They are so expensive, never seem to last long enough and yet incredibly important to our lives! The electrical battery, that which converts chemical energy into electrical energy. There are two types of batteries, primary and secondary. Primary batteries are for one-time use only and generally used in vehicles, hearing aids, generators, and small household items. Secondary batteries are rechargeable and used in electronic devices such as cellular phones, cameras, mobile computers and so on.
A battery contains a collection of electrochemical cells, made from two half cells, which in turn are connected by electrolytes and electrodes, containing positive and negative ions. In a primary battery, the ions are immediately able to produce a current. However the chemical reactions are not reversible, hence the disposable nature of primary cell batteries. Zinc-carbon and alkaline primary batteries have a much higher energy density than secondary batteries, but do not last long in devices demanding a lot of power over the short term.
The secondary battery contains all the same chemical components as the primary battery, but is assembled in a discharged state with just enough moisture to conduct current. Applying an electrical current (via a battery charger) to the chemical paste reverses the chemical reaction that occurs while power is being drained. These are 'dry cell' batteries and available in varied power densities, such as nickel-cadmium, nickel-zinc, and lithium-ion.
A battery contains a collection of electrochemical cells, made from two half cells, which in turn are connected by electrolytes and electrodes, containing positive and negative ions. In a primary battery, the ions are immediately able to produce a current. However the chemical reactions are not reversible, hence the disposable nature of primary cell batteries. Zinc-carbon and alkaline primary batteries have a much higher energy density than secondary batteries, but do not last long in devices demanding a lot of power over the short term.
The secondary battery contains all the same chemical components as the primary battery, but is assembled in a discharged state with just enough moisture to conduct current. Applying an electrical current (via a battery charger) to the chemical paste reverses the chemical reaction that occurs while power is being drained. These are 'dry cell' batteries and available in varied power densities, such as nickel-cadmium, nickel-zinc, and lithium-ion.
The only kind of secondary battery that contains different chemical compounds than a primary battery is a vehicle battery. Called a 'wet cell' battery, the liquid electrolyte contained inside is not sealed, and therefore requires careful care. They are a lead-acid battery, containing a liquid that can in theory be recharged. Obviously the entire amount of power cannot be retained, but the current can be jump-started if it becomes inert. Reserve batteries are usually wet cell as well, designed for short life after a long period of storage.
Battery life is a tricky thing. Primary batteries lose up to 20% of their original power each year after manufacturing. Cold and freezing temperatures help to slow the chemical reactions causing self-discharge, but it will still occur. Secondary batteries are even worse; they lose up to 10% of their original charge in the first 24 hours and another 10% each 30 days after that. However, in 2005 new developments in battery research have brought a new nickel-metal hydride (NiMh) rechargeable battery to the market. Manufacturers claim the NiMH keeps up to 85% of its original charge for a year when stored at or below 68F (20C).
We know batteries contain several volatile chemicals that if exposed to the skin, will cause harm. We also know they are small enough be swallowed by unattended children, potentially having a fatal impact. These little packs of electricity are actually quite hazardous if not used or disposed of properly. The acid within can cause incredible damage to the earth and habitats of many animal, bird and plant species. Yet, generally speaking, it is the small household batteries that are discarded without thought, despite active programs aimed at promoting battery recycling.
Lead-acid batteries used in such places are vehicles, forklifts, generators, and golf carts, are the most readily recyclable. The batteries are ground up, the acid is neutralized and separated from the lead, and what is left can be used to manufacture new batteries. Alkaline and all forms of secondary batteries can also be recycled. Silver-oxide batteries, used in toys and watches, are recycled mostly for their mercury content.
A battery is not just a little package of power; it is a collection of chemicals holding a current. Knowing what batteries are made from and how they provide power helps to better understand their proper use, storage and disposal. Moreover, when we prepare ourselves for a power outage or natural disaster, having the knowledge of the anatomy of a battery can mean the difference between a working flashlight with relatively new batteries, and a dead flashlight because the batteries self-discharged over several years. Knowing the importance of power for heat and light and keeping a generator or a reserve power supply safely accessi
Battery life is a tricky thing. Primary batteries lose up to 20% of their original power each year after manufacturing. Cold and freezing temperatures help to slow the chemical reactions causing self-discharge, but it will still occur. Secondary batteries are even worse; they lose up to 10% of their original charge in the first 24 hours and another 10% each 30 days after that. However, in 2005 new developments in battery research have brought a new nickel-metal hydride (NiMh) rechargeable battery to the market. Manufacturers claim the NiMH keeps up to 85% of its original charge for a year when stored at or below 68F (20C).
We know batteries contain several volatile chemicals that if exposed to the skin, will cause harm. We also know they are small enough be swallowed by unattended children, potentially having a fatal impact. These little packs of electricity are actually quite hazardous if not used or disposed of properly. The acid within can cause incredible damage to the earth and habitats of many animal, bird and plant species. Yet, generally speaking, it is the small household batteries that are discarded without thought, despite active programs aimed at promoting battery recycling.
Lead-acid batteries used in such places are vehicles, forklifts, generators, and golf carts, are the most readily recyclable. The batteries are ground up, the acid is neutralized and separated from the lead, and what is left can be used to manufacture new batteries. Alkaline and all forms of secondary batteries can also be recycled. Silver-oxide batteries, used in toys and watches, are recycled mostly for their mercury content.
A battery is not just a little package of power; it is a collection of chemicals holding a current. Knowing what batteries are made from and how they provide power helps to better understand their proper use, storage and disposal. Moreover, when we prepare ourselves for a power outage or natural disaster, having the knowledge of the anatomy of a battery can mean the difference between a working flashlight with relatively new batteries, and a dead flashlight because the batteries self-discharged over several years. Knowing the importance of power for heat and light and keeping a generator or a reserve power supply safely accessi
We know batteries contain several volatile chemicals that if exposed to the skin, will cause harm. We also know they are small enough be swallowed by unattended children, potentially having a fatal impact. These little packs of electricity are actually quite hazardous if not used or disposed of properly. The acid within can cause incredible damage to the earth and habitats of many animal, bird and plant species. Yet, generally speaking, it is the small household batteries that are discarded without thought, despite active programs aimed at promoting battery recycling.
Lead-acid batteries used in such places are vehicles, forklifts, generators, and golf carts, are the most readily recyclable. The batteries are ground up, the acid is neutralized and separated from the lead, and what is left can be used to manufacture new batteries. Alkaline and all forms of secondary batteries can also be recycled. Silver-oxide batteries, used in toys and watches, are recycled mostly for their mercury content.
A battery is not just a little package of power; it is a collection of chemicals holding a current. Knowing what batteries are made from and how they provide power helps to better understand their proper use, storage and disposal. Moreover, when we prepare ourselves for a power outage or natural disaster, having the knowledge of the anatomy of a battery can mean the difference between a working flashlight with relatively new batteries, and a dead flashlight because the batteries self-discharged over several years. Knowing the importance of power for heat and light and keeping a generator or a reserve power supply safely accessible at all times means peace of mind for the whole family
About the Author:
Lead-acid batteries used in such places are vehicles, forklifts, generators, and golf carts, are the most readily recyclable. The batteries are ground up, the acid is neutralized and separated from the lead, and what is left can be used to manufacture new batteries. Alkaline and all forms of secondary batteries can also be recycled. Silver-oxide batteries, used in toys and watches, are recycled mostly for their mercury content.
A battery is not just a little package of power; it is a collection of chemicals holding a current. Knowing what batteries are made from and how they provide power helps to better understand their proper use, storage and disposal. Moreover, when we prepare ourselves for a power outage or natural disaster, having the knowledge of the anatomy of a battery can mean the difference between a working flashlight with relatively new batteries, and a dead flashlight because the batteries self-discharged over several years. Knowing the importance of power for heat and light and keeping a generator or a reserve power supply safely accessible at all times means peace of mind for the whole family
About the Author:
Michael Ryion is a representative of GEGenerators. We want to help you pick the best backup portable generators for home use or business. We specialize in General Electric standby generators, as well as, accessories such as maintenance kits, status panels and cold weather kits for air cooled generator systems. For more information, please visit us online today!