Rechargeable alkaline battery

Rechargeable AA battery

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 have the ability to carry their charge for years, unlike most NiCd and NiMH batteries which self-discharge in 90 days (see below **), however new low-discharge NiMH cells, such as Sanyo "Eneloop", claim to retain 85% charge after 1 year. If produced properly, rechargeable alkaline batteries are an environmentally friendly form of energy storage.

Chemical Composition

The main difference in composition between rechargeable and regular alkaline is that the blend of materials and formula used to make the batteries has been altered to allow for the batteries to recharge. Without this modification in chemical composition, the batteries would not hold multiple charges. The batteries are also designed to resist leakage, which is sometimes a problem when traditional alkaline batteries are recharged or discharged too far.

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.

Disadvantages From Other Rechargeable Batteries

Recharging Issues

Though rechargeable alkaline batteries are relatively cheap and contain a high charge-capacity, their rechargeable capacity will vary by how much they are discharged:

• If they are discharged by less than 25%, they can be recharged for hundreds of cycles to about 1.42V.

• If they are discharged by less than 50%, they can be almost-fully recharged for a few dozen cycles, to about 1.32V.

• After a 'Deep Discharge', they can be brought to their original high-capacity charge only after a few charge-discharge cycles.

Environmental Issues

Some types of cells contain nickel, mercury or cadmium and thus are a serious environment-hazard unless special care is taken for their disposal. As of August 2007 a number of companies make batteries that are non-toxic and free from heavy metals.

Environmental Benefits

Recent advancements in technology and chemical composition has resulted in the modern rechargeable alkaline battery emerging as a leader in the industry-wide push towards more environmentally responsible batteries.

EnviroCell Alkaline Rechargeable Batteries

Launched in February 2009, EnviroCell batteries are a new product designed for use in everyday low-drain devices such as wireless keyboards, flashlights and radios. Featuring a patented technology, EnviroCell batteries can be recharged safely up to 60 times with no memory effect. Unlike other rechargeable batteries like lithium ions, EnviroCells contain absolutely no toxic metals and can be safely disposed [1].

Production and Supply issues

• Rayovac produced a variety of these rechargeable batteries called Renewal [2]. Rayovac discontinued these products, possibly due to poor market acceptance and cell leakage problems, or due to corporate strategy and superior profit from single use batteries. Similar rechargeable alkaline batteries are still available from other vendors. More recently, Rayovac has released a new line of rechargeable NiMH batteries, but from the information listed on their website, they no longer produce an alkaline rechargeable battery.
• Yet another Rechargeable Alkaline batteries producer brand is "PureEnergy". [3] PUREENERGY's website state: "Rechargeable Alkaline is the only rechargeable battery that can be used in any application that uses disposable alkaline batteries. It also offers several performance and cost saving advantages over other Rechargeable batteries." [4]

• Some say that certain types of battery chargers are able to recharge alkaline batteries as well as NiCd and NiMH, provided that the charger only has one type in it at any one time. Pure Energy [5] currently does sell a NiMH and Alkaline dual chemistry charger that does work well for both battery types. Some claim that it is indeed possible to recharge a regular non-rechargeable alkaline battery under the right conditions and using the right type of current; this is still dangerous. There is a charger available called the Battery Xtender[6], which is specially designed to recharge ordinary alkaline batteries, in addition to NiCd and NiMH. Under ideal conditions it's supposed to recharge regular alkalines up to 10 or 15 times, though in practice five recharges is more common (after which they start to leak). It is also possible to recharge primary alkaline batteries in a rechargeable alkaline charger or even some NiMh/NiCd chargers, but the manufacturers recommend against doing so.

See also

• Battery recycling
• Recharging alkaline batteries

External links

• EnviroCell Alkaline Rechargeable Batteries