In recent years, the demand for rechargeable batteries has skyrocketed due to the proliferation of portable electronic devices like laptops, cell phones, MP3 players, and cordless power tools.
Since 1859, when French physicist Gaston Plante developed the lead acid cell, rechargeable batteries have been available. The lead anode, lead dioxide cathode, and sulfuric acid electrolyte of the Plante battery were forerunners to those of today’s car batteries.
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The recharging capacity of a battery is expressed in milliampere hours (mAh) (milli amp hours). This number is found both on the battery and its packaging. The capacity of a battery is the total amount of energy it can store. More energy stored in a battery means it can supply more current to your device for longer.
The capacities of AA rechargeable batteries range from 1,300mAh to 2,900mAh. AAA batteries can be recharged to a maximum capacity of 1,100mAh. The number of times you can recharge and reuse a rechargeable battery ranges from 500 to 1000. There is a correlation between battery performance and the technology used to create the batteries.
For example, the iPhone 4S battery is a Lithium-ion battery and has a capacity of 1430 mAh. Likewise, Hyper Tough Batteries are also Lithium-ion batteries.
How do rechargeable batteries work?
In a typical battery, a porous insulator acts as a barrier between two metals or compounds with contrasting chemical potentials. When electrons are free to move through the compound via the connected external device, they receive energy from the chemical potential, which is stored in the atoms and bonds of the compound.
A conductive fluid, such as salt water or table salt, is used as an electrolyte to facilitate the transfer of soluble ions between the reacting metals.
When a battery is discharged, electrons are lost at the anode and gained at the cathode. Our electronic devices function because electrons flow from the anode to the cathode via the external connection.
Comparison between rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries
Both primary cells (which are not rechargeable) and secondary cells (which are rechargeable) generate current via an electrochemical reaction between an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte. However, the reaction can be reversed in a rechargeable battery. The iPhone 4S battery is rechargeable with merely a 1430 mAh capacity.
A secondary cell’s charge is restored when the negative-to-positive electron flow that occurs during discharge is met with electrical energy from an external source. Lithium-ion (LiOn) batteries are currently the most popular type of rechargeable battery on the market. Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) and nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries have also been very popular in the past. You can change the Hyper Tough Batteries with similar Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries.
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Comparison between Lithium and Lithium-ion batteries
In contrast to Lithium-ion batteries, which can be recharged after use, Lithium batteries can only be used once and then discarded. However, lithium-ion batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times before needing to be replaced, making them a more sustainable option.
Lithium batteries have a much longer shelf life than their nickel-cadmium counterparts do. While lithium batteries can keep their charge for up to 12 years, lithium-ion batteries only last for 2–3 years. Lithium-ion and Lithium-polymer batteries aren’t the only options out there, and in this post, we’ll explain the distinctions between the two.
Technical specifications of rechargeable batteries
It’s important to note that not all rechargeable batteries are created equal. One of the first types of widely available secondary cells was nickel-cadmium (NiCd), but they had a frustrating feature called the memory effect.
The capacity of these batteries would rapidly degrade if they weren’t fully discharged after each use. In favor of NiMH batteries, NiCd ones were gradually phased out. Although these secondary cells have a greater capacity and are less vulnerable to the memory effect, they don’t last very long.
LiOn batteries, like NiMH ones, last a long time, but they have other advantages: they are more compact and lightweight, have a higher voltage output, and hold their charge for longer. Almost every modern portable device relies on this technology in some capacity. However, you won’t find LiOn batteries in common sizes like AAA, AA, C, or D right now, and they’re also more expensive. Moreover, the battery grips can be used for cameras like Panasonic G7 Battery Grip.
Precautions about NiCd and NiMH batteries
When using NiCd or NiMH batteries, charging can be a bit of a challenge. Overcharging them can reduce their efficiency, so be careful. Some chargers automatically switch to a trickle charge or turn off completely once charging is complete to avoid this.
Reconditioning NiCd and NiMH batteries entail cycling them through a full discharge and recharge at regular intervals to prevent excessive capacity decline. However, LiOn batteries never require reconditioning because their high-tech chargers prevent overcharging.
The life of a rechargeable battery is limited, no matter how many times you charge it. Whenever they finally give out, take them to a recycling center for proper disposal.
Is it possible to use rechargeable batteries in devices that use single-use or alkaline batteries?
Yes. Nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries are a viable alternative to primary (disposable) batteries, particularly for high-drain electronic devices. After the initial purchase, you will save money because you can reuse the batteries hundreds of times. Additionally, you will be helping the environment by reducing the need for raw materials and the number of disposable batteries that will end up in a landfill.
The voltage difference between NiMH rechargeable batteries and standard alkaline batteries can cause poor performance, making them unsuitable for use in some devices. This is the case in some brands of DAB radios, which use four or six batteries in series.
How can you charge the rechargeable batteries?
In order to recharge rechargeable batteries, you will typically need a dedicated battery charger. There is a wide range of battery chargers on the market, each with its own set of features and benefits.
However, batteries in certain devices, such as DECT cordless phones, baby monitors, and solar lights, are charged directly from the base charging unit or dock. Always double-check the manufacturer’s specifications to determine which rechargeable battery is needed for your gadget.
Conclusion
Since the invention of the Voltaic pile, battery technology has come a long way. Our fast-paced, mobile world is a clear reflection of these advancements, as it has become increasingly reliant on the mobility afforded by batteries. To think what the next generation of batteries, which promises to be smaller, more powerful, and longer lasting, will bring is mind-boggling. Likewise, you may get more alternatives for Panasonic G7 Battery Grip.
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