Design features and principle of operation of an alkaline battery

Flashlights, children's toys, kitchen scales, electronic clocks - these and many other household appliances require a miniature power source, which is a battery, to operate.

All batteries have a fairly simple design - a body, an electrolyte and two electrodes. However, regardless of what types of them are used, sooner or later they begin to sit down. Since this can happen at the most inopportune moment, many are wondering whether it is possible to recharge an alkaline battery.

Design features and principle of operation of an alkaline battery

The choice of a suitable battery depends on the device in which you will use it. One of the most popular options is alkaline or, as they are called, alkaline batteries. They are suitable for most devices, serve for a long time, and at the same time have an affordable cost.

Outwardly, they do not differ from other varieties, for example, salt power sources and represent a "barrel" of different diameters.

But there is one constructive difference between salt and alkaline batteries: alkaline ones have an "inverted" design.

Powdered zinc is located inside the device. Therefore, the zinc cup, which is used in salt models, is replaced here with a nickel-plated body. It not only holds zinc powder, but also acts as a positive contact.

During operation, the positive electrode is adjacent to the walls of the metal housing. In addition, the product is designed to accommodate more manganese dioxide than is used in salt power supplies. Therefore, they have a longer service life.

A separator impregnated with electrolyte is located inside the housing. More often it is made from hydrocellulose film.

In the central part of the product there is a down conductor of the cathode. An anode substance is placed between it and the separator, the role of which is played by zinc powder. The main thing is that the powder is impregnated with a special thickener.

Reference. Alkaline electrolyte significantly increases the battery life - during operation it is consumed more economically than in salt batteries.

The principle of operation of the device was first described by the Italian physicist Volta in 1782. He made a galvanic cell in which a zinc anode and a copper cathode were placed in an acidic environment. As a result of a chemical reaction, an electric current was formed.

The advantages of the device include:

• long shelf life;
• the specific capacity of alkaline current sources is two times higher than that of salt models;
• can be used in technology with any indicator of energy protection;
• not susceptible to temperature fluctuations.

Is it possible to charge an alkaline battery at home

Sooner or later, we all are faced with the fact that the alkaline current source begins to sit down. During this time, our remotes, flashlights and other devices lose functionality. But until the product is completely out of order, you can try to revive it a little by recharging it a little.

What not to do:

• do not break the housing of the power source;
• do not disassemble the battery;
• no need to bite, knock or try to cut the element capsule.

However, manufacturers strongly do not recommend recharging the product. After all, the result of such manipulations can be unpredictable. For example, the device case may become depressurized, leading to electrolyte leakage.

Therefore, the manufacturers took into account our wishes and began to produce models that can be charged several times.

Rechargeable alkaline batteries

The only option for alkaline batteries that can be charged multiple times is rechargeable devices. You can distinguish them from other devices by the corresponding marchandrove on the product body - Rechargeable Battery.

A new type of batteries appeared in the 80s of the twentieth century. Unlike conventional batteries, such devices do not need to be pre-charged, since they can be immediately installed in equipment. After the battery has used up its reserve, you can put it in a special device and recharge it.

Such devices are a transitional option between conventional batteries and standard batteries.

Reference. Alkaline batteries have a voltage of 1.5 volts. They are able to maintain this charge for a long time. Their main advantage is safety. And if you do not charge the product, saving 25% of the charge, you will be able to use the device for several years.

If you believe the words of the manufacturers, you can "recharge" a half-dead battery in a charger about 50 times. A fully shrunk device can be recharged 20 times.

These power supplies come in standard sizes: AA, AAA, D and others. Therefore, they can be used in all household appliances.

Despite the high cost, rechargeable batteries have found a field of application and are in stable demand.

To extend the life of the batteries, try not to use them in extreme frost: this way they discharge faster. In addition, before purchasing, pay attention to the date of manufacture: all power sources have a tendency to self-discharge.

Experts do not recommend installing different models in one device, for example, alkaline and salt ones. This will shorten the service life of the products. And if you need long-playing batteries, we recommend purchasing rechargeable batteries.