Rechargeable Batteries Catch On
In recent years, rechargeable batteries have started to catch on and replace disposable batteries.
This is due to improvements in technology that give them cost, environmental and other advantages.
The most common type of rechargeable battery (replacing regular throwaway sizes) is the Nickel-Metal Hydride Battery (NiMH).
While these first appeared commercially in the 1980's, they had drawbacks including problems with charge retention that made them less attractive to consumers.
The batteries did not hold their charge well when they were not in use.
However, with the recent invention of the low self-discharge variant (LSD NiMH), most are advertised to hold about 80% of their charge for a year when stored properly.
They therefore can now be sold ready-to-use.
Also, unlike some rechargeable batteries, they do not suffer from the "memory effect".
Even if recharged before being fully depleted, they can still repeatedly be returned to their original strength.
NiMH batteries can be recharged hundreds of times (most manufacturers advertise 1000 times) and have a higher capacity than disposable batteries.
With this many possible charges, even with their higher initial costs (which are coming down), they clearly will pay for themselves.
Even lower use products will likely go through several sets of batteries in their lifetime.
Since these batteries are standard sizes found in a wide array of products, they can simply be charged and transferred to the next product when the older product is disposed of.
There are environmental and time-saving advantages to rechargeable batteries too.
With batteries lasting so much longer, there is far fewer batteries and less packaging being thrown away.
When they run down, they simply can be put into the charger.
There is no need to be constantly purchasing batteries or to keep so many extra batteries on hand.
Also, unlike regular batteries, NiMH batteries will not leak under normal circumstances.
Thus, there is far less danger they will damage equipment when left unused for long periods of time.
Most manufacturers only offer NiMH in smaller sizes at the moment.
However, by inserting batteries into an upsizing cases, they can be used in devices that require C or D batteries.
However, since this is only converting the size and not the power, this technique will not work for devices that require higher power.
With the technology improving and the costs coming down, the move towards rechargeable batteries in recent years is likely to continue.
This is due to improvements in technology that give them cost, environmental and other advantages.
The most common type of rechargeable battery (replacing regular throwaway sizes) is the Nickel-Metal Hydride Battery (NiMH).
While these first appeared commercially in the 1980's, they had drawbacks including problems with charge retention that made them less attractive to consumers.
The batteries did not hold their charge well when they were not in use.
However, with the recent invention of the low self-discharge variant (LSD NiMH), most are advertised to hold about 80% of their charge for a year when stored properly.
They therefore can now be sold ready-to-use.
Also, unlike some rechargeable batteries, they do not suffer from the "memory effect".
Even if recharged before being fully depleted, they can still repeatedly be returned to their original strength.
NiMH batteries can be recharged hundreds of times (most manufacturers advertise 1000 times) and have a higher capacity than disposable batteries.
With this many possible charges, even with their higher initial costs (which are coming down), they clearly will pay for themselves.
Even lower use products will likely go through several sets of batteries in their lifetime.
Since these batteries are standard sizes found in a wide array of products, they can simply be charged and transferred to the next product when the older product is disposed of.
There are environmental and time-saving advantages to rechargeable batteries too.
With batteries lasting so much longer, there is far fewer batteries and less packaging being thrown away.
When they run down, they simply can be put into the charger.
There is no need to be constantly purchasing batteries or to keep so many extra batteries on hand.
Also, unlike regular batteries, NiMH batteries will not leak under normal circumstances.
Thus, there is far less danger they will damage equipment when left unused for long periods of time.
Most manufacturers only offer NiMH in smaller sizes at the moment.
However, by inserting batteries into an upsizing cases, they can be used in devices that require C or D batteries.
However, since this is only converting the size and not the power, this technique will not work for devices that require higher power.
With the technology improving and the costs coming down, the move towards rechargeable batteries in recent years is likely to continue.
Source...