Types of batteries and their main characteristics

Modern industry produces various types of batteries. They differ from each other in shape, voltage, capacity, marking, type, contact arrangement, operating conditions and electrolyte. Production galvanic cells Various companies are involved, including both domestic and foreign ones.

Generally, a battery is two or more power elements combined into a single power source. If there's only one, then it's called something else.

Types of batteries and their characteristics

In everyday life, in addition to regular batteries, you can also encounter rechargeable types similar to the first. While they last longer, they are also more expensive. We won't cover them in this article, but will instead focus on regular batteries.

Classification of batteries

Energy sources can be categorized according to several criteria:

• Chemical composition.
• Standard size

By chemical composition

Below, we'll present batteries classified by electrolyte type. The first two types are considered the most well-known.

Salt

The electrolyte in this type of battery is based on ammonium chloride or zinc chloride. The negative terminal, which occupies a large area of ​​the cylindrical element, is made of zinc. These elements have a carbon core treated with a special compound.

Sometimes you'll find the electrodes of these batteries made of manganese oxide. These elements are the lowest cost of all others. They are used in Chinese alarm clocks, TV remote controls, computer mice, and other small electronics. They are ideal for devices with low current consumption.

Key Features:

1. Cannot charge.
2. They may not work in cold weather.
3. They sit down quickly.
4. It may leak if used for a long time.
5. They are cheap!
6. Store for 2 years.

They are also popularly called carbon-zinc and zinc-carbon.

Read more about salt batteries here.!

Alkaline or Alkaline

These alkaline batteries use potassium hydroxide as the electrolyte. The electrodes are made of the same material as the previous type—that is, manganese dioxide and powdered zinc. Often Such batteries can be found in tablets, phones, cameras, toys, remote controls and other devices.

For the first time these galvanic power cells were released by the company Duracellin 1964. Potassium hydroxide is used as an electrolyte.

Peculiarities:

• More powerful than salt ones.
• They are little susceptible to self-discharge.
• Sealed.
• They cost a little more than the previous ones.
• Large mass.
• Can be stored for up to 5-10 years.
• Works in sub-zero temperatures down to -20 C⁰

Some alkaline batteries can be recharged, but they will cost several times more.

You can read more about this type of battery. Here!

Castings

This is a new type of battery that has appeared quite recently. They are considered superior to the ones described above. These batteries are recommended for devices with high power consumption, such as cameras, flashlights, and toys.

The anode of these batteries is made of manganese dioxide, and the cathode is made of lithium. The electrolyte is organic.

Peculiarities:

1. Increased capacity.
2. Not high self-discharge.
3. Shelf life is 10-12 years.
4. They operate at temperatures down to -40 degrees.
5. High cost.

Several subtypes can be distinguished among cast energy sources.

Lithium iodine

They use iodine as an oxidizing agent, while lithium serves as a reducing agent. As a result of these properties, they are able to retain their charge for a long time. They discharge slowly and are quite powerful. Therefore, it was decided to use them in pacemakers.

Solid-cathode lithium-ion batteries

Here, the cathode is made of lithium, and the anode is made of metal sulfides and oxides. Salt solutions serve as the electrolyte. The voltage is at 1.5 volts.

Capable of functioning perfectly in different temperature ranges. Have high capacityand compared to all the others, they are very expensive.

With liquid oxidizers

Sulfur dioxide is immersed in a thick liquid called thionyl chloride. Lithium bromide serves as the electrolyte. Carbons act as cathodes, coated on a plate made of aluminum, stainless steel, or nickel.

If a device consumes a lot of power, the battery will drain quickly. This is the main drawback of this power source. It can operate at temperatures as low as -60 degrees Celsius. Other disadvantages include its price and explosiveness. Sometimes, these batteries are highly toxic. They are used in the space and military industries.

For more information on lithium batteries, read Here!

Silver batteries

Some of the most expensive energy sources. But they are capacityApproximately 50% higher than cast iron ones, and therefore they last longer. They perform excellently in adverse weather conditions.

Their cathode is made of silver oxide, and the anode is made of zinc. Alkali metal hydroxide is used as the electrolyte. They have a dimensional capacityand a voltage of up to 1.55 volts. These batteries can be stored for up to 10 years, as they have very low self-discharge. They can be used at temperatures down to -30 degrees Celsius. Many people call them silver-zinc batteries.

They are very often used in watches, photographic equipment and medical equipment.

Zinc-air

They are highly sensitive to weather conditions. They are best used indoors. Otherwise, the air humidity may change, causing the batteries to stop working. Their main advantage is their high energy output. This is due to the fact that the cathode in this battery is not consumable. Calcium hydroxide is used as the electrolyte.

Such elements can be found on the market in two variations:

1. Push-button, tablet, flat or disc-shaped. They have a small capacity. They are used frequently.
2. Prismatic. They have an increased capacity of up to 1000 mAh.

They are environmentally friendly and are often used in medicine. However, they don't last as long as expected. They can last a maximum of one month after opening. They can operate in temperatures from -25 to +35°C.⁰Voltage 1.2-1.4 volts.

If you've already opened the packaging and activated these batteries, you'll need to seal them tightly. This will reduce self-discharge. Under these conditions, they can last for several more years.

Mercury

These are among the most toxic batteries currently available. Their toxicity has prevented them from becoming popular. These power sources can be recharged multiple times. CapacityThey quickly lose due to the liquid metal flowing into one area.

Capable of working for a long time in poor climatic conditions.

For more information about this type of battery, read this article.!

These are the types of batteries according to their composition.

Classification of batteries by size

As is well known, many batteries come in different shapes. Therefore, battery markings were developed specifically according to their type. There are European and American classifications.

Below is a table showing energy sources by size. It will help you determine the battery type.

American markings	Popular markings	Coded designations	By type	Width in mm	Height in mm	Capacity in mAh.
A	No	LR23R23	Alkaline Salt	17	50	Unknown
AA	Finger	FR6LR6R6	Lithium Alkaline Salt	14.5	50.5	1100 - 3500
AAA	Little finger	LR03FR03R03	Alkaline Lithium Salt	10.5	44.5	540 - 1300
AAAA	Little pinky	LR8D425	Alkaline	8.3	42.5	625
IN		LR12	Alkaline	21.5	60	8350
WITH	Average			26.2	50	3800 - 8000
D	Big, round	LR14 R14	Alkaline Salt	34.2	61.5	8000 - 19500
F		LR20R20	Alkaline Salt	33	91	unknown
N		LR1R1	Alkaline Salt	12	30.2	1000
½ AA		R14250	Salt	14.5	25
R10				21.5	37.3	1800
PP 3	Crown	1604, 6F22, 6R611604A, 6LF22, 6LR61, MN1604, MX1604	Salt Alkaline	26.5	48.5	150 - 1000
A 23	Mini pinky	ANSI-1181A, 8LR23, 8LR932, GP23A, E23A, LRV08, MN21, V23GA		10.5	28.9	40

The battery label shows the American markings. They also indicate the battery's composition and the date. The L number on the battery indicates that it's alkaline. Dimensions may vary slightly from the listed ones. For example, if the battery is wrapped in a thick label, its dimensions will be 1-3 mm larger. The manufacturer applies this protective sheath to protect the power source from weather conditions and impacts when dropped.

Standard notations for IEC

Designation	Type of energy source
PR	Air zinc
R	Salt
CR	Lithium
SR	Silver
LR	Alkaline

Thus, the types of galvanic cells can be different.

Button cell batteries

These types of power supplies can be called flat, flattened, disk, button, etc. They come in different chemical compositions. In fact, there are many of them, and they're listed on our website. battery-en.techinfus.com You'll be able to find over 80% of all their species. Below are the most common representatives.

• Air-zinc PR elements of sizes 5, 10, 13, 312, 630 and 675at 1.2 V.
• Lithium batteries CR with sizes from 927 and up 3032(where the first one or two digits are the diameter in millimeters, and the last two digits are the thickness in tenths of a millimeter) at 3 V.
• SR disc-shaped watch batteries with sizes from 41 to 932 with silver oxide at 1.55 V.
• LR size 43, 54, and 44 batteries for 1.5 volts. Used in calculators, watches, and other devices.

Brief description of popular types of batteries

The most popular batteries today are those shaped like cylinders. So, let's take a brief look at them.

AA.

Very popular. It has a voltage of 1.5 V and dimensions of 14.5 x 50.5 mm. Alkaline batteries are marked as LR6, while carbon-zinc batteries are marked as R6 and FR6. lithiumThe people gave them a name. finger-shapedbecause they look roughly like fingers.

AAA.

They have dimensions of 10.5 x 44.5 mm. Voltage is 1.5 volts. Alkaline ones are designated as LR03, and other types like R03, FR03, etc. People dubbed them little finger because of their similarity in size to the little finger.

WITH.

They are marked as R14 And LR14Voltage 1.5 volts. They can be alkaline or saline. Some people call them "Medium." Dimensions 26.2 x 50 mm. They are almost as long as finger.

D.

They are referred to as LR20- these are alkaline. SaltThey are designated as R20 batteries. Dimensions: 34.2 x 61.5 mm. Capacity: 8000–12,000 mAh. Many call them "round barrels," "barrels," or simply "big barrels." Production began in 1898. They are considered the first 1.5-volt batteries. Back then, they were produced for flashlights. Now, they are used in radios, tape recorders, watches, and other devices.

PP3.

They come in saline form, labeled 6F22, and alkaline form, designated 6LR61. You can also find cast elements of this format, designated 6KR61. Another familiar name is "Crown".

Dimensions are 48.5 x 26.5 x 17.5 mm. Alkaline batteries can have a capacity of up to 1200 mAh, while saline batteries can have up to 400 mAh. Voltage is 9 V. Essentially, this is a series connection of several flat, flattened 1.5-volt batteries. Typically, there are six or three of them.

Unusual types of batteries

A.

They are cylindrical and alkaline. They produce 1.5 volts. They are designated R23 by the IEC. Dimensions are 17 x 50 mm. They were previously used in non-standard devices and older computers. These days, they are virtually impossible to find.

AAAA.

Known as LR61, these are very miniature cylindrical alkaline batteries. They produce 1.5 V and measure 8.3 x 42.5 mm. These long batteries are used in cameras, flashlights, powerful styluses, laser pointers, and glucometers.

B.

These are saline batteries and are labeled R12. Alkaline batteries are also available, labeled LR12. They are cylindrical, measuring 21.5 x 60 mm. Voltage is 1.5 volts. They are often used in lighting systems.

F.

They have a voltage of 1.5 V. They are called L25 and LR25. Manufacturers produce salt elementsWith a capacity of 10.5 mAh and alkaline batteries up to 26 mAh. Dimensions: 33 x 91 mm.

N.

Marked as R1 and LR1. Capacity 400-1000 mAh. Voltage 1.5 V. Dimensions 12 x 30.2 mm.

1/2AA.

They are designated CR14250. Type Li‑MnO2 (lithium manganese dioxide). Voltage is 3.6 V. Li‑SOCl2 (lithium thionyl chloride) are designated ER14250. Dimensions are 14x25 mm.

R10.

Voltage: 1.5 volts. Production began back in the Soviet Union. In addition to the basic markings, they also have the designation 332. Dimensions: 21 x 37 mm. Their production has currently been reduced.

There are similar batteries that have 2 elements inside. R10This current source is marked 2R10 and measures 21.8 x 74.6 mm. Its voltage is 3 V. It is referred to as Duplex.

A23.

It has a high voltage of 12 V. Its dimensions are 10.3 x 28.5 mm. It is alkaline. According to the IEC standard, it is designated as 8LR932. When opened, you typically find eight LR932 batteries connected one after the other. It is most often used in remote controls and toys.

A27.

IEC standard 8LR732. Alkaline type. Dimensions 8 x 28.2 mm. Voltage 12 V. Same as the previous one, it has an internal serial connectionEight LR632 batteries. Required for radio remote controls, lighters, and cigarette lighters powered by electricity.

3336.

It is marked as 3LR12 according to IEC and is of the alkaline type. 3R12It's a salt cell. People call them square batteries because they're rectangular. These types of batteries have been produced since 1901. Back then, they were used only in flashlights. Later, they began to be used in radios, humidity sensors, toys, and other devices. They operate at 4.5 volts. Their energy capacity ranges from 1200 to 6100 mAh. Dimensions: 67x62x22.

Essentially, it's three wires connected in series. AA batteriesR12.

There are many different types of batteries available today. So, you can easily find the right one for your needs! It's best to choose batteries that have stood the test of time. Alternatively, buy power supplies from a reputable company.

Battery manufacturers

Power cells are manufactured by various companies, both foreign and domestic. Each company strives to produce high-quality batteries, as their reputation depends on it.

Domestic battery manufacturers in Russia

Below are the main companies working in this area.

1. Space
2. Energy
3. Liotech
4. Photon
5. SSC
6. Robiton
7. Ergolux
8. Trophy

Foreign manufacturers

There are many more foreign companies than Russian ones.

1. Ikea
2. GP
3. Varta
4. Kodak
5. Duracell
6. Saft
7. Panasonic
8. Energizer

Thus, from this article it becomes clear what types of batteries exist.