Just How Do Rechargeable Batteries Work

In everyday life, each individual has become accustom to the electronic gadgets that serve the public and private needs

. From cell phones to laptops, these devices require power which comes from some form of a rechargeable battery. However, as a person reaches to plug the cell phone car charger in, a question comes to mind. How do these rechargeable batteries actually work? What is the exact method of this technology?

In general, rechargeable batteries consist of the same electrochemical process which disposable batteries except that the process is reversible. As with all batteries, it involves the parts named anode, cathode, and electrolyte. In disposable batteries, also called primary batteries, the negative-to-positive flow of the electrons transfers the energy into the system to provide energy. With rechargeable batteries, known as secondary batteries, the process in the electrons is reversible to bring the energy back to the electrolyte, which acts as the chemical fuel and storage part, and restores the batteries.

This process has become very refined over the years as the chargers themselves are able to charge the batteries quickly. In the slower process, the charger connects and charges the batteries over a long period like 14 hours. The reason that it takes so long is the inability of the charger to monitor the batteries and cut off the power when it has been fully recharged. The rate of recharge is lessened to keep these batteries from overcharging or overheating. As for the faster approach, these chargers have a feature to detect when the batteries have reached its capacity and uses cooling fans to prevent overheating. A third, more specialized method comes in the form of a flow battery where the electrolyte liquid is replaced.

As with most batteries, proper installation is necessary as the danger of damaging rechargeable batteries can ruin their capabilities. These batteries inserted backwards results in the reversal of the flow in electrons and drains the charge to the point that the batteries do not recharge again.

The makeup of the rechargeable consists in different materials, but the elements are based on the same concepts. The cathode, or positive point, and the anode, or negative point, in a rechargeable battery are constructed with the purpose of moving the energy in the direction that supports a system or replenishes the charge. Each can change its role from positive to negative depending on the process. These elements are the key components to the reversible traits of the batteries.

This process of recharging is basic, but the types break the mold in order to meet the demands of the batteries application. The different types consist of various chemical combinations. The common one on the market today is the lithium-ion (LiOn) batteries. This kind is used in the many hand-held devices and laptops. They are able to hold longer charges, fit into small devices, and use higher voltage. However, the nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) and nickel-cadium (NiCd) are useful in the common battery sized such as AAA, AA, C, and D. The nickel-cadium batteries were known for the memory effect. It occurred when the batteries were recharged without complete use and the capacity was lost. This type was slowly phased out by the replacement of nickel-metal hydride style.

Rechargeable batteries usually have a much longer life than the disposal types, but they eventually die. Most have an expected life of one hundred recharges. However, this very feature reduces the amount of batteries in the landfills. Rechargeable batteries can be disposed of properly at a recycle facility. It is important to remember the next time the cell phone car charger is used that these batteries are a step toward environmentally-friendly society.

by: Jordan McPelt

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