Due to the increasing environmental awareness of consumers, the battery has faced serious competition from rechargeable batteries in recent years. Nevertheless, it still has its right to exist and is used in remote controls, clocks, controllers and other small devices. In some applications it is even superior to the rechargeable battery.
We will give you an overview of everything you need to know about the functioning, storage, use and types of energy sources.
Functionality – short and sweet
Alkaline manganese batteries are among the most commonly produced battery types. Due to their improved chemical properties, which enable higher capacity, better load capacity and longer shelf life, they have largely replaced the previously established zinc-carbon batteries.
But what is a battery made of and how does it work? Inside a primary battery there is a negative pole (anode) and a positive pole (cathode), separated by a separator that prevents short circuits. The energy is finally generated by a current of negatively charged electrons that flow from the negative pole to the positive pole. The more and the faster the electrons are available, the more powerful the battery is.Finally, connecting a battery to the circuit of a device initiates a chemical process – electrolysis. This creates a reaction between the positive and negative poles, which causes electric charges to flow. Specifically, an ion current moves in the electrolyte and through the separator from the cathode to the anode. The resulting energy causes the lamp to glow – or the clock to tick.
Different batteries for different purposes
The type of battery you should use depends on the device and the intended use. For example, a heavy-duty battery with high energy density is required to operate cameras or game consoles. This is because the energy requirements of these devices fluctuate greatly depending on whether they are in stand-by mode or actively used.
By contrast, clocks or remote controls consume comparatively little energy over a long period of time – a primary battery is suitable here, as it supplies these devices with power constantly, reliably and permanently. Which battery is suitable for which application is shown in this news using the product lines of the German quality manufacturer Varta as an example.
Battery vs. rechargeable battery
Although the advantage of recharging may initially speak for an exclusive use of rechargeable batteries, the battery is superior in some aspects. For example, if only a short use of the energy dispenser is planned, the battery is the first choice because of the lower costs. However, they are also superior to rechargeable batteries for devices with comparatively low energy requirements, such as watches, because they retain their charge better and for longer. They also perform longer in environments that are subject to strong temperature differences.Conversely, the use of rechargeable batteries makes more sense for power guzzlers – for example in game consoles or loudspeakers. Because here the investment in more expensive batteries pays off in the long term. They also have a better ecological balance sheet. You can find an exact comparison of rechargeable batteries and batteries here.
Use and storage – Do’s and Dont’s
If some important aspects are considered when using and storing batteries, short circuits and leakage can be avoided and they can be used more effectively and for longer.Do’s
- Change all batteries in a device at the same time: The performance of a device powered by batteries or accumulators depends on the weakest energy source. For example, an old or weak battery can reduce the functionality of a product, even if the remaining batteries are new.
- Remove batteries if the device will not be used for a long period of time, if it is powered by mains electricity or if the batteries are flat: This is to prevent damage to the energy sources.
- Warm up batteries if they have been stored in the cold: If a device has been stored in a cold environment for some time, it helps to warm the batteries to a normal temperature before use. Otherwise the performance is reduced.
- Dispose of batteries properly: In the next section we explain where exactly the empty batteries belong.
- Store batteries in a cool, dry place: Avoiding extreme temperature fluctuations has a positive effect on battery performance. It is best to store batteries in their original packaging.
Dont’s
- Mix new and old batteries in one device: If old batteries leak, they can render the newly inserted ones useless. Therefore, all batteries should always be replaced at the same time.
- Use different types of batteries in a device at the same time: Again, mixing different types (e.g. alkaline batteries, high-power batteries or rechargeable batteries) can cause leakage.
- Charge primary batteries: Unlike rechargeable batteries, batteries are not suitable for recharging and reuse. Charging batteries poses a considerable safety risk.
- Incinerate batteries: Batteries must be disposed of properly. They can explode when burned.
Correct recycling
When batteries are empty, they must be disposed of properly so that they do not become a danger to the environment or your own health. In electronic stores, supermarkets or shopping centres, for example, you can hand in discharged batteries in Germany.
These are then recycled and reused in the metal industry. There the individual components are recovered and used separately. For example, steel, zinc and ferromanganese from alkaline batteries can be reused for other purposes. This is the professional way to end the life cycle of a battery.
