Ready to scale the heights of adventure? Your batteries are

An Everest expedition to study the medical effects of hypoxia, or low-oxygen levels, relied on the same dryfit gel batteries as are used by caravan and boat owners.

They were chosen for their lack of acid vapours, and the gel casing, which protected the batteries from damage whilst being hauled up the mountain sides.

After the expedition returned to the UK, Mike Carrington, senior applications engineer at Exide Technologies carried out tests on the batteries.

He told Processing Talk: "Initial tests showed that the batteries had been left fully discharged after the expedition, for a long period, which is not recommended.

"However, we found that they retained 80 per cent of their capacity upon first charge and they increased capacity with further charge /discharge cycles, which is impressive."

The research team will now use the results of their laboratory and mountainside tests to benefit intensive care treatment for patients suffering from a range of life-threatening conditions including blue babies, congenital heart disease, chronic bronchitis and cystic fibrosis.

09/01/2008 11:32:32