With the development of modern technologies, various household appliances and gadgets require more and more energy; no one is surprised by a spare battery for the phone, which is always at hand. Many manufacturers are constantly trying to increase the energy capacity of batteries and accumulators using various design developments. This article discusses rechargeable batteries, their classification and design, as well as areas of application.
Batteries and their types
On the modern market there are many offers of devices for storing electric current, but all of them can be roughly divided depending on the design. Based on this classification, batteries are:
- Lithium ion batteries are devices that contain positively and negatively charged ions inside a metal shell. The cathode and anode can be made of nickel, cobalt or other material. This unit is one of the most common and is used in most mobile phones, laptops and construction tools. Due to their characteristics, lithium-ion batteries have deep charge and discharge properties, and these cycles can be repeated up to 100 times. But there is one big disadvantage of this product - as a rule, such batteries are maintenance-free, and constant monitoring is required when recharging them, otherwise the part will swell and fail;
- Lithium polymer batteries - here a polymer fabric is used as a core, which is impregnated with electrolyte. These are safer parts, since gas formation in them during charging is minimal. Such batteries have a plastic, sealed case in which outlet terminals are located for connection to the device;
- Lead acid batteries are energy storage devices with liquid electrolyte inside. They are most often used in the automotive industry, and also as a backup power source to supply a private home during an emergency.
The listed types of batteries are the most common, therefore, for their safe operation, it is necessary to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and standards for charging and discharging the product. After exhausting their service life, batteries must be disposed of by a special organization; it is strictly forbidden to throw away batteries as household waste, since during the decay of their elements, harmful substances appear that clog the soil.
Rechargeable batteries can also be classified depending on their size:
- Rechargeable AA batteries are cylindrical in shape with polar arrangement of negative and positive terminals. Such products are used in household appliances by combining several pieces into a daisy-chain network. The capacity and voltage in them can be different, in accordance with the task being solved. These products are designated “AA” on the packaging or the battery itself;
- The battery or little finger battery is marked with the “AAA” sign. It has the same cylinder shape, but smaller in size, with connecting terminals located on two sides opposite each other. Such parts can be used either separately, or by parallel or serial joining into a common circuit. Most often they can be found in control panels for household appliances, construction measuring instruments, wall clocks;
- Rechargeable batteries in the form of a flat tablet. Such products come in different sizes for a specific device and are mainly used in wristwatches;
- Large rectangular battery with liquid current carrier. Inside such a unit there are jars of electrolyte and lead plates; they are mainly used as batteries for electric vehicles.
When choosing a particular battery, it is necessary to take into account the mounting size of the device and the operating voltage, since batteries are manufactured with different capacities and current strengths.
Battery: operating principle and application
Batteries are devices whose operation is based on the reversibility of the chemical process of oxidation and reduction of materials. Based on the definition, we can conclude that the operation of the battery consists of the accumulation of electric current through the oxidation of the cathode and anode during charging, and the restoration of all processes when power is supplied to the consumer. This algorithm is called the battery operating cycle.
During charging of the product, direct current passes through the cathode and anode and interacts with ions, and energy is accumulated. After full recharging, the mains power is turned off, and the operating voltage remains in the battery cavity until any household appliance starts operating.
Important! Batteries from different manufacturers have different technical characteristics, therefore, when charging and discharging the product, you must strictly follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
Rechargeable batteries are used in most mechanisms that operate autonomously, from household appliances to construction tools, and both universal batteries and those specially manufactured for a specific mounting size can be used.
Battery capacity
Battery capacity is a value that characterizes the time it takes for a product to be completely discharged when used as a power source for a household appliance. The higher this indicator, the more electric current the battery can contain, and accordingly, the battery life directly depends on the capacity. For example, a simple AA battery has a capacity of 2-3 thousand milliampere hours; this value is indicated on the product body or its packaging.
The energy capacity is directly affected by the weight of the part: the larger the volume and weight of the battery, the higher this indicator. Metal plates that store current and interact with the electrolyte come in different sizes and densities, so the approximate capacity of the product can be determined by the mass of the battery.
Battery chargers
Batteries, depending on their functionality and service life, can be divided into two large groups. First of all, these are conventional hydrochloric or acid batteries with a closed case and have a limited charge. Once recharged, these parts can be used until they are fully discharged and then must be disposed of properly. Such products cannot be restored, since replenishing their voltage through the mains current is impossible.
The second group includes batteries, which, after generating the main energy, can be recharged using a special device. These batteries include lithium-ion units, lead-acid batteries and lithium polymer power supplies.
The charger must be selected taking into account its voltage level and the technical characteristics of the battery being charged.
Important! You should not connect to a battery with a power of, for example, 12 Volts, a charger with an output voltage of 14 V or more, since gel or lithium ion batteries from excess current can become deformed or burst due to the formation of gases inside the cans.
Batteries for various devices are not selected by appearance - the internal “filling” is very important here. Every person who wants to purchase a quality product and save money at the same time needs a basic knowledge of the types of batteries and an understanding of their differences.
Where are batteries used?
The scope of application of various galvanic cells is extensive. Here is a partial list of devices where they are needed. They are used in:
- remote controls;
- wall and wrist clocks;
- photographic equipment;
- radio;
- children's musical and luminous toys;
- electric shavers;
- audio players;
- flashlights;
- electronic notebooks;
- hearing aids;
- tonometers.
There are such new items as a battery with a USB output for direct charging of the gadget or a battery that adapts to two sizes - AA and AAA.
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What types of batteries are there?
When purchasing a battery for your device for the first time, it is easy to make a mistake. After all, not everyone can determine the exact size by eye. Therefore, it is better to take the same TV remote control or camera with you to the store, so that the sales consultant can directly select the electroplating required according to the parameters.
Based on types (sizes), batteries are divided into:
- AAAA;
- 333b;
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The most common sizes are AA and AAA, C. The others are used much less frequently. If you look closely at the inscription on each one, you will notice markings in Latin letters. It means the following:
- R – saline. It was first produced at the beginning of the twentieth century and is still successfully used in various devices. The main advantage of such galvanic cells is their low price. Buyers of such products should know that low cost is directly related to quality. Salt batteries have a short lifespan and often need to be replaced. They are suitable for devices with low power consumption - up to 10 mA.
- LR – alkaline (alkaline). This variety is marked with the inscription ALKALAINE on the body, which in simple terms means longer operation than its salt predecessors. These batteries can withstand high sub-zero temperatures and have an extended shelf life of up to 5 years.
- CR – lithium. These “long-lasting” batteries can be recognized by the inscription on the case - LITHIUM. Their shelf life reaches 15 years. Duration of operation and increased endurance at low temperatures make them leaders in this area, although they increase the price by more than 4 times compared to alkaline ones.
- SR – silver. This type is widely used in devices such as watches, children's toys and has a long service life. Unlike outdated mercury batteries, with which silver ones are very similar, the latter do not pose a threat to human health.
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Batteries are most often used as a power source in electronics and small appliances. Be it a portable device, a flashlight, a TV or air conditioner remote control - none of these devices today can be imagined without a battery. But, despite the variety of batteries, not everyone knows how long they can work, what they are and how long they can hold a charge.
Classification by material of manufacture
There are five types of batteries. They differ from each other in the material from which the electrolyte, cathode and anode are made - their active components. So, depending on this, batteries can be salt, lithium, silver, mercury and alkaline.
Salt batteries have a small charge. When marking these power supplies, the English letter R is used. This type of battery appeared in the 50s of the 20th century. They replaced manganese-zinc batteries. Today, the size of such batteries has not changed. Manufacturing technology has changed. The electrolyte in them is ammonium chloride. Electrodes are made of zinc and manganese oxide. They are the cheapest among batteries. But they have a short shelf life - only two years. And by the end of the shelf life, the capacity decreases by about forty percent. In addition, the capacity may drop to zero at low temperatures (photo 1).
Alkaline or alkaline batteries have the inscription Alkaline on the case. Marked with the letters LR. They have the best quality and a long service life. The electrodes in them are made of manganese dioxide and zinc. They have a large capacity, good tightness, and work even in the cold. Reduced likelihood of leakage and self-discharge rate. The shelf life can be 5 years (photo 2). 
Mercury batteries are filled with mercury oxide. Didn't get much use. But they have high density and energy capacity, and operate at both very high and low temperatures (photo 3). 
In lithium batteries (marked CR), the cathode is made of lithium. The advantages of such batteries: high density and energy capacity, low weight, energy intensity independent of load current, shelf life - twelve years. The battery is not sensitive to temperature changes (photo 4). 
In terms of price, the most expensive silver batteries (SR marking). The anode in them is made of zinc, and the cathode is made of silver oxide. These batteries are used in watches. They have a long shelf life and service life. They have high density and energy capacity (photo 5). 
Classification by size
The most common American battery classification system is shown in photo 6. 
In shape and size, batteries can be “finger” or “two A” (AA), little finger or “three A” (AAA), “four A” (AAAA), “inch” or C-battery (C), “barrel” " (D), "crown" (PP3).
Also note that batteries also differ in the type of chemical reactions. There are primary elements - galvanic ones, and there are secondary ones - batteries. Thus, galvanic cells cannot be charged. They are cheaper and have greater capacity. And the batteries are reusable. They can be charged. The number of discharge/charge cycles can reach 1000. But they are more expensive and have less capacity (photo 7). 
Batteries can be alkaline (RAM). Their service life is short (about 50 recharges), and they do not work at low temperatures. Lead-acid (SLA) - withstands 600 recharges. Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) - number of cycles 1000, service life up to ten years. Nickel metal hydride (NiMH) - can withstand 500 cycles, are expensive. Lithium polymer (Li-Pol) are short-lived and quite expensive. Photo 8 shows lithium-ion batteries. 
The types of batteries, their sizes and shapes are completely different, so sometimes, when you get to the store, a person simply does not know what he needs. It is difficult to imagine modern life without batteries. They are found in all household appliances around us: watches, laptops, flashlights, electric photo frames, children's toys and remote controls.
All batteries are marked and differ in capacity, cost and appearance. When purchasing, you need to pay attention to many things so as not to purchase a low-quality battery. After all, such an element will last a very short time, and in some cases it may disrupt the functionality of the device. Let's find out what types of batteries there are, and also understand their features and characteristics.
These batteries have their own history of development. The battery as a voltaic cell became popular in the 1920s. But Georges Leclanche is considered its inventor - it was he who in 1867 created the prototype of the battery known to us. Of course, at that time the battery had a completely different look.
The Eveready company began mass-producing them for consumers. At first, the company's focus was on owners of radios, but soon the new product was appreciated by workers in mines, enterprises, and sailors.
In 1920, the well-known Duracell company appeared on the market and began producing various batteries, which were especially popular. They have become more compact, lighter and, most importantly, cheaper. They consisted of a graphite rod, manganese oxide and a zinc cup. The operating principle was based on the occurrence of an electrical impulse.
Due to the presence of a graphite rod, manganese-zinc batteries were sometimes called carbon-zinc batteries. Over the entire history of their existence, such batteries have been improved and have undergone many changes and innovations. At the moment they can be found in any store. And carbon batteries were replaced by others, as described below.
Kinds
There are different classifications of batteries: depending on the type, output voltage, size, composition. The buyer can buy all types of batteries.
Let us analyze the classification based on the materials that are included in their composition (anode, cathode, electrolyte).
They are easy to distinguish by price, because they are the cheapest. The companies represented on the market are Duracell, Sony, and Toshiba. They are advanced manganese-zinc batteries. It is advisable to use it in devices with low voltage consumption: watches, scales, remote controls.
They discharge quickly and cannot be recharged. During prolonged use, the galvanic cell may leak. At sub-zero temperatures, salt batteries stop working. Despite many shortcomings, this product is in demand on the market.
Alkaline or alkaline
How to choose a battery
You can get lost in the modern variety of types of batteries and their names. They all have different costs, which depend on the brand, the composition of the battery, its type and the power of the output voltage.
When purchasing, pay attention to the following details:
- Type of battery. If you need a watch battery, you might want to get by with a cheap salt battery. But if you don’t want to change it every six months, then take alkaline one. Buy lithium batteries for powerful devices.
- Best before date. All batteries are prone to self-discharge, only in salt batteries this is very noticeable, but in other types it is not. In any case, if you buy a new battery, it will last longer.
- The voltage you need. Disk galvanic cells are capable of delivering from 1.5 to 3 V. This is enough for the uninterrupted operation of a wristwatch or a small flashlight. Finger ones are capable of creating a voltage of 4-6 V.
- Manufacturing company. Sometimes it is better to pay for a brand than to repair a device due to a leaking battery. In addition, many companies provide a guarantee on their products. In this case, do not throw away the dated receipt and packaging.
Some batteries are marked “rechargable”: this means they can be recharged using.
Many equipment manufacturers write specifically which brands of batteries are suitable for the device. In this case, take the instructions with you and feel free to purchase the battery you need.
It is difficult to imagine the life of a person in this century without such familiar things as flashlights, TV remotes, radios, alarm clocks and other equally important household items, the “life activity” of which is provided by batteries. In other words, things that do not necessarily require connection to the network for normal operation are powered by batteries.
The operation of the product lies in its design, which consists of a metal case, inside of which there is a container with electrolyte. It provides continuous movement of electrons and ions from one electrode to another - this creates a current. Over a period of time, the electrolyte in the battery loses its ability to produce the required current, as a result of which it, as people say, “runs out.”
Products that belong to the AA standard have the following dimensions: diameter within 13 - 15 mm and length 60 mm. In everyday life they are called “finger”. This type of voltaic battery is incredibly common throughout the world. Their production began at the beginning of the last century - in 1907.
This type of battery has a clear cylindrical shape, the body of which is made of high-strength metal and has a protective insulated shell. The terminals are located on the ends of the battery. The diameter of the first is 5 mm, but the height is about 1 mm. The next one is completely smooth and flat and also includes a contact pad with a stunning diameter of 8mm. Weight can fluctuate within wide limits. They are saline and alkaline.
Saline (approx. 14 - 18 g) is much lighter than alkaline ( 22 - 24 g). Among other things, the type of electrolyte affects the overall capacity of the battery. Alkaline indicator - approx. 2900 mAh, almost as much as nickel-metal hydride batteries (3000 mAh). Salt elements have normal capacity - 1500 mAh.
Salt ones are the cheapest and most accessible option, but alkaline ones have an average cost and are also perfect for use at incredibly low temperatures. During discharge, the lowest value of total resistance is maintained. They are widespread and produced in all countries.
AA batteries are the best type of power supply, which are perfect for devices and appliances with uniform energy consumption (children's toys, flashlights). They can also work great in devices with pulsed energy consumption.
This type of battery has the following dimensions: length 44.6 mm, and the diameter is within 10.5 mm. The weight ranges around 12 g. They are colloquially called “pinky”. The voltage of this battery is 1.5 V. Batteries identical to their format are 1.25 V. The useful life of salt batteries reaches about 540 mAh. Capacity of productive alkaline batteries - 1200 mAh, nickel-metal hydride batteries - 1250 mAh.
This type of galvanic batteries is usually used in all kinds of small-sized electronic devices that consume little current, for example, in TV remote controls, portable digital audio players, portable radios, cameras, and all kinds of wireless devices.
AAA batteries can perfectly show their capabilities in devices with impulsive loads (digital cameras).
What do AA and AAA batteries have in common?
Among the common features of these two types of batteries in question is that they absolutely the same voltage, which is about 1 V. In addition, the same types of electrolytes are used for their construction.
Both types of batteries have an excellent price/quality/working time ratio, as well as reliable long-term productive operation in suitable types of devices.
What are the differences between AA and AAA batteries?
First of all, it is difficult not to notice external differences, especially in size. AA exceed in volume, in contrast to miniature AAA. The fact that AA is larger indicates their higher capacity. AA batteries are more common everywhere than pinky batteries. Each type of battery is designed for specific devices. A finger battery can freely power the same device for a much longer time than a miniature little finger battery, unless, of course, the design of the power compartment of the electronic device allows it, which is quite rare.
