A rechargeable battery is a battery that can be recharged, unlike a conventional battery that cannot be recharged. Although rechargeable batteries are capable of being recharged, it should be noted that this process cannot be carried out an infinite number of times.
RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES AS A CONTRIBUTION TO THE ENVIRONMENT
Rechargeable batteries are much less polluting for the environment. These devices work by means of electrochemical reactions, which are electrically reversible, that is to say: when the reaction takes place in one direction, the materials are exhausted and in order for them to be recharged, an electric current must be produced in the opposite direction to regenerate them.
We can highlight three types of rechargeable batteries:
- Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd): These are those that have a memory effect. In other words, the remains of the charge remain in the battery, taking up space and reducing its capacity. They usually have a low charge capacity and need to be charged often.
- Nickel-Metal-Hydride (Ni-MH): They are more expensive and do not suffer from memory effect. One Ni-MH battery is equivalent to 100 conventional batteries.
- Lithium-Ion (LiIon): These have the highest capacity. They can be found for example in mobile phones, computers and even in electric vehicles. They also have no memory effect.
Nowadays, in our homes, for example, we have a multitude of devices that work with batteries, such as remote controls, watches, cordless phones, etc. By replacing conventional batteries with rechargeable ones, we will be generating much less waste, as we can recharge them in some cases up to 300 times.
The use of this type of device helps to reduce the materials and energy used to manufacture hundreds of single-charge models. In addition, a conventional battery needs 50 times more energy in its manufacture, while a rechargeable battery can provide 2,500 times more energy.
What are some of the other advantages we can highlight?
They are economical, although the initial price is higher than conventional batteries, they pay for themselves quickly.
They are easy to use, as when they run out we only have to recharge them to use them again without having to go out to buy a new one.
They emit 28 times less greenhouse gases.
Rechargeable batteries are a good choice if we want to protect the environment. And if we keep them in optimum condition, we can make the most of their potential.