Rechargeable (Secondary) Batteries

Rechargeable batteries or secondary batteries contain active materials that can be regenerated by charging. When the energy produced by rechargeable batteries drops below optimum efficiency, secondary batteries may be recharged in a couple of ways, depending upon their construction. In the United States, secondary batteries carry designations such as AAAA, AAA, N, 1/3 AA, 2/3 AA, AA, 1/2 A, 2/3 A, A, 4/5 Cs, Cs, C, 1/2 D, and D. Nonstandard rechargeable batteries or secondary batteries include prismatic cells, coin or button cells, sachet cells, lantern batteries, and battery packs. 

Rechargeable batteries can be divided into two main classifications based upon their chemical composition: alkaline secondary batteries and lithium secondary batteries. Both classifications include an assortment of battery styles. Common alkaline rechargeable batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-zinc rechargeable batters, nickel-iron batteries, silver oxide batteries, sealed nickel-hydrogen secondary batteries, and nickel-metal hydride rechargeable batteries.

Nickel is a common material in rechargeable batteries or secondary batteries. Nickel-cadmium, nickel-zinc, and nickel-iron are the most common alloys. Nickel-cadmium batteries (Ni-Cd) are popular, but have a relatively low capacity. Nickel-zinc batteries are characterized by a high specific energy and power capability. Nickel-zinc batteries (Ni-Zn) provide energy for electric vehicles such as small vans and passenger cars. Nickel-iron batteries (NiFe) are the most important commercial rechargeable system that uses iron electrodes. They are nearly indestructible, have a long life, and can withstand electrical abuse (overcharge, overdischarge, short-circuiting, etc.). These rechargeable batteries or secondary batteries generally cost more than lead acid batteries, but have a low cell voltage, low power density, and lower energy density than competitive systems.

Silver oxide batteries, sealed nickel-hydrogen batteries, and nickel-metal batteries are all types of alkaline rechargeable batteries (alkaline secondary batteries). Silver oxide (AgO) batteries are noted for their high energy density and power density. Silver electrodes are expensive, however, which limits their use. Silver-zinc cells have the highest energy per unit weight and volume. Sealed nickel-hydrogen secondary batteries (Ni-H₂) are a hybrid that combines battery and fuel-cell technologies. They have a long cycle life, high specific energy, high power density, and tolerance for electrical abuse. Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) rechargeable batteries are interchangeable with most nickel-cadmium secondary batteries (NiCd). Nickel-metal hydride batteries generally deliver 10 to 25% greater capacity than NiCds, and are more environmentally friendly since they do not contain cadmium.

Rechargeable zinc, alkaline, and manganese dioxide are the “primary” types of rechargeable batteries or secondary batteries.  They have a low initial cost, good retention of capacity, and are completely sealed and maintenance-free; however, their useable capacity is only about two-thirds that of the primary cells. These rechargeable batteries or secondary batteries also have a limited life cycle since the available energy decreases rapidly with cycling and depth of discharge.

Rechargeable batteries or secondary batteries are often available in rechargeable lithium compositions. Lithium rechargeable batteries may consist of lithium and manganese, lithium and titanium, lithium and iron sulfide, lithium and manganese titanium, lithium and nickel oxide, or lithium and manganese oxide. Other chemical compositions for rechargeable batteries or secondary batteries are also available.

• Iron Electrode Batteries
  The class of iron electrode batteries includes many popular secondary, rechargeable battery types. They are widely used as they are nearly indestructible, have a long life, and can withstand...
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• Get Charged Up About RFID Battery Options
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• Using Cymbet™ EnerChip™ Batteries Instead of Coin Cells and Super Capacitors
  Primary and secondary (i.e., rechargeable) coin cell batteries, as well as super capacitors, have been in use for years as auxiliary power sources for applications including SRAM, real-time clocks,...
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