Which batteries are better: what batteries are there, the pros and cons of different types of batteries

What aspects does the buyer pay attention to when choosing conventional batteries? As the survey has shown, most people name the standard size of the battery and the desired manufacturer. Almost no one ever says what it is intended for (remote control, toy, scales). If you once and for all understand all these nuances, then you can save time, and extend the life of the battery, as well as the device itself for which it is intended.

What batteries are there

In the broadest sense, batteries are classified as disposable and reusable (rechargeable). For the second option, you need to purchase a charger. In most cases, they can withstand up to 2 thousand. recharges. This will save you a significant amount.

If we talk about the composition of batteries, then there is also a strict division. Many parameters will depend on the elements that were used in their production. Of course, the main one is the service life of the product. For example, alkaline ones work 2 times longer than salt ones. Also, among all this variety of types of batteries, there are other options: lithium, mercury and silver.

Important! When buying a battery, consider the composition. For example, lithium (they are less common than alkaline or salt) are capable of providing a voltage of 3.2 V. Unfortunately, it can be disastrous for those devices that only need a voltage of 1.5 V.

The most popular batteries are salt and alkaline. The first option was invented over 100 years ago. The salt battery is equipped with manganese oxide and zinc oxide electrodes. Each of them is placed inside the electrolyte. They are connected to each other by a special salt bridge.

It is worth noting that even a couple of decades ago, due to their imperfect design, salt batteries could "leak" after a few months of use. Today the situation has changed and the shelf life is approximately 24 months. Plus, the capacity has increased (here we are talking exclusively about famous brands, and not Chinese budget options).

Alkaline batteries were not invented until the middle of the last century. Thanks to their many benefits, they are the most popular today. For such a product, electrodes from the same materials are used. However, the role of the electrolyte is played by potassium hydroxide.

Mercury and silver batteries are also worth mentioning. However, it can be immediately noted that they practically cannot be found in retail sale. You can even say that these are experimental products. They are distinguished by their high cost and design complexity. Moreover, they are much more difficult to dispose of.

Lithium batteries have become increasingly popular. They include a lithium cathode. Various materials can be used as the anode. A separator and a diaphragm are located between them, which are impregnated with a special electrolyte. Thanks to this, the battery life is much longer than that of standard saline or alkaline batteries, and the shelf life can be up to 12 years.

The next important characteristic of any battery is its size. This is a key aspect when choosing any battery, as the correct size must be selected for different devices.

"Little fingers"

AAA size. It is a small cylinder, about 4.5 centimeters long and 1 cm in diameter. The weight of such a product does not exceed 14 grams. Most often, "little finger" batteries are used in remote controls, small flashlights (most often headlamps), children's toys, and sometimes in kitchen scales.

"Finger"

Size AA. Perhaps this type of battery is the most widespread and popular, and there is a simple explanation for this - almost all equipment is sharpened specifically for them. The voltage in them is 1.5 V.

"Crown"

A less popular battery, however, it has a huge advantage. It is capable of delivering a voltage of 9 volts. Thanks to this, it can be used in various electrical measuring instruments.

"Barrel"

It got its name from its appearance. It features large size and voltage. Even music players and radios can provide energy from 4 to 6 of these batteries.

Pros and cons of different types of batteries - which one is better

Let's consider the characteristics of different batteries.

Saline

The main advantages of such devices include low cost and a wide range of applications. However, they have several significant drawbacks. First, the short service life. Secondly, at subzero temperatures, there is a strong deterioration in performance and a sharp drop in the charge level. With all this, the service life of such a product can definitely not be called long. The main characteristics and nuances of using salt batteries include:

• voltage 1.5 V;
• if you periodically "give a rest" to such a battery, you can extend the service life;
• when heated, you can increase the efficiency of its performance, but there is one drawback - it can quickly fail;
• shelf life is 24 months - even less for Chinese options.

Alkaline

Today, consumers give preference to these particular food elements, and there are many reasons for this:

• shelf life can be up to 5-10 years;
• work even in severe frost;
• electrical capacity can be 3-5 times higher;
• low self-discharge.

Based on this, we can conclude that it is alkaline batteries that meet the requirements of the modern market.

Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting the greater weight, as well as the higher cost, than that of salt analogues.

Lithium

This type of battery has more advantages than disadvantages. The pluses include:

• long service life;
• high capacity - even alkaline batteries cannot boast of such high performance;
• shelf life up to 12 years - in some cases (according to the manufacturer's assurance) up to 20 years;
• works even in severe frost.

They have only one drawback - the high price, which can scare off many potential customers.

What batteries to choose: rating

To make it easier for you to make a choice, we have compiled a small rating of the best batteries. We would like to note right away that it is not of an advertising nature. The rating was compiled solely on the basis of customer feedback, self-discharge level, service life, performance at subzero temperatures.

Alkaline. Duracell Turbo Max

According to the manufacturer, they can work up to 10 times longer. This, of course, has not been proven. On average, they last 10-15% longer than standard Duracells. However, among alkaline batteries, they have the longest service life and the lowest self-discharge level. Among other batteries, they will be distinguished by the fact that a charge indicator is installed on the case. Thanks to him, you can track when it is necessary to change the product, etc.

Among the minuses, it is worth highlighting the low level of short circuit protection and high cost.

Lithium. Energizer Ultimate Lithium

Perhaps this option is one of the most durable among all types of batteries. The fact is that it has a low self-discharge level. As the manufacturer assures, the service life can reach 20 years. Although no one has been able to verify this experimentally. As shown by tests in a standard camera, during the use of one Energizer Ultimate Lithium, about 1000 pictures can be taken.

Among the huge number of advantages, it also has some disadvantages. First is the price. It can reach 100 rubles for one battery. Secondly, it can be used only in those devices that have a high level of power consumption. If you do not listen to this recommendation, then, for example, a toy may simply fail. And the battery life will be significantly reduced.

Rechargeable. GP Rechargeable

If you buy rechargeable batteries, then the best option is the products of the GP company.

Even in spite of their relatively low price, the batteries of this brand are of high quality, a large number of recharges, and a low level of self-discharge. Among the disadvantages is a short service life.