Welcome to the Battery Academy. Here, you will find simple explanations about the batteries we use in our everyday lives.
Do you know how electricity comes out of batteries? With a wide series of contents ‐ from basic battery structure to the history of batteries, types of batteries, choosing the correct batteries, and tips for longer battery life ‐ this academy will change the way you use and think about your batteries.
Basic Knowledge
This is the basic knowledge page which teaches you basic information about batteries and their various different types. This knowledge alone will change the way you use and think about your batteries.
Lecture.01 Different characteristics for different batteries
Though we may group them all under the single term “batteries”, there are actually some 35 different types based on combinations of materials alone.If we factor in different shapes and sizes, then there are around 4,000 different kinds of battery.Batteries can be broadly divided into two main categories depending on how they generate electricity and the materials used to make them. The first is “chemical batteries” which generate electricity through chemical reactions between metallic compounds and such like.A specialist instructor will talk about “physical batteries” later, so we will just look at “chemical batteries” here.
Lecture.02 How do we get electricity from batteries? Battery structure
Chemical batteries consist of two poles ‐ positive (+) and negative (‐) ‐ and an electrolyte solution. Chemical reactions between the poles and this solution are what generate the electricity. So by using different substances for the poles and different electrolyte solutions, we can make lots of types of batteries with different properties and voltages.
Lecture.03 Primary batteries and secondary batteries
“Chemical batteries” can be further divided into two main types. The batteries we usually call “dry batteries” ‐ the ones whose energy will eventually run out after prolonged use ‐ are properly known as “primary batteries”. Then, we have those which unlike “primary batteries” can be recharged and used again after they run out. These rechargeable batteries are properly known as “secondary batteries”.
We use these two different types of batteries for different purposes in our everyday lives.
Below is a simple illustration summarizing everything we have learned so far. These are the main types of different batteries.
A simple history of batteries
With so much power crammed into such a small body, batteries are truly a result of human knowledge. Here, you can quickly breeze through the history of this technology.
Lecture.01 Discovering the principle
In 1780, an Italian biologist called Luigi Galvani discovered that when two different types of metal came into contact with a dead frog’s leg, an electrical current ran between them and caused the leg to twitch. This is said to mark the first discovery of the principle behind batteries.
The “Baghdad Battery” ‐ ceramic pot battery and the world’s oldest A “ceramic pot battery” was discovered in the remains of Khujut Rabu, a village in the outskirts of the Iraqi capital Baghdad.This battery is more than 2,000 years old. It was thought that it was used for metallic plating, rather than as a battery to generate electricity.The voltage would have been about 1.5‐2 volts. It is not known exactly what the electrolyte solution would have been, but we can imagine that they might have used vinegar or wine.
Lecture.02 Volta discovers the battery
When copper and zine are placed into an electrolyte solution like dilute sulfuric acid or saline solution, the copper atoms barely break down at all, but the zinc atoms break down and electrons flow out. So the copper becomes a positive (+) pole and the zine a negative (‐) pole, and when the two are joined by a conductor, electricity flows from the copper to the zinc. This is the Volta battery, which forms the basis for modern chemical batteries. It was discovered by another Italian named Alessandro Volta, whom the battery was named after, in 1800.
Lecture.03 Leclanché cells and dry batteries
Then, in 1868, a Frenchman called Georges Leclanché invented the “Leclanché cell”.This was the origin of today’s dry batteries, but it could be inconvenient to use as its ammonium chloride solution would spill over.
In 1888, a German called Carl Gassner invented a battery where there was no risk of the solution spilling. Because the battery would not spill even though it contained a liquid, Gassner’s invention became known as the “dry cell” or “dry battery”.
How to use batteries wisely
In the past, you might have just NJ batteries without thinking about it. Now, you can use your batteriesrrMre intelligently, safely, efficiently, and without waste.
Lecture.01 Point 1: Compatible batteries
Nickel-metal hydride batteries include types that are the same size and shape as manganese or alkaline batteries, and can be used in a wide range of devices. However, a key point when using batteries together is that you should always use the same brand, type, and performance rating.
As shown in the chart below, certain silver-oxide batteries can be used with devices compatible with alkaline button batteries, while other silver-oxide batteries can be used with devices compatible with lithium batteries.
Compatible combinations
| ALKALINE BUTTON BATTERIES (1.5V) | SILVER-OXIDE BATTERIES (1.55V) |
|---|---|
|
LR44 |
SR44 |
|
LR43 |
SR43 |
|
LR1130 |
SR1130 |
|
LR1120 |
SR1120 |
* Some batteries may not be compatible with certain devices. Always read the operating manual.
Point 2: Lifespan and safety dependent on storage method
Batteries contain chemical substances and so may be damaged by heat or humidity. Be sure to avoid storing batteries in high temperatures, high humidity, or direct sunlight.Such storage conditions would reduce the lifespan of the battery and may lead to ruptures and leakage.
If batteries have been removed from their packaging, store them in plastic or paper bags, ensuring that positive (+) and negative (‐) poles never come into contact. When storing batteries in pockets or bags, always keep them separately from keyrings, necklaces, or other metal objects to avoid short‐circuiting. (Never store batteries in metal containers either)
Store batteries out of reach of babies and small children. It is said that “92% of accidents where batteries are swallowed involve children aged three or younger.”
Point 3: How to choose and use your charger
Choose the right charger for your batteries
Choose the same manufacturer as your batteries. Choose between “Ni‐Cd/nickel‐metal hydride dual compatible”, “Ni‐Cd only”, or “nickel‐metal hydride only”; and between “AA only” or “AA/AAA dual compatible” according to how the batteries are to be used.
Check the charge capacity and features
Think about “how many batteries of which size(s) you will need to charge at once,” and whether you need features such as “charging complete displays” or “fast charging”. If you plan to carry your charger around with you, choose a light, compact model. It is also useful if the power plug can be folded away.
The key point when charging batteries together is that you should always charge the same performance batteries (brand, type, capacity).
Ensure that the positive (+) and negative (‐) poles are installed the correct way around.
If you recharge your batteries the wrong way around, they become unusable or even generate heat and rupture.
Pay attention to where batteries are charged
Use a wall socket away from any televisions or radios. This will avoid the risk of interference.
Pay attention to charging time
Charging times will vary with different chargers. Check the charger’s operating manual. Overcharging batteries will reduce their lifespan.
Take care of your charger
Occasionally wipe the positive (+) and negative (‐) contacts with a dry cloth to remove any dirt. If the contacts are dirty, it may not be possible to charge the batteries.
Point 4: Manners for disposal of batteries
Rechargeable batteries should always be recycled
Whether they are Ni‐Cd batteries, nickel‐metal hydride batteries, or lithium‐ion batteries, all rechargeable batteries can be recycled. Take them to your local electronics store. These batteries come under the Law for the Promotion of Utilization of Recycled Resources in Japan.
Recycle button batteries
This display means that “if you start using the battery before this date, it will operate with a sufficient level of performance.” It does not mean that the battery will not work after this date.
Insulate the terminals with page
Failure to do so may result in heat generation and ruptures if batteries with remaining charge come into contact with other metals.Always take the time to insulate your batteries before disposal. Never “throw,” “dismantle,” or “crush” batteries.
Check your local regulations for disposing of dry batteries
There are no legal stipulations for the disposal of dry batteries, but always follow your local rules for disposal.
Point 5: Pay attention to the symbols displayed
Recommended use-by date for dry batteries
This display means that “if you start using the battery before this date, it will operate with a sufficient level of performance. ” It does not mean that the battery will not work after this date.
Specific dry battery display example
These displays designate a recommended use‐by date of June 2017. The displays can be found on the body of the battery (base or side), or on the smallest item of packaging (e.g. on the mounting for button batteries or lithium batteries).
Zero mercury
This means that “the battery contains absolutely no mercury.”
Batteries of the Future
This section talks about “the “batteries of the future” which will become part of our lives in years to come. Hopefully you will find it as exciting as we do.
Lecture.01 Solid electrolyte batteries
These will serve as the power source for permanent artificial kidneys.
Lecture.02 Solid electrolyte batteries
The battery materials will contain no moisture so can cope with extreme temperature changes.
Lecture.03 Bio-batteries
These batteries will generate electricity from glucose in the blood, so will be useful to the healthcare field.
Lecture.04 Seawater batteries
These batteries will generate electricity from seawater, so will serve as a clean and economical source of energy.
Lecture.05 Paper batteries
These batteries will be as thin as paper and able to be reshaped freely.
Lecture.06 Temperature batteries
An eco-friendly battery which uses changes in temperature to generate electricity.
Lecture.07 Ultramicroscopic batteries
Their extremely small sizes mean they could be used in any small devices across a wide range of fields.
Lecture.08 Plastic batteries
Plastic itself can serve as a battery, so it wouldn’t need a case and there would be no restrictions on shape.
Lecture.09 25-year batteries
Emergency power sources which can be used when needed, even after 25 years.
Lecture.10 Clothing batteries
The actual clothing would work as a solar cell, making this battery both convenient and eco-friendly.