Electrical power in the field

Abstract

The provision of power for field use is not often given a high priority. Consequently, frustrating delays and failures occur often, necessitating costly detours and backtracking and sometimes even rendering much of the work undertaken valueless. The prime method of storing electrical energy is, of course, the battery. That much maligned, and often misunderstood object that gives up just when you need it most or expect it least. Simple you say, just stick a couple of spare truck batteries in the back of one of the Land Cruisers and the problem is solved. Or is it? That solution can provide a useable answer for expeditions doing their work in and around vehicles, but is it the best or most cost effective answer? What about the man who has to go trudging about in difficult terrain in the heat/cold needing autonomous power? He needs a truck battery like he needs a lead hat. A similar situation exists with marine data gathering. A cheap or unsuitable battery which fails in eight weeks when it should have lasted twelve, negates savings made in its purchase by causing duplication of work. Well then, what are the answers?