Rechargeable alkaline battery
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Rechargeable alkaline battery is a type of alkaline battery that is rechargeable. This rechargeable alkaline technology was developed by Battery Technologies Inc in Canada and licensed to Rayovac, Pure Energy and Grandcell. The shapes include AAA, AA, C, D and snap-on 9-volt batteries. Rechargeable alkaline batteries have the ability to carry their charge for years, unlike NiCd and NiMH batteries and, if produced properly, are an environmentally friendly form of energy storage.
Contents |
[edit] Chemical Composition
They are chemically the same as regular batteries[citation needed]. The main difference in composition between rechargeable and regular alkaline is that the blend of materials and formula used to make the batteries has been altered to allow for the batteries to recharge. Without this modification in chemical composition, the batteries would not hold multiple charges
[edit] Proper Use and Durability
Although these batteries can be used in any device that supports a standard size (AA, AAA, C, D, etc.) they are formulated to last longest in periodical use items. This type of battery is best suited for use in low-drain devices such as remote controls, or for devices that are used periodically such as flashlights, television remotes, portable radios, etc.
Chargers designed for NiCd and NiMH batteries are not suitable for charging rechargeable alkaline cells.[citation needed] Similarly, only the charger distributed with the batteries, or sold by the same company is suitable for use in their charging. Otherwise, problems could occur due to the slight differences in formulas, and composition of each product.[citation needed]
[edit] Disadvantages From Other Rechargeable Batteries
[edit] Recharging Issues
Though they are relatively cheap and contain a high charge-capacity rechargeable alkaline batteries have some disadvantages:
- Full chargeable capacity is maintained for hundreds of cycles, only after the battery has been less than 25% discharged, at about 1.42V.
- Almost full chargeable capacity is maintained only for a few dozen recharging-cycles, only after the battery has been less than half discharged, at about 1.32V.
- After a 'Deep Discharge' they can be brought to their original high-capacity charge only after many frustrating charge-discharge cycles; thus, their 'Theoretical' high-capacity is available only for 'Emergency cases'.
[edit] Environmental Issues
Apparently some types of cells contain either mercury or cadmium and thus are a serious environment-hazard unless special care is taken for their disposal.
- As of 1994 cells manufactured by Pure Energy have been made mercury free and there is no evidence of their usage of cadmium [1]. Currently manufacturing entirely in Canada, they are also the only battery company certified for their environmentally friendly design by EcoLogo [2].
- In August 2007, other companies including Battech International followed suit and made batteries that are non-toxic and free from heavy metals [3]. Recently, when searching the Battech website, it has become noticeable that they do not carry rechargeable alkaline batteries anymore. Despite not carrying them, it is important to note that lots of other companies are deciding to go for more environmentally friendly sources of energy.
- Rayovac produced a variety of these rechargeable batteries called Renewal [4]. Rayovac discontinued these products, possibly due to complications, but similar rechargeable alkaline batteries are still available from other vendors. More recently, Rayovac has released a new line of rechargeable NiMH batteries, but from the information listed on their website, they no longer produce an alkaline rechargeable battery.
- Some say that certain types of battery chargers are able to recharge alkaline batteries as well as NiCd and NiMH, provided that the charger only has one type in it at any one time. Some claim that it is indeed possible to recharge a regular non-rechargeable alkaline battery under the right conditions and using the right type of current; this is still dangerous. There is a charger available called the Battery Xtender[5], which is specially designed to recharge ordinary alkaline batteries, in addition to NiCd and NiMH. Under ideal conditions it's supposed to recharge regular alkalines up to 10 or 15 times, though in practice five recharges is more common (after which they start to leak).[citation needed]
