The Crystal Cell is one of those things which has the
appearance of something other than what it really
is. It is a novelty and it is fun to play with but not
really very useful. Other forms of Galvanic Cells
produce more electrical output than the Crystal Cell.
This is my conclusion as well.
While voltage levels of a crystal cell can be more stable, and significantly greater than a galvanic cell of proportionate volume.
The current available from these types of cells is somewhat lower than a galvanic reaction.
What makes them interesting, is their long-term stability.
Many crystal cells do not seem to "drain" like a normal battery.
This gives them a longer shelf-life, as well as a longer run-time.
not to mention, some peculiar "self-recharging" aspects.
(I have an IBPointless2 cell that has been powering an LED for a month now...)
It requires more crystal cells to achieve the same current available from a galvanic cell.
This doesn't make them useless, however, it is somewhat unfeasible because the number of cells to make an equivalent "battery"
is much greater.
In a doomsday scenario - I would choose a crystal cell, over a salt-water-penny battery.
Sustainability over the long term, is much more advantageous with a crystal cell.
Where-as, the metal in the pennies will corrode quickly.
In other words : crystal cells are 'interesting', but not worth spending your time and effort on,
as long as we have store-bought batteries available to us.
