The Battery World - Types and Applications (part 2)

Batteries have three main components: positive electrode, negative electrode, and the chemical compound. When we refer to a battery, we are speaking of the chemistry of the battery such as alkaline or lithium batteries. Different chemical compounds have different electrical characteristics and applications. The battery industry has developed several types of batteries for today's electronic devices. Common types of batteries are:
COMMON TYPES OF BATTERIES
Chemical Battery
Disposable Batteries
Alkaline
Lithium
Silver-Oxide
Zinc-Air
Zinc-Carbon
Rechargeable Batteries
Lead-Acid
Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd)
Nickel-Metal Hydrate (Ni-MH)
Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Lithium-Polymer (Li-Poly)
Fuel Cell
Physical Battery
Solar Battery Applications of BatteryOne might ask: What kind of batteries should I use for my electronic devices? Generally speaking, most household electronics such as radios, clocks, toys, remote controls etc., use disposable batteries. On the other hand, majority of modern electronic devices such as notebook/laptop computers, camcorders, digital cameras, cellular phones, PDA's… etc., use rechargeable batteries with the exceptions that some are designed to use both disposable and rechargeable batteries. When engineers design an electronic device, they determine what is the most suitable battery for the device based on the device's operating voltage requirements, the available space, and the power consumption characteristics. Due to the environmental concerns and long term operating costs for the device, in most cases, rechargeable batteries along with chargers are chosen as the sources of energy. Reusable energy is what makes portable electronics a convenient reality. Below are the applications and descriptions of common batteries.
TYPE
MODEL/SHAPE
APPLICATION
REMARK
DISPOSABLE BATTERIES
Alkaline
D, C, AA, AAA, N, 9V
Boom-box radios, flash lights, remote controls, cameras, CD players, shavers… etc.
Suitable for higher power consumption devices.
Lithium
Button, Cylinder Shape
Measurement instruments, back-up power
Suitable for most electronic devices require stable operating voltage.
Silver-Oxide
Button Shape
Watches, calculators, cameras… etc.
Suitable for small and staple power consumption devices
Zinc-Air
Button shape
Hear-aid

Zinc-Carbon
D, C, AA, AAA, N, 9V
Radio, flash light, remote control, toy… and other
Suitable for low power consumption electronic devices
RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES
Lead-Acid
Packs, usually cubical
Back-up power, transportation equipment
Economical reusable energy, but bulky.
Nickel-Cadmium(Ni-Cd)
Cylinder Shape
Power tools, and other electronic products.
Suitable for devices that require instant high power drain or other special environments and requirements.
Nickel-Metal Hydrate(Ni-MH)
Cylinder and Rectangular Shape (*1)
Power tools, back-up power, transportation equipment, and all other electronic devices.
Economical reusable energy offers good price/performance value.
Lithium-Ion(Li-Ion)
Cylinder and Rectangular Shape (*1,*2)
All electronic devices including computer, communication, and consumer electronics.
Mostly used on portable electronic devices.
Lithium-Polymer(Li-Poly)
Rectangular Shape (*1,*2)
All electronic devices including computer, communication, and consumer electronics.
Mostly used on portable electronic devices.
Fuel Cell
Packs,
Transportation Equipment
For use with high power consumption equipment.*1. In real world applications, depends on the requirements of the devices, more than one battery may be used at the same time to create a battery pack.*2. The size of battery can be customized to suit the needs of individual electronic device.
Different types of battery have different electrical characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. There's no single type of battery that can fulfill the needs of all electronic devices