With technology changing many things in our lives, many products have become an integral part of daily life. Mobile phones, tablets, game consoles, rechargeable shavers and more… Although all these products use different technologies, they all have the same common point; batteries. The types of batteries that provide the energy needed for the operation of the devices have different features. All those who are curious about batteries, such as disposable, rechargeable, lithium, are waiting for you in this article.
Before giving information about battery types and usage areas, “What is a battery?” Let’s give a short answer to the question. Battery; It is a device that allows chemical energy to be stored and converted into an electrical form. It is used in many areas of daily life and in many products. Due to its different features and usage areas, each device works with a battery type suitable for its own characteristics.
Battery Types
- Batteries are divided into two main categories according to their usage areas; disposables and rechargeable batteries. One-time batteries cannot be charged or reused when they run out of energy. They are generally preferred in devices with low power needs. The most well-known of these types of batteries are the models containing alkaline and zinc carbon material.
- Rechargeable batteries, on the other hand, are batteries that can be reused by reversing the electric current after use. These batteries are used in many products, from electric cars to mobile phones. There are different types of these batteries, also known as lithium batteries.
- Rechargeable batteries are generally known as Li-Ion batteries and there are 6 different types. These; lead-acid battery, lithium-ion battery, lithium-ion polymer battery, nickel cadmium battery, sodium metal chloride battery, nickel zinc battery, molten salt battery and reusable alkaline batteries.
- The number of charge cycles in rechargeable batteries indicates how much the battery can be discharged and charged on average. The longer the number of cycles, the longer the battery will last. Auto-discharge time, on the other hand, indicates how long it takes to discharge the battery when you are not using it. Although this is not a very high rate, each battery has a self-discharge current. As the battery ages, it discharges faster than usual and charges faster. In this case, it would be best to get a new battery.
Battery Dimensions and Considerations When Using Batteries
- Batteries used in living spaces are categorized according to their physical size rather than their capacity. The alkaline battery known as AA and the thin battery known as AAA are the most used models. Apart from these, C and D sized batteries and 9V i.e. PP3 batteries are also used.
- Apart from these batteries, there are models that are produced in small sizes and known as clock batteries. These batteries, which contain lithium and alkaline chemicals in the power supply, also have rechargeable types. Such batteries are used in devices such as clocks, flashlights, searchlights, and automobile keys.
- Rechargeable batteries, on the other hand, are specially designed for devices with the exception of AA and AAA and all other sizes. Batteries specially produced for mobile phones, tablets or computers have a very long life.
- The most important issue in battery use is unused batteries. You should not keep AA or AAA batteries in devices that you do not use for a long time. You should remove it from the device and store it in a cardboard box. Otherwise, the chemicals in the battery will damage the devices.
- Keeping batteries in cold environments such as refrigerators on hot summer days both extends their life and is healthier.
- Rechargeable batteries must be charged with suitable chargers. During charging, the batteries should not be at high temperature and should not be removed before they are fully charged.
- Finally, you should leave the waste batteries that you do not use at the recycling points without accumulating for a long time. In this way, you can protect your environment and nature.
