While batteries are probably not something that consume much of your daily thoughts, without them, life is going to be pretty tricky. From remote controls to our mobile phones and through to our cars, without the right battery, life is going to grind to steady halt.
So, how do you ensure you find the correct battery for the right job? How do you ensure that it lasts as long as possible and that there’s no risk of damage to your device? So, which is the right battery that offers the correct voltage? One of the easiest ways to do this is to always check battery replacement charts before making your purchase.
In this article though we’re also going to give you all the knowledge that you need to make sure that you choose the right battery for the right job.
Essential Factors to Consider When Choosing a Battery
So, to start off, there are several parameters that you need to consider when choosing a battery. Sadly, there’s no one battery that’s going to work in all situations.
You’ll also need to consider that, at times, there are compromises to be made. A good example is when you want a battery that offers a lot of power. This means that the internal resistance must be much lower and that is achieved by increasing the surface area of the electrode. By gaining more power, there is a tradeoff with the battery’s energy density.
Now that you know that there are some compromises to be made, let’s look at all the things you need to consider.
Shape and Size of the Battery
Like we mentioned s earlier, batteries come in different shapes and sizes. This includes button cells, prismatic cells, and pouch cells. The size of the battery also determines its portability. Some standard sizes include the AA, AAA, and 9V batteries, which are great for portable devices you need to carry around with you.
Lithium batteries are the best for devices with less space, but which require more power. Coin cells are ideal for devices such as hand watches that require less power.
Operating Voltage
The battery voltage is another crucial parameter for choosing the correct battery. This is measured through the chemical reaction in the battery.
Every device comes with the amount of voltage they support. When you don’t take this into account then there is a real risk that you will damage the device.
Zinc-Carbon and Nickel-Metal batteries have a lower voltage range of 1.2V – 2V than others. Lithium-Ion batteries have a higher voltage that ranges between 3.2V – 4V.
Power and Energy Capacities
The amount of power that a battery has determines the amount of time it takes to run out. This power is expressed in the form of Watt-hours (Wh). To get the amount of power in a battery, you multiply the voltage by the current. While the voltage is almost fixed, the battery’s current is usually shown on it. It is expressed in ampere-hour.
If you have a 5V battery with 2 Ah, you will get a power of 10Wh. This means that it can deliver an equivalent of 2 Amp for an hour or 0.2A for 10 hours.
Operating Temperature
It is a fact that batteries work on a specified temperature range. For example, batteries used in liquid environments can work perfectly at temperatures less than 0°C. Similarly, lithium-based batteries can be used up to -35°C; however, the performance may drop slightly.
Some lithium-ion batteries operate at high temperatures between 20°C and 50°C. By going beyond the recommended temperature, you may end up ruining the battery or lowering the voltage and current. This will also result in a longer charging time.
Which battery should you choose?
So far, we have looked at some factors to consider when choosing a battery, all of which are applicable for both large and portable batteries. With that said, let’s now look at some tricks and tips you can use when choosing a battery.
- Lead-acid batteries are the best for products that consume more power. This includes things such as large sound systems and projectors.
- If you are looking for a battery for super small devices, you need a lithium polymer cell or lithium coin cell.
- Alkaline batteries will be the best solution for you if you produce large quantities of components. This is because it is relatively affordable and can be easily replaced.
- For devices that need battery replacement, then 9V or AA-sized battery will do the trick.
- Do you have a device that needs an input of up to 5V? If so, then using three alkaline (4.5V) or 4 Nickel-metal (NiMH) batteries will do the trick.
- If you are having difficulty building a rechargeable battery, you should try NiMH. Just look for battery holders, stick it with the NiMH and start charging your battery.
- Before replacing an alkaline battery with a rechargeable one, you must test if your devices will work well with lower voltages.
- Always go for high-quality chargers for your devices to have a better life span. This ensures that your device does not overcharge, thus spoiling the battery cells.
Conclusion
It is essential to get the correct battery for the right job. Without researching what you need is going to end up with the frustration of not getting the outcome you need.
Each parameter in a battery determines how well it will work and how long it will stay alive. It’s also important to note that overcharging your battery or using the wrong charger may damage it. By taking note of all the essential aspects, you can rest assured of getting the most out of your battery and keeping your devices safe at the same time.