Battery, Small Electronics
Sponsored Rechargeable Battery Results:
Battery » Battery Charger » Rechargeable Battery

Rechargeable Battery: Nimh, AA, C, D, AAA, Recharger, Energizer, Lithium Ion Rechargeable Batteries

By:

Published: September 5, 2007

We've all seen the words: Batteries not included. Perhaps the only thing more disappointing than realizing the lack of batteries for a new toy or gadget is finding a pair only to find out they are completely dead. Luckily, the rechargeable battery is becoming a quickly growing market. In fact, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association says the demand for the rechargeable battery is growing twice as fast as the demand for the non rechargeable battery.

The rechargeable battery is also known as a storage battery or secondary cell. The rechargeable battery's power is restored when it is charged with electrical energy using a recharger or energizer. Car starters, portable devices, and tools are just a few of the products that use rechargeable batteries. But be careful; attempting to charge a non rechargeable battery may cause it to explode. Non rechargeable batteries are not designed to accept a surge of electricity.

Lithium Ion, Nickel, Flow, VRLA, and Silver Zinc are a few of the most common types of rechargeable batteries. These batteries have different elements at their core which determine how well they recharge and how expensive they are. Also, these different rechargeable batteries are in different objects and products. They are not always interchangeable.

One type of Lithium Ion rechargeable battery is Lithium ion monomer. It is often used for laptops, Mp3 players, and other rechargeable digital equipment. Unfortunately, it can be very expensive. Lithium polymers are known for their sleek and slim design. Unlike some other rechargeable batteries, it is best if lithium ion batteries are charged regularly, often, and before their power becomes too depleted. It is best to keep them stored at colder temperatures; high temps can lead to explosion or rupture.

Nickel-cadmium is a nickel battery with the longest available life cycle. However, it is slowly fading from the market because it is extremely toxic. Nickel-iron is a strong rechargeable battery that can handle some abuse. It is mainly used as a backup option. Nickel metal hydride or NiMH is perhaps the most well-known rechargeable battery. It is often used in place of AA batteries and is less toxic. Nickel Zinc is difficult to find but is commonly used to power light electric vehicles. They are not readily available for purchase on the mass market.

A flow battery is quickly recharged by refilling the electrolyte fluid. In a Zinc-bromine flow rechargeable battery, the Zinc-bromine is stored in 2 tanks (one for negative electrodes and one for positive electrodes). VRLA stands for valve regulated lead acid. The gel type is used to power aircraft, boats, and vehicles. Absorbed glass mat is another type of VRLA. The benefit to using a VRLA is its valve system which prevents over charging.

Silver Zinc is a unique type of rechargeable battery. It was originally used to power moonbuggies, but since silver is so expensive, it no longer exists. However, in smaller batteries, the amount of silver being used is less significant. The silver allows the battery to produce very high energy and last longer than other batteries.

The rechargeable battery is a very useful product. Overall, it is much more economic than throwing away dozens of batteries that have died. Both the rechargeable and the non rechargeable battery should be disposed of carefully and correctly, according to toxic waste instructions. Also, when using a rechargeable battery, it is important to remove the battery from the recharger as soon as it is fully charged. Otherwise, there is the risk of over charging the battery, which can lead to an explosion.


Sources:
"Rechargeable Battery." Wikipedia. 18 July 2007. 18 July 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rechargeable_battery.

Rechargeable Batteries. Steve's Digicams. 1998-2007. 18 July 2007. http://www.steves-digicams.com/nimh_batteries.html .

ECO-LOGICAL. Grinning Planet. 23 Nov. 2004. 18 July 2007. http://www.grinningplanet.com/2004/11-23/rechargea ble-batteries-battery-charger-article.htm
Featured Rechargeable Battery Products: