{"id":849,"date":"2019-11-22T16:45:10","date_gmt":"2019-11-22T13:45:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.armytek.com\/blog\/?p=849"},"modified":"2022-03-18T16:54:30","modified_gmt":"2022-03-18T13:54:30","slug":"battery-types-how-to-choose-the-power-source-for-your-device","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/armytek.com\/blog\/flashlights-and-accessories\/battery-types-how-to-choose-the-power-source-for-your-device\/","title":{"rendered":"Battery types. How to choose the power source for your device"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><p>A battery is the most popular power source for basic portable devices. We use batteries in wall clocks, remote controls, bathroom scales. There must be at least one battery in your house right now. How did you choose it? Probably by simply looking at the required size. But batteries are so much more than that. <\/p>\n<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A battery is the most popular power source for basic portable devices. We use batteries in wall clocks, remote controls, bathroom scales. There must be at least one battery in your house right now. How did you choose it? Probably by simply looking at the required size. But batteries are so much more than that. <br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align:center\"><p style=\"text-align:center\"><em><strong>What is a battery?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A battery can be defined as one or more electrochemical cells that are capable of converting stored chemical energy into electrical energy. It has positive (+) and negative (-) terminals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Batteries are available in numerous sizes ranging from\nthe miniature cells used in wrist watches and power hearing devices to giant\nones that offer standby power for data centers. The most popular battery sizes are AA, AAA, C, 18650, 18350.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><p>They are also different in chemical composition, capacity and rechargeability. The quality of a battery is rather significant, too, because it influences both duration and performance. If you use high-quality batteries,&nbsp;flashlight&nbsp;performance improves. Using quality batteries also decreases the risk of leakage. It is particularly important during emergencies when you want to get the longest lifespan possible out of your essential device.<br><\/p>\n<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"985\" height=\"719\" src=\"https:\/\/www.armytek.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-850\" srcset=\"https:\/\/armytek.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/1.jpg 985w, https:\/\/armytek.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/1-300x219.jpg 300w, https:\/\/armytek.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/1-768x561.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 985px) 100vw, 985px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align:center\"><p style=\"text-align:center\"><br><em><strong>Types of batteries<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br>Batteries are generally classified into primary and secondary. Primary batteries are disposable, meaning they are built to be used only once. This is because the chemical reactions that take place within primary batteries cannot be reversed. These battery types are normally used in portable devices which require minimal current drain. Common varieties of primary batteries include Alkaline batteries and Zinc-Carbon batteries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><p>Secondary batteries, also called rechargeable batteries, are built to be reused many times. These batteries can be recharged upon the application of electric current, which helps to reverse the chemical reactions that take place when the battery is used. The most popular rechargeable batteries are Lead-Acid (PbAc), Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd), Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) and Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion).<br><\/p>\n<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.armytek.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/IMG_6817-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-851\" srcset=\"https:\/\/armytek.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/IMG_6817-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/armytek.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/IMG_6817-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/armytek.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/IMG_6817-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align:center\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align:center\"><p style=\"text-align:center\"><em><strong>How to choose the battery you need?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Over the\nlast few years the range of&nbsp;battery\ntypes&nbsp;has widely expanded. That\u2019s because battery producers are\nperfectly aware of their clients\u2019 needs and do their best to meet the\nexpectations. In order to help you not to get puzzled by numerous types of batteries we examined and compared the batteries from the point of longevity, energy\ndensity, load characteristics, self-discharge, maintenance and cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Alkaline batteries<\/strong>, introduced in the middle of the 20th century, are\nmade of zinc and manganese dioxide with alkali as an electrolyte. This is the\nmost popular type of disposable power supplies with good technical\nspecifications. Alkaline batteries can work in devices with high energy consumption:\nchildren&#8217;s toys, remote controls, lamps, cameras, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Advantages<\/strong><strong>:<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Manufactured\nin standardized cylindrical forms, interchangeable with Zinc-Carbon batteries,\nand in button forms <\/li><li>Current voltage is\ngenerated evenly throughout the working time<\/li><li>5 times longer\nstorage period than that of Zinc-Chloride batteries<\/li><li>Less sensitive to cold\ntemperatures in comparison to cheaper alternatives<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Limitations:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The amount of&nbsp;current&nbsp;an alkaline battery can deliver is proportional to its size<\/li><li>The price is 4-5 times higher than that of Zinc-Chloride batteries<\/li><li>Electrical capacity reduces significantly when used in electrical appliances that require short-term current pulses of high intensity<\/li><li>Attempts to recharge standard alkaline batteries may cause rupture or leakage of hazardous liquids which will corrode the equipme<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd)<\/strong>&nbsp;batteries have been widely\nused for many years. A NiCd battery is applied where high discharge level, long\nlife and low price are relevant. As a NiCd contains toxic metals such as\ncadmium, it is environmentally unfriendly and must be recycled or disposed of\nproperly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The batteries also have \u201cmemory effect\u201d. When you recharge a NiCd battery\nthat hasn\u2019t been completely discharged, it \u201cmemorizes\u201d the previous charge\nlevel and the maximum capacity becomes equal to this level. The \u201cmemory effect\u201d\nis determined by crystallization of the battery&#8217;s substances and can decrease\nyour battery&#8217;s life span or even make it useless. In order to avoid this, you\nshould fully discharge the battery and fully charge it at least once in a few\nweeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Advantages:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Fast and easy charge even after long-time storing<\/li><li>Large number of charge \/ discharge cycles \u2014 if thoroughly maintained, a\nNiCd guarantees over 1.000 charge \/ discharge cycles<\/li><li>Excellent load performance \u2014 a NiCd permits recharging at low temperatures<\/li><li>Long shelf life in any condition of charge<\/li><li>Low cost<\/li><li>Available in various types and sizes<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Limitations:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Comparatively low energy density<\/li><li>\u201cMemory effect\u201d<\/li><li>Environmentally unfriendly<\/li><li>Comparatively high self-discharge \u2014 requires recharging after storing<\/li><li>Rather heavy<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><p><strong>Maintenance:<\/strong>\n\nNickel-Cadmium&nbsp;batteries\ncan be kept both in a charged or discharged condition. Nevertheless, long\nstoring can accelerate battery self-discharge, and result in the deactivation\nof the reactants. Although the cells can be kept at the temperatures between\n-20\u00b0C and +45\u00b0C, heat can provoke deterioration of the active chemicals, so\nkeep the cells in a clean, cool, dry, non-corrosive place. After prolonged\nstoring, 2-3 full discharge cycles may be required to renew its complete\ncapacity.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.armytek.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/IMG_6813-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-852\" srcset=\"https:\/\/armytek.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/IMG_6813-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/armytek.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/IMG_6813-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/armytek.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/IMG_6813-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Nickel-Metal Hydride\n(NiMH)&nbsp;<\/strong>batteries are less influenced\nby the \u201cmemory effect\u201d and are easier in maintenance. A NiMH battery is notable\nfor higher energy density in comparison with a NiCd. It means that you get\nincreased runtime from a much lighter battery. There are still some\ndisadvantages. A NiMH has\nproblems functioning at very low or high temperatures. Although it doesn\u2019t\ncontain heavy metals, it can\u2019t be completely recycled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Advantages:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>30-40% higher capacity than in a usual NiCd<\/li><li>Less evident \u201cmemory effect\u201d than in a NiCd. Full discharge\/charge cycles\nare needed less often<\/li><li>Easy storage<\/li><li>Environmentally friendly<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Limitations:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Limited lifetime \u2014 when frequently deep cycled, particularly at high load\ncurrents, the operation starts to worsen after 200 to 300 cycles<\/li><li>Limited discharge current \u2014 though a NiMH battery can deliver high\ndischarge currents, periodic discharges with high currents decrease the\nbattery\u2019s life span<\/li><li>The NiMH produces more heat during charge and needs a longer charge time\ncompared to the NiCd<\/li><li>High self-discharge \u2014 the NiMH has about 50% higher self-discharge in\ncomparison with the NiCd. Modern chemical additives enhance the self-discharge\nbut at the expense of lower energy density<\/li><li>Operation deteriorates when stored at high temperatures \u2014 the NiMH should\nbe kept in a cool place and at the condition of about 40% charge level<\/li><li>High maintenance \u2014 battery should be fully discharged regularly to avoid\ncrystalline formation<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Maintenance:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><p>Nickel Metal Hydride&nbsp;batteries should be kept at 40% charge level. As NiMH cells are\nnotable for a higher self-discharge rate, they will lose more charge while\nstored and will most likely demand recharging before they can be used again.<\/p>\n<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.armytek.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/IMG_6812-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-873\" srcset=\"https:\/\/armytek.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/IMG_6812-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/armytek.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/IMG_6812-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/armytek.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/IMG_6812-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align:center\"><p style=\"text-align:center\"><strong>Best batteries from Armytek<\/strong><\/p>\n<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Lithium Ion (Li-Ion)<\/strong>&nbsp;is the most rapidly\ndeveloping battery type and a new standard for portable power. Li-Ion is\napplied where light weight and high energy density are important. It weighs\nabout 20-35% less but generates the same amount of energy as a NiMH. These\nbatteries don\u2019t suffer from \u201cmemory effect\u201d unlike NiMH and NiCd batteries.\nTheir substances are non-hazardous, but as lithium inflames very easily, they\nneed special handling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Advantages:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Low self-discharge \u2013 3-6 times lower in comparison with rechargeable cells\nlike NiCd and NiMH<\/li><li>Efficiency at low temperatures<\/li><li>High energy density allows to increase battery capacity<\/li><li>Low-maintenance \u2014 no periodical discharge is required, no \u201cmemory effect\u201d<\/li><li>Lightweight compared to other batteries of\nsimilar size<\/li><li>Available in different shapes<\/li><li>Eco-friendly battery without any free lithium\nmetal<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Limitations:<\/strong><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Needs additional protection to avoid overcharge \/ deep discharge and\nshortcuts<\/li><li>Unprotected&nbsp;Lithium-Ion battery&nbsp;can\u2019t be safely applied in many devices<\/li><li>Liable to aging, even if not used. Keep the battery in a cool place at 40%\ncharge level to decrease the aging effect<\/li><li>Moderate discharge current<\/li><li>High price \u2014 about 40% higher than that of a NiCd<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Maintenance:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lithium-Ion batteries require -20\u00b0C to 60\u00b0C temperature range. For longer storing period temperatures from -20\u00b0C to 25\u00b0C are recommended. Cells should be kept at a charge level of 30% to 50%.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><p><strong>Armytek Vape Series <\/strong>batteries\nare special high\namp 18650 Li-Ion batteries for\ne-cigarettes. 18650 Li-Ion 3000mAh batteries, based on LG HG2 batteries, are\nideal for gadgets where high power consumption is required. Vape Series\nbatteries are 30 amp 18650\nbatteries, meaning their characteristics include 30A pulse and 20A continuous\ndischarge. Vape Series batteries are not provided with a PCB (Protection&nbsp;Circuit Board) but do have a safety\nvent with thermal cut-off protection.<\/p>\n<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"677\" src=\"https:\/\/www.armytek.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/3-1024x677.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-854\" srcset=\"https:\/\/armytek.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/3-1024x677.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/armytek.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/3-300x198.jpg 300w, https:\/\/armytek.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/3-768x508.jpg 768w, https:\/\/armytek.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/3.jpg 1321w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n<br>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align:center\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align:center\"><p style=\"text-align:center\"><strong>General Battery Care Tips<\/strong><\/p>\n<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Proper battery storage not only prolongs battery life, but also keeps you safe. The process is quite simple. Just follow the rules listed below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br> <strong>1. Store batteries in the original package.<\/strong>&nbsp;Storing batteries encapsulated in their package helps protect them against environmental impacts such as humidity. It also prevents their terminals from contacting with other metals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. Keep batteries in a cool, dry place.<\/strong>&nbsp;When you choose a place to keep your batteries, make sure it\u2019s not exposed to humidity or extreme temperatures as these conditions can provoke deterioration. Store them at around 15\u00b0C.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. Keep rechargeable batteries at a 40% charge level.<\/strong>&nbsp;Rechargeable batteries with nickel or lithium chemistry composition\nshould be stored at around 40% charge level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>4. Avoid contacts between negative and positive terminals of two batteries.<\/strong>&nbsp;If negative and positive terminals of different cells are in contact, they may conduct electricity and the batteries might be discharged.<br> <br><strong>5. Don\u2019t remove plastic caps off your batteries&#8217; terminals when you don\u2019t use them.<\/strong>&nbsp;Certain batteries have plastic caps fitted over the terminals. If you don\u2019t intend to use the batteries immediately after purchase, leave these caps on to prevent the batteries from losing their charge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>6. Remove batteries from rarely applied electronics.<\/strong>&nbsp;If batteries remain in electronic devices, they discharge faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>7. Never keep your batteries in the freezer<\/strong>&nbsp;since this decrease their ability to charge completely.<\/p>\n\n\n<p><strong>Remember:<\/strong> the conditions of battery storage depend on the active chemicals used in the cells.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Following our tips you can significantly increase the efficiency of your batteries and enjoy their operation for a much longer period!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button aligncenter\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background has-vivid-red-background-color\" href=\"https:\/\/www.armytek.com\/chargers-and-batteries\/batteries\/\">Batteries catalog<\/a><\/div>\n<br>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A battery is the most popular power source for basic portable devices. We use batteries in wall clocks, remote controls, bathroom scales. There must be at least one battery in&#8230; <a class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/armytek.com\/blog\/flashlights-and-accessories\/battery-types-how-to-choose-the-power-source-for-your-device\/\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":851,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[87,86,83,17,78,80,82,81,79],"class_list":["post-849","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-flashlights-and-accessories","tag-87","tag-86","tag-aa","tag-armytek","tag-batteries","tag-li-ion","tag-nicd","tag-nimh","tag-vape"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/armytek.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/849","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/armytek.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/armytek.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/armytek.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/armytek.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=849"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/armytek.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/849\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1288,"href":"https:\/\/armytek.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/849\/revisions\/1288"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/armytek.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/851"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/armytek.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=849"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/armytek.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=849"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/armytek.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=849"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}