Different Types of Batteries

Batteries are devices which are used to convert stored energy into electrical energy. This energy can then be used to power a number of portable electrical devices. There are many different types of batteries available to purchase. This article takes a look at some of the main types of batteries and how they operate.

Nickel Cadmium

These types of batteries were once popular, but they are becoming out of date now particularly because they are heavy and they have a poor battery life. New laptops do not use this type of battery anymore, but you may still find them in some older products. Cadmium is a toxic material, so you should always ensure that you old nickel cadmium batteries are disposed of properly.

Lithium Ion

Lithium ion batteries are commonly used to power modern portable electrical appliances. They are able to produce an electrical charge much in the same way that a nickel metal hydride battery does. Lithium batteries have several huge benefits over nickel metal hydride batteries, including the fact that they weigh 20 - 30 % less and that they do not suffer from the battery 'memory effect'. However, lithium does ignite easily, therefore it requires careful handling and it needs to be disposed of in the correct manner.

Nickel Metal Hydride

These batteries are what replaced many of the cadmium batteries because they were less toxic and they had longer battery lives. One problem experienced with these batteries is that they are prone to malfunctioning in extremely low and high temperatures, plus they can not be fully recycled.

Smart Batteries

Smart batteries use special internal circuit boards to allow them to communicate with electrical devices. They are commonly used in laptops and computers, so that the computer can display information regarding the current battery life and how much power is left. This will allow you to easily charge your computer before it completely runs out of power. Smart batteries also have an estimated 15% extra battery life in comparison to non-smart batteries.

Solar Batteries

Solar batteries are batteries which can be charged up by absorbing the light from the sun. This stored solar energy is then converted into electric energy to power electrical items. There is a huge range of solar panel batteries available to suit all needs. They are good to use when you are camping and you do not have access to a main power line, but you still require a small amount of power to charge or power electrical items.

Where to Purchase Batteries

The best place to purchase a battery is from a specialist online retailer. They will stock the largest selection of products, plus you will be able to communicate with knowledgeable employees who will be able to help you to make the best choice for your needs. All major battery supply retailers will have a website where you can view more detailed information on the products that they offer. Always choose an established and reputable seller to ensure that you will be receiving high quality batteries.

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