Types Of Batteries

A battery is a device that can store chemical energy and convert it into electrical energy when required. Essentially a battery consists of chemicals that react together to produce electrical current. Batteries are used widely in the industry and come in different sizes, capacities and shapes. Below are the most common types of batteries:

Disposable Batteries

Disposable batteries are also known as primary batteries. These batteries have a shelf life of one year to several years depending upon the materials used inside them. Common examples of disposable batteries include zinc-carbon, lithium thionyl, silver-oxide, zinc-chloride, alkaline, mercury, thermal and zinc-air batteries. Recently, paper batteries have also been introduced. These disposable batteries include mutually aligned carbon monotubes which collectively act as a lithium-ion battery. These batteries are cost efficient, light weight and can be folded and cut into any size and shape. Disposable batteries are quite cheap and their small size makes them a suitable choice for consumer products.

Reserve Batteries

These types of batteries are used when a long shelf life is desired. Reactant chemicals in such batteries are separately stored until their usage is required. Reserve batteries are used in satellites, missiles, rockets, radiosondes and bomb fuses. Reserve batteries are usually activated by adding water, electrolyte or gas into the active cathode material or partial electrolyte. Often gas, water or electrolyte is present inside the battery and can be used with a mechanical or remotely controlled electrical circuit. Reserve batteries have specific application in military and commercial devices.

Rechargeable Batteries

The demand for rechargeable batteries has doubled over the past few years in the UK. Chemical energy can be restored by electric charging which makes these batteries reusable. Rechargeable batteries have a service life of 2 years to 10 years depending upon the chemicals used. Nickel-hydrogen, nickel-cadmium, lithium-ion, lithium-sulphur, lithium-iron-phosphate and lead-acetate batteries are common examples of rechargeable batteries in the UK. Common applications of rechargeable batteries include laptops, PDAs, Bluetooth devices and military devices.

Traction Batteries

Traction batteries are high powered batteries designed to provide propulsion necessary for the movement of a heavy object. Tow motors and electric cars use these types of batteries. One of the design constraints is the power to weight ratio of these batteries which must be considered before designing a device with these batteries. This constraint is due to the fact that the device must carry the batteries as well. Common applications of these batteries include submarines, electrical cars and tow trucks.

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