Can batteries be included in the design to allow for a longer, brighter light output?
A battery will power the LED in NightStar for several hours at its maximum light output (the same light output obtained when the capacitor is fully charged and the light is first turned on). Additionally, the ETS Cell in NightStar can be used to charge a battery as well as a capacitor. However, the energy storage capability of a battery is many times greater than the capacitor used in NightStar. Consequently, it would require thousands of shakes to recharge a battery using an ETS Cell. Also, because the lifetime of a rechargeable battery is rather limited, it would ultimately need to be replaced. Batteries also fail to work effectively in cold environments; capacitors do not suffer this problem. Adding a battery to NightStar would therefore weaken its design and marketability. One of the most unique and significant features of NightStar is that it will never need replacement parts or maintenance. The components within NightStar and their integrated design yield a product that can be re
