Battery types Batteries generally classifies into two main groups: primary and secondary battery types. Primary batteries are disposable batteries that cannot be recycled, and the secondary is the rechargeable batteries. In addition to this main division, batteries divides into different chemical systems, each of which has their advantages and disadvantages. In the following, we will talk briefly about the various types of batteries. Primary batteries (disposable batteries) Household Batteries Household batteries is the most familiar type of battery, which is also used in most of our consumer appliances such as radios, cameras, flashlights and the like. The alkaline battery is the most common battery in the respective group. Alkaline - Alkaline The alkaline battery has a high flow resistance and energy density and long life when used continuously for equipment that is not a power guzzler. Alkaline batteries costs almost twice as much as manganese batteries, but last in return between 4-6 times longer, depending on how and where it is used of course. Compared with manganese batteries it also does well at low temperatures. Manganese / Zinc Carbon The market for manganese batteries is becoming less and less, as it generally has a much shorter lifetime than other batteries on the market. Should we therefore use a battery continuously in equipment that requires a lot of power - or at low temperatures, it is a good idea to choose either alkaline or rechargeable batteries.
Source www.batteri.dk Button cells / Button Cell Batteries Button cell batteries are similar but vary in size. You can use them in small electronic devices such as watches, hearing aids, games, toys, calculators, etc. The battery can be composed of two or more button cells and is available in several chemical systems: Lithium (CR / BR / LI) Lithium cells can produce voltages from 1.5 V (AA / AAA batteries) for approx. 3V (button cells and round cells). In many cases are Lithium Batteries able to replace ordinary alkaline batteries. Although this type of battery is more expensive than other primary batteries with longer lifetime, they do not need to be replaced as often. One thing to note is that Lithium batteries are very sensitive to rapid discharge, which can lead to overheating and in worst-case explosion. Lithium batteries are often used in appliances that have relatively high power consumption over a long period, such as watches, digital cameras, thermometers, calculators, cameras and other portable electronic devices. Zinc-Air (PR) Zinc-air batteries (non-rechargeable) and zinc-air fuel cells (mechanically-rechargeable) are electro-chemical batteries powered by oxidizing zinc with oxygen from the air. These batteries have a high energy density and are relatively inexpensive to produce. The sizes vary from very small button cells for hearing aids to slightly larger batteries in video cameras, which previously used mercury batteries, and up to very large batteries used for electric vehicles. This type of batteries can produce 1.35 V to 1.4 V. The zinc-air batteries are provided with small holes for ventilation, and are sealed with a label that shall be removed before use. They have a long shelf life as long as they are sealed so that the air is kept out. Even miniature button cells can be stored for up to 3 years at room temperature without losing so much of their capacity if their seal is not removed. Miniature cells have a relatively high self-discharge, as soon as the seal is broken and they are in contact with air. To get the most out of this type of battery, use them within a few weeks after the seal has been removed. For security reasons, the batteries are equipped with ventilation holes, which ensures that any pressure inside the battery will be release. One thing to be aware of is that zinc corrosion can produce hydrogen, which can be extremely dangerous if it accumulates in confined areas. A shorted cell also gives relatively low current. Deep discharge below 0.5 V / cell can result in a leakage. When the battery reaches down below 0.9 V / cell, very little capacity remains.
Silver Oxide (SR) A silver oxide battery (IEC code: S), also known as a silver-zinc battery, is a primary battery (although it may be produced as a secondary battery with an open circuit voltage of 1.86). Silver oxide batteries have a long life and high energy / weight ratio, but may be too expensive to use because of the high price of silver. They are available in either very small sizes as button cells, where the used amount of silver is relatively small and therefore not a significant contributor to the total production cost, or in large custom-made batteries where the superior performance of silver oxide chemistry outweigh the costs. For example, in military equipment as torpedoes and submarines. Silver oxide batteries have a higher open circuit potential than mercury batteries, and have a flatter discharge curve than standard alkaline batteries. They have approx. a 40 percent longer life than lithium-ion batteries, and have a water-based chemistry that means the batteries do not have the same problems with for example flammability as lithium ion have. A disadvantage, and something you should be aware of, is that silver oxide batteries may begin to leak when they are worn out. Usually they have a life span on about five years from the date of their application. Until recently, all the silver oxide batteries contained mercury (about 0.2%). Alkaline (LR) See description under household batteries. Mercury oxide (MR) It has been illegal to market this type of battery since 1999, as they are extremely harmful to the environment due to their high mercury content. Secondary batteries (rechargeable batteries) Rechargeable batteries are used more and more frequently today. Especially in the very power consuming devices where the batteries shall changes frequently - such as cordless phones, camcorders, hand tools, etc. By using rechargeable batteries, you both save money and the environment. Rechargeable batteries (secondary) can divides into the following chemical systems: Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) NiCd batteries are one of the oldest types of batteries available today. NiCd batteries are suitable for use at high current loads, such as hand tools require. Although they make a good performance, they are very susceptible to the "memory effect" (the formation of large crystals within the cell, which gradually impairs the effectiveness of the batteries). It is therefore important to remember periodically to charge and discharge the batteries fully in order to conserve the battery efficiency. NiCd batteries are actually one of the hardiest batteries available and it works well at low temperatures. However, it has better off not to connect to the charger for too long when it is fully charged, as well as being used regularly. It also has a relatively high self-discharge and must therefore be sent for recharge after storage. The battery type is classified as dangerous for the environment and it is therefore important that the battery will be disposed of properly when it is ready to be replaced. It can recharge up to 1500 times if the battery is used and maintained properly.
Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) NiMH batteries are the most commonly used rechargeable batteries today. A NiMH battery has a high energy density and provides up to a 40% longer life than comparable NiCd types. NiMH batteries have therefore become a natural environmental alternative to replace NiCd batteries in several electronic devices. NiMH batteries contain toxic heavy metals. This type of batteries are also less susceptible to the memory effect than NiCd and does not require a discharge and charge nearly as often. The disadvantage of these batteries is that they self-discharge relatively quickly compared to NiCd. In addition, NiMH batteries are less hardy than NiCd batteries. NiMH batteries can for example be damaged if they are exposed to overcharging (if they are in a charger for more than 24 hours after they are fully charged). Discharging and charging during high current supply and storage at high temperatures also reduce sharply the battery life. Can charges between 300-500 times, depending on how the battery is used and maintained. NiMH durable / LSD / Hybrid / Precharged Hybrid batteries are a new technology where you have taken the best of rechargeable batteries and combined with the best of alkaline batteries. Hybrid batteries have a very low self-discharge together with Alkaline batteries. Hybrid batteries are therefore ready to use right away, as they have been charged at the factory. Even after 1 year, there will still be power in the battery. Hybrid batteries can be recharged between 500-2000 times (depending on usage), which is good for both the economy and the environment. Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) One of the latest product developments in environmentally friendly rechargeable batteries are lithium ion. The use of this type of battery rises sharply. Lithium-ion has the highest energy density of rechargeable batteries and is especially good for providing power to portable equipment where both low weight and long service life are important. For example, in wireless phones. Li-Ion battery has a different battery voltage than other rechargeable batteries and therefore it often cannot directly replace them. Li-ion does not require as much maintenance as other battery types. It is not prone to the "memory effect" and do not need periodic charge and discharge cycles to prolong battery life. The self-discharge is also only approx. half of what it is for a NiCd battery. However, it needs a built-in circuitry to protect against over-current input and voltage, so overcharging will not damage the battery. Can charge between 500-1000 times, depending on how the battery is used and maintained. Lithium-Polymer (Li-Polymer) Lithium polymer has many of the same advantages and disadvantages as Li-Ion only in an ultra thin and light version. One difference is that it has a lower energy density and can be recharged less often than Li-Ion battery. For safety reasons it has a protection circuitry built like the Li-Ion battery. This type of battery is mainly used in mobile phones and laptops. Can charges between 300-500 times, depending on how the battery is used and maintained.
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4 / LFP) Lithium iron phosphate / LFP batteries have high discharge currents, very fast charging times (5 minutes), high energy density and does not explode under extreme conditions, but have lower voltage and lower start-energy density than conventional lithium-ion batteries. After 1 year of use, LFP batteries typically have the same energy density as Li-Ion batteries, but after more than 1 year of use, LFP batteries have higher energy density. The reason for this is that LFP batteries lose their capacity slower than normal Li-ion batteries. LFP batteries and standard Lithium batteries are both environmentally friendly. The major differences between these two types of batteries are that a LFP battery does not have the same security restrictions as a Lithium in terms of overheating and explosion. It has a 4-5 times longer lifetime, 8-10 times greater discharge capacity than lithium batteries, higher energy density and weighs 30-40% less. In particular, the automotive industry use this kind of battery. Can recharges 2,000 times (by a discharge down to 80% of the battery s capacity). Lead (Pb / SLA - Sealed Lead Acid) This type of battery is best economical to use in major appliances, where the weight does not have much impact. Today, most lead-acid batteries are primarily used in cars as well as for recreational use in boats, caravans etc. However, they are also very common in consumer products such as vacuum cleaners, garden tools, alarms, data backup etc. The battery type is classified as dangerous for the environment. Lead acid batteries recycles 90% when they are disposed of properly. Lead-acid batteries have the lowest self-discharge of the rechargeable batteries and can therefore be unused for up to 1 year and only lose 40% of its performance. However, the battery should always be stored fully charged, as it takes permanent damage to be discharged. Lead acid batteries are not affected by the "memory effect" and can tolerate to charge for extended periods without damage. A disadvantage, however, is that they cannot be charged fast. Typically, the charge time is between 8-16 hours. Can recharge 200-300 times, depending on how the battery is used and maintained.