How Do Batteries Work? The Ultimate Guide to Energy Storage

by | Educational, Energy

Batteries are an integral part of the modern world. They allow us to carry energy with us and power our devices without the need to be tethered to an outlet or a cord. However, there is such growing demand for energy storage and batteries that last longer and power more  energy-intensive devices that there may be problems for their future.   

Join us as we cover how batteries work, what the different types are made from, and potential issues for safety and performance.  

How Do Batteries Work? 

Batteries are devices used to store chemical energy that can be converted to useful and portable electrical energy. They allow for a free flow of electrons in the form of an electric current that can be used to power devices connected to the battery power source. Batteries balance this flow of electrons by using an electrolyte solution that is in contact with electrodes at the positive and negative ends — the little “plus” and “negative” signs that you see on all batteries.  

While this is the general method in which batteries work, there are several different ways they can function. These include electrochemical ones that produce electricity using an electrolyte and two different metals suspended inside, allowing electrons to flow from the negative end to the positive end to create a current.  

What Are Batteries Made Of? 

The typical battery is composed of a steel casing and a mix of zinc with manganese and potassium or graphite. In addition, the remaining components are made of plastic and paper on the outside. This is the case for average household batteries, such as alkaline AA, AAA, C, D, and 9-volt versions, as well as encased batteries such as those in your phone or car.  

How Batteries Are Made? 

A steel container forms the battery casing, which holds the electrodes, an anode (the negative terminal) and a cathode (the positive terminal). The positive side of a battery is made from rings of manganese dioxide and graphite. The negative side is made from a zinc paste located inside a separator, which keeps the electrodes from touching each other. This is the only thing preventing a short circuit within the battery. 

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When Were Batteries Invented? 

The first instance of a “true” battery was created by Italian physicist Alessandro Volta in 1800. Volta used copper and zinc, stacking them in columns separated by pieces of cloth soaked in brine (salty water). He then had wires connected to both ends of the columns, which produced a stable and continuous current.  

In terms of modern batteries, the first lead acid battery was created in 1859. These batteries are still used today in almost all internal combustion engine vehicles. They were also the beginning of the rechargeable battery trend.  

Today, batteries are incredibly diverse. They range in size from those large enough to store the power from solar farms to those small enough to fit inside electronic watches — and many batteries are now rechargeable.  

What Are the Different Types of Batteries? 

Battery Typessource

There are two primary categories of batteries: rechargeable, such as those in phones and laptops, and non-rechargeable, such as the typical batteries found in TV remote controls. However, within each of these categories are several types of batteries that are made from different materials and have different properties.  

Non-Rechargeable Batteries 

There are three main types of non-rechargeable batteries: zinc carbon, alkaline, and lithium. Alkaline are the most popular type, while lithium batteries are also common, though the closely related lithium ion batteries are usually preferred due to their rechargeable nature. Zinc carbon batteries are the easiest to construct but the least applicable to modern devices.  

Zinc Carbon Batteries 

These were the first commercial “dry” batteries, where everything was held within a casing and there were no wet parts to worry about. They have been used in flashlights and other devices for nearly 150 years.  

Alkaline Batteries 

This is the typical battery you will find in your home, such as in the TV remote or your wall clock. They come in the standard AA, AAA, C, D, and 9-volt variety.   

Rechargeable Batteries  

Rechargeable batteries used to look similar to non-rechargeable batteries and were typically removed to be put in a charger. Today, almost all rechargeable batteries stay connected to electronic devices while they charge through a cable, as with any phone, laptop, or wireless headphones.   

Lithium ion batteries are a popular choice for devices that need to hold a charge for a long time — but they’re also subject to explosion as their contents are extremely flammable. As such, nickel batteries are a safer choice even though they do not provide quite the same output. Lead acid batteries are also very useful for larger devices or machines, such as vehicles or portable electricity storage devices.  

 

Nickel Cadmium Batteries 

Nickel cadmium (NiCd) batteries in their charged state contain nickel hydroxide in the positive electrode and cadmium in the negative electrode. These batteries supply very high currents and are able to be recharged rapidly. 

Nickel Metal Hydride Batteries 

Nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries in their charged state contain nickel hydroxide in the positive electrode and a metal alloy in the negative electrode. They are a fairly stable and reliable type of rechargeable battery.  

Lithium Ion Batteries 

Lithium ion batteries contain an anode (the negative electrode) and a cathode (the positive electrode) that each serve as a host for lithium ions, which provide long-lasting energy. 

Lead Acid Batteries 

Lead acid batteries are the oldest form of rechargeable batteries. They are used most commonly in car engines and large portable charging devices. 

Are Batteries AC or DC? 

Batteries use DC electricity, much like all the electronic devices they power. Even if an AC current is provided, it is converted to DC as soon as it enters a device. Typical household batteries supply about 1.5 volts of DC electricity to devices. 

Are Batteries Capacitors? 

Batteries and capacitors differ in one major way: batteries store charge chemically, while capacitors store charge electrically. This storage is an important difference, as chemical reactions are able to store more energy, making batteries more useful in everyday situations.  

Capacitors are passive components of a circuit, rather than active, and they have a lower energy density than batteries. Because of this, charging and discharging rates are faster for capacitors — they discharge instantaneously with decreasing voltage, while batteries can run for an extended period with constant voltage. 

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Can Batteries Get Wet? 

Car Engine Battery | Can it Get Wet?source

Batteries should not get wet or even be exposed to water. Once water gets into a battery, it’s extremely difficult to get it out because of the safety vent that typical batteries feature. This is designed to keep liquid chemicals that compose the battery insides from leaking out.  

Car batteries, on the other hand, can typically get wet with no issues. This is because they are specifically designed to not allow any water to get inside — they are protected by a heavy-duty water-resistant casing. 

Can Batteries Be Recycled? 

Generally speaking, most types of batteries can easily be recycled. That said, some batteries are recycled more easily than others. This includes lead acid car batteries, which are recycled nearly 90% of the time. There are several ways to recycle batteries — be sure to check out Earth 911 to find approved recycling sites near you and the EPA website for information on how to recycle household batteries.  

What Are Some Problems With Batteries? 

Aside from potentially exposing the environment to lead and other chemicals found within batteries, these same materials can cause burns and otherwise harm skin and eyes. Additionally, toxic metals found in many batteries, such as those that contain nickel and cadmium, are known human carcinogens. On top of this, some of the worst environmental impacts associated with batteries come from the production stage during mining and refinery. 

Can Batteries Explode? 

Yes, when batteries are left next to a continuous heat source they can potentially explode. This is true mainly for alkaline batteries and lead acid batteries. It can even happen with lithium ion batteries in cell phones, which have exploded when they are charging and get too warm.  

Can Batteries Freeze? 

Batteries can freeze, but their freezing point is much lower than that of water. A fully charged battery won’t freeze until approximately -92°F (-69°C). However, when only 40% charged, batteries will freeze at approximately -16°F (-27°C). It’s important to keep batteries in a highly charged state to prevent unwanted freezing.  

Are Batteries Allowed on Planes? 

Batteries are allowed on planes, but it depends on how you pack them — as well as the type of battery it is. Regular dry batteries, such as the typical household variety (AA, AAA, C, D, or 9-volt) are allowed to be packed in both carry-on and checked bags. However, according to the TSA, spare uninstalled lithium batteries are not allowed on planes. These are only allowed if they are installed in working devices such as laptops or phones. 

What Is the Most Dangerous Battery? 

By and large, lithium-ion batteries are the most dangerous types of battery. This is largely because the only thing preventing a short-circuit is a thin slip of polypropylene (a type of plastic). This slip keeps each electrode from touching the other — and if it’s breached, the electrodes touch, which creates a lot of heat. Combine this with the fact that these batteries are filled with a flammable electrolyte solution, and it’s a recipe for danger. It can lead to explosions that damage your devices — or even worse, your skin. 

 

Are Batteries Bad for the Environment? 

Batteries for Environmentsource

Batteries have a complex relationship with the environment. As we move towards replacing fossil fuels with clean energy, batteries are integral to making this happen. However, the environmental impact of mining lithium is becoming a major issue on its own.   

It’s essential to reduce the environmental impact that is ultimately caused by demand for more and more energy. Just because we switch from fossil fuels does not immediately solve the problem — we need to make sure we are not creating the same problems with a growing mineral crisis associated with battery production.   

Companies such as Tara Energy are at the forefront of providing responsible energy that is balancing environmental impacts on all fronts. Wind energy can be stored in batteries — but if the batteries negate the positive environmental impact from sourcing wind, it’s not a true advancement. We must continue addressing the need for batteries with this in mind.

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