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 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.







 








 












 







