Rechargeable alkaline battery
A rechargeable alkaline battery (also known as alkaline rechargeable or rechargeable alkaline manganese (RAM)) is a type of alkaline battery that is rechargeable. The first-generation rechargeable alkaline technology was developed by Battery Technologies Inc in Canada and licensed to Pure Energy, EnviroCell, Rayovac, and Grandcell. Subsequent patent and advancements in technology have been introduced. The shapes include AAA, AA, C, D, and snap-on 9-volt batteries. Rechargeable alkaline batteries are manufactured fully charged and have the ability to carry their charge for years, longer than most NiCd and NiMH batteries, which self-discharge. [1] Rechargeable alkaline batteries can have a high recharging efficiency and have less environmental impact than disposable cells.
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[edit] Proper use and durability
Although these batteries can be used in any device that supports a standard size (AA, AAA, C, D, etc.), they are formulated to last longest in periodical use items. This type of battery is best suited for use in low-drain devices such as remote controls or for devices that are used periodically such as flashlights, television remotes, portable radios, etc. If they are discharged by less than 25%, they can be recharged for hundreds of cycles to about 1.42 V. If they are discharged by less than 50%, they can be almost fully recharged for a few dozen cycles, to about 1.32 V. After a deep discharge, they can be brought to their original high-capacity charge only after a few charge-discharge cycles.
[edit] Comparison to other rechargeable batteries
Compared with other rechargeable types, the rechargeable alkaline battery is relatively low cost. Cells can be manufactured in the fully charged state and retain capacity well. Their capacity is about 2/3 of primary cells. Being of dry-cell construction, they are completely sealed and maintenance-free. Cells have a limited cycle life, which is affected by deep discharge; the first cycle gives the greatest capacity, and if deeply discharged a cell may only provide 20 cycles. The available energy on each cycle decreases. Like primary alkaline cells, they have a relatively high internal resistance, making them unsuitable for high discharge current (for example, discharging their full capacity in one hour). [1]
[edit] Environmental issues
[edit] Chemical composition
Rechargeable alkaline batteries are a development of primary alkaline batteries. They resist leakage that a recharge would cause, so they can be safely recharged many times.
Some other types of rechargeable cells contain mercury or cadmium and thus are a serious environment hazard unless special care is taken for their disposal. As of August 2007[update], a number of companies make batteries that are free from these heavy metals. According to the websites of EnviroCell[2] and PureEnergy and according to old Rayovac packaging, these manufacturers' rechargeable alkaline batteries have no mercury or cadmium.
[edit] Production and supply issues
Rayovac produced a variety of these rechargeable batteries called Renewal. Rayovac discontinued these products, Similar rechargeable alkaline batteries are still available from other vendors. Another rechargeable alkaline battery brand is "PureEnergy".[3]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ a b David Linden, Thomas Reddy (ed.), "Handbook of Batteries Third Edition", McGraw Hill, 2002 ISBN 0-07-135978-8 chapter 36 Rechargeable zinc/alkaline/manganese dioxide batteries
- ^ "EnviroCell Alkaline Rechargeable Batteries". Envirocell.com. http://www.envirocell.com. Retrieved 2010-10-15.
- ^ "Pure Energy". Pureenergybattery.com. http://pureenergybattery.com. Retrieved 2010-10-15.
