 - A battery is an electrochemical cell (or enclosed and protected material) that can be charged electrically to provide a static potential for power or released electrical charge when needed.
A battery generally consists of an anode, a cathode, and an
electrolyte.
Common types of commercial batteries and some of their characteristics and advantages are summarized in the following table. Battery types not shown include the Zinc-Air, Flooded Lead Acid, and Alkaline batteries.
| Battery Type | Characteristics | Typical Uses | Advantages |
|---|
| Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) battery |
Can hold a charge for up to 3 years |
Backup emergency power source |
Inexpensive |
| Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd) battery |
Fast, even energy discharge |
Appliances, audio and video equipment, toys; most popular batter |
Relatively inexpensive; widely available |
| Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery |
Typical power capacity i1.2 V - 1200 to 1500 mAh; extended life 2300 mAh; 2.5 to 4 hours battery life |
Portable computers; cellular phones; same as for Ni-Cd batteries |
No memory effect; unused capacity remains usable |
| Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) battery |
Stable and safe; highest energy capacity |
Portable computers; cellular phones; same as for Ni-Cd batteries |
Twice the charge capacity of Ni-Cd; slow self-discharge |
| LAST UPDATED: |
07 May 2007
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