 106 years ago.
-- pocmloc, Nov 05 2009


//I am still waiting for my flying car.// Did you check the roof?
-- MaxwellBuchanan, Nov 05 2009


//I am still waiting for my flying car.//

Here it is (link).
-- wagster, Nov 05 2009



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