Rechargeable batteries (a.k.a. secondary cells), as we always know them, are everywhere – laptops, phones, LED lights, and vehicles. Plug in the charger, turn the button ON, and once charging is complete, you will have another few hours of use from your gadgets. Single-use batteries (a.k.a. primary cells), in terms of application ranges, could have been phased out by the rechargeable ones. But the truth is that they are still sold in millions of stores and hardware shops all over the world today. And so what really are the differences between these two?
Cost of Production
As for the initial cost, rechargeable batteries are generally more expensive than the non-rechargeable ones. There is one obvious reason for this – number of times you can use them. Rechargeable ones may be used a hundred times while single-use speaks for itself, one time. When it comes to economical value, rechargeable batteries are simply cheaper.
Composition
Alkaline, zinc-carbon, and the conventional coal dust are what makes up a single-use battery. On the other hand, lithium-ion (Li-On), nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) and nickel-cadmium (NiCd) are for the rechargeable ones. The cost of these materials varies, but depending on the use and application, the cost of producing the battery may no longer be an issue.
Single-use Battery Standard Sizes
Image Source: Wikipedia Website
Usage and Application
Think of a flashlight which is only used during emergencies. It uses a single-use battery with long storage life. And since it has lower self-discharge rate, it would surely serve it purpose – 100% ready during emergencies. Rechargeable batteries are, in some aspects, the opposite of single-use ones. NiCd batteries quickly lose capacity if they were not fully discharged during each use. This battery behaviour is known as memory effect. But not all rechargeable batteries face this problem today; Li-On batteries, for example, have longer shelf life. Clocks, remote controls and most flashlights still use single-use batteries on the standard sizes of AA, AAA, C and D. Rechargeable batteries, small and large sizes, are everywhere.
Kinds of Rechargeable Batteries
Image Source: San Joaquin Official Website
Consumer Preference
It is quite cumbersome to define whether single-use is much more commercially used when compared to rechargeable ones. China is a large producer of single-use batteries. Use of rechargeable batteries extends up to aerospace and military equipments. Overall, these two batteries are comparable in many aspects and their availability is absolutely essential to our modern life.
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Infographic: Lithium-ion Battery
1 Comment
thank you it’s is really helpful.