A battery is a type of electrical energy storage device that is capable of storing a significant quantity of energy for an extended period of time in the form of chemical energy. Whenever the battery is connected in a circuit, the chemical energy converts to electric energy owing to the movement of electrons caused by the chemical positioning. The battery is composed of three components: a negative electrode, a positive electrode and an electrolyte. The electrolyte contains a chemical that functions as a conductor of electrons between both the anode and cathode side.

Batteries are typically used in emergency, portable and low-power equipment. Portable equipment, such as a mobile laptop, is equipped with a battery that enables it to be used anyplace. In the absence of mains power, batteries supply emergency equipment such as an inverter, torch or similar device. Low-power devices, including watches and oximeters, can operate for an extended period of time once a battery is replaced. The following section summarizes the uses, composition and properties of the most frequently used battery systems.

The lead-acid battery system

Uses: These types of batteries are used in a variety of applications, including car engines, electric/hybrid vehicles, emergency power and submarines. These devices are necessary for airbag sensors, power steering, antilock brakes, air conditioning, defoggers, cruise control, GPS and telephone systems.

Components: It uses sulfuric acid, metallic lead and lead dioxide as the electrolyte, anode and cathode, respectively.

Properties: This battery is simple to manufacture and inexpensive, is available in a range of sizes and offers excellent performance at high and low temperatures. The turn-around performance is also good with an open-circuit voltage of more than 2 V, which is the greatest of all aqueous electrolyte battery systems. Moreover, the lead-acid battery is simple to recycle and to identify state of charge.

Zinc alkaline dioxide traditional battery systems

The frequently used types of these batteries are N, F, C, D, AAA and AA batteries.

Uses: They are used in standard cameras, calculators, radios, compact disc players, remote control systems, cell phones and regular camcorders.

Components: This battery uses aqueous potassium hydroxide, zinc and manganese dioxide as the electrolyte, anode and cathode, respectively.

Properties: It exhibits high energy density, improved performance, intermittent and continuous operation, compatibility with low and high rates and is suitable for both ambient and low temperatures, with a longer shelf life relative to other battery technologies. These devices also offer excellent resistance to leaking and increased stability in dimensions.

The lithium-ion battery system

Uses: These batteries are the most powerful and lightweight, and offer the highest energy density. Popular uses include cell phones, computers, laptops, satellites, mine detectors, military radios, personal data assistants and thermal weapon sights.

Components: It commonly uses lithium hexafluorophosphate, graphite and lithium cobalt oxide as the electrolyte, anode and cathode, respectively. There are also four other types of electrolytes that are used in these batteries: gel, liquid, ceramic and polymer electrolytes.

Properties: Lithium-ion battery technology incurs no maintenance requirements and delivers prolonged cycle life, prolonged shelf life, quick recharging and a lower self-discharge rate. The energy density, energy efficiency, Faraday efficiency and specific energy are also high.

Silver or zinc oxide battery system

Uses: These types of batteries have the greatest volumetric capacity and energy density when compared with other commercially accessible aqueous battery systems. Aquatic mines, torpedoes, underwater rescue vessels, swimmer assistance, deep submarines and other military applications are only a few of the uses.

Components: It commonly uses aqueous potassium hydroxide, zinc and silver oxide as an electrolyte, anode and cathode, respectively.

Properties: They are safe to use and offer strong charge retention, large energy per unit weight and volume, moderate charge rate capability, large discharge capability, low maintenance, flat discharge voltage curve and low self-discharge.

The need for battery optimization

With developments in hardware and software, the demand for power supply has increased exponentially. Because of the energy-intensive characteristics of the hardware and software elements, usage of devices such as mobile phones is frequently constrained by the available battery power. Therefore, the client may be unable to utilize the device owing to a lack of battery power caused by inefficient battery performance and unintentional battery drains, pointing to a critical need for battery optimization.

The steps used for battery optimization can be classified into three basic groups: power modelling, power conservation and battery life prediction. The term "power modelling" refers to the process of determining and quantifying the amount of energy utilized by each component of a device. Power conservation focuses on maximizing the functionality/behavior of individual elements in order to preserve battery power. The last step, battery life prediction, is concerned with calculating how long the current battery energy will endure precisely and effectively.

[Discover more about battery technologies and manufacturers on GlobalSpec.com]

Conclusion

Battery systems are critical for portable, emergency and low-power devices, allowing these systems to be used anywhere at any time. Improved battery systems allow consumers to optimize their device usage in a more effective manner. Users may make educated decisions about whether to keep on using their device at present rate or adopt measures to conserve power for a future task based on the remaining battery power percentage.

To contact the author of this article, email GlobalSpeceditors@globalspec.com