Batteries 101: Sizes, Types, Power, and Hazards
In today’s technologically advanced world, batteries seemingly power our lives. Vehicles, cell phones, television remotes, and wireless keyboards are just a few examples of battery-operated items that get used in everyday life.
With batteries being so prevalent globally, it is essential to have a complete understanding of what they are, how they work, the available types, how a battery gets charged, associated dangers, and how they are classified. In addition to discussing those details, included in this comprehensive overview is a quick guide of vital considerations to think about when choosing a battery for your unique project.
Fun fact: Did you know that lithium batteries are not allowed on airplanes? That’s because batteries contain properties that reach extreme heat, which could quickly turn into a fire. Most lithium battery fires are difficult to extinguish, so airline authorities have banned them from their flights, at least in the United States.
What is a Battery?
Batteries are defined as a container that uses one or more cells to convert chemical energy and create electricity capable of being used as a power source. All batteries have three components:
- Anode (-)
- Cathode (+)
- An electrolyte — a compound or solution that reacts to the anode and cathode in a chemical way
Combining these three components creates a flow of electrons in a circuit, which makes a portable power source.
How Do Batteries Work?
The battery is activated when both the anode and cathode connect to a circuit, therefore causing the electrolyte and anode to form a chemical reaction. The reaction turns around and flows in a path back where another chemical reaction occurs in the cathode.
Eventually, with use, the electrolyte compound will dissipate, and that is when the battery is considered “dead” or no longer capable of producing electricity.
Charging Batteries
NiMH and lithium-ion batteries can be recharged. The only way to safely charge batteries is by using a charger from the same manufacturer or brand. The brand that produces the batteries makes the charger specifically for the components and makes for a better, more reliable connection.
Alkaline, zinc-carbon, and specialty batteries are incapable of being charged safely. When they are empty, you should dispose of them at a recycling center.
When charging batteries, the power source should immediately be disconnected if they ever become hot to the touch.
What Types of Batteries Are There?
There are various types of batteries, each with its own capabilities, uses, and components. Here are some popular battery types and what they are most commonly used for:
- Alkaline — clocks, remotes
- Zinc-carbon — clocks, remotes
- Lithium primary — toys, radios, cameras
- Mercury oxide — medical equipment, cameras
- Zinc-air — watches, hearing aids
- Silver oxide — watches, hearing aids
- Lithium-ion — cell phones, laptops, cameras
- Nickel metal hydride (NiMH) — cell phones, laptops, Bluetooth equipment
- Nickel-cadmium (NiCd) — power tools, handheld games
- Lead-acid — vacuum cleaners, alarm systems
Batteries are interchangeable between different products. Deciding which one to use often depends on the level of quality and performance expected.
Sizes of Batteries
Batteries are produced in just as many varying sizes as types. Mainly because of the desired effectiveness on the equipment it is installed in and the space available for the battery.
Some of the most common sizes include:
- AA
- AAA
- AAAA
- C
- D
- 9V
- CR123A
- 23A
- CR2032 — button batteries
There are also larger specialty battery sizes such as:
- 12 Volt
- 22 Volt
- 44 Volt
Each size offers something distinct, such as the capacity and power available inside the unit.
Powers of Batteries
How much energy is stored inside of a battery is referred to as battery power. The battery power is often expressed as a Watt-hour or WH. It’s a formula of the voltage available multiplied by how much current or amps the battery can give for a certain amount of time, generally in hours.
Voltage x Amps x Hours = Watt-hour (WH)
The specifics are often printed on the battery. Inputting the information into the formula will help you understand what kind of power can be produced.
Are Batteries Dangerous?
In theory, batteries are safe, but they can be dangerous if they’re not handled appropriately. Remember the fact about the ban on batteries on planes? The fire-starting capabilities that these units have aren’t only present on aircraft. If stored incorrectly under extreme temperatures or pressure, a fire can be ignited in the same manner in buildings, homes, offices, or anywhere.
Batteries generally don’t leak on their own but don’t touch it if you notice the electrolyte solution coming out. Use gloves when removing or disposing of a battery that’s been damaged.
The chemicals in batteries are extremely harmful if ingested, and the batteries themselves are a choking hazard. Keep them out of reach of children and pets.
As long as the batteries are carefully handled, properly stored, and only used for their primary purpose, they are entirely safe.
What to Consider When Selecting a Battery for Your Upcoming Product Design
While designing a new project, a major contributing factor to its success will be the type of power you choose. Several available options include USB, AC to DC wall adapters, and variable DC benchtop power supplies. If you want your project to be totally portable, battery power is always the way to go. Before making a decision, there are several points to take into consideration.
Performance
First of all, you should consider what type will provide the highest performance levels:
- Lithium-ion batteries
- Alkaline batteries
- Rechargeable NiMH batteries
Each type of battery offers something different. For example, if you need a large quantity, then alkaline is ideal because they are inexpensive and easy to find. If you need the ability to recharge your batteries, then NiMH is the most suitable prospect.
Sometimes, you may have to stack the batteries. If that’s the plan, you need to choose batteries with the same Ah and C capabilities. Otherwise, you’re just draining energy from the batteries more quickly.
Next, think about what kind of project you have. Is it something that’s only going to offer a one-time use? If so, there’s no need to spend the extra cost on a higher-quality or rechargeable battery.
If you’re building a project and you’re not sure where to go, our team at Jaycon knows everything related to batteries so we can guide you to choose the most appropriate type for what you’re working on. We will also help source the right battery for your product to ensure quality, safety, and long-lasting performance at a competitive price.
