Rechargeable Battery

A rechargeable battery is one kind of electrical battery which contains one or more electrochemical cells. It's electrochemical reactions are electrically reversible. That's why it is familiar as secondary cell. Rechargeable batteries are of different sizes and shapes. Readily available and most popular batteries that come in often-needed sizes like A, AA, AAA, C, D, and 9-volt are Nickel Metal Hydride, or NiMH. NiMH batteries are a good choice for most battery requires because they have virtually no “memory loss” effect. That means, they do not require to be fully discharged with each use to conserve capacity.

Basically, a battery charger is used to charge rechargeable batteries utilizing grid power. Few others utilize 12-volt DC power outlet of vehicle. While charging, the positive active element is oxidized and produce electrons. On the other hand, the negative element is decreased consuming electrons. Electrons create current flow in the external circuit. In lithium-ion and nickel-cadmium cells, electrolyte works as a safeguard for internal ion flow between the electrodes. In lead–acid cells, it participates in the electrochemical reaction effectively.

Applications of rechargeable batteries

Laptops, cell phones, mobile power tools like cordless screwdrivers use rechargeable batteries typically. In electric cars, electric motorcycles and scooters, electric buses, electric trucks, rechargeable batteries are used as electric vehicle battery. In order to operate under water, submarines use rechargeable batteries. They are used in diesel-electric transmission. For example we can mention, huge trucks, ships and locomotives. In stand-alone power systems and distributed power production, they have significant use.

Benefits of rechargeable batteries

Cost effective: If we can use rechargeable batteries appropriately, it can be used hundreds or even thousands of times.They definitely pay for themselves over time.So, rechargeable batteries are very cost effective.

Conserve resources: As rechargeable batteries can be used over and over, fewer batteries require to be manufactured than with single use diversities. Indeed, rechargeable batteries consume very little non-renewable natural resources than disposable batteries.

Environmental impact: Single use batteries have significant impact on our environment. Heavy metals, destructive materials and other harmful chemicals integrated with inappropriate disposal batteries cause bad impact on our environment. But rechargeable batteries have very little impact on global warming, air pollution, air acidification and water pollution. So, we can say that rechargeable batteries are environmentally friendly.

Performance: Indeed, rechargeable batteries last longer on a single charge than disposable batteries, especially in high-drain devices.

How to handle batteries

• Short circuit creates when positive and negative points of a battery are connected by electric wire. It causes huge damage to the battery or even exploration. So, do not short circuit the battery.  
• Do not drop or smash batteries.It can be destructive for cell contents. 
• Do not expose the battery to rain or moisture. 
• Always keep batteries away from fire or other sources of extreme heat. Never burn batteries. Exposure of battery to extreme heat may create an explosion.