The battery is at present the most practical and widely used
means of storing electrical energy. The storage capacity of a battery is
usually defined in ampere-hours (Ah); energy is strictly defined in
kilowatt-hours (kWh) or joules, but since the voltage of a particular battery
system is normally fixed and known, the Ah definition is more convenient.
The terms battery and cell are often interchanged, although
strictly a battery is a group of cells built together in a single unit.
Batteries can be classified into primary and secondary
types. A primary battery stores electrical energy in a chemical form which is
introduced at the manufacturing stage. When it is discharged and this
chemically stored energy is depleted, the battery is no longer serviceable.
Applications for primary batteries are generally in the
low-cost domestic environment, in portable equipment such as torches,
calculators, radios and hearing aids.
A secondary or rechargeable battery absorbs electrical
energy, stores this in a chemical form and then releases it when required. Once
the battery has been discharged and the chemical energy depleted, it can be
recharged with a further intake of electrical energy. Many cycles of charging and discharging can
be repeated in a secondary battery.
Applications cover a wide range. In the domestic environment
secondary batteries are used in portable hand tools, laptop computers and
portable telephones. Higher powered applications in industry include use in
road and rail vehicles and in standby power applications.
The capacity of secondary battery systems ranges from 100
mAh to 2000 Ah. Their useful life ranges from 2 to 20 years; this will depend,
among other things, upon the number of charge discharge cycles and the type and
construction of battery used.
A fuel cell is an energy conversion device that is closely
related to a battery. Both are electrochemical devices for the conversion of
chemical to electrical energy. In a battery the chemical energy is stored
internally, whereas in a fuel cell the chemical energy (fuel and oxidant) is
supplied externally and can be continuously replenished.
1 comment:
nice sir.which components are used in battery designing?
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