Uses of Battery

A battery is a collection of chemical cells having a cathode and an anode, which creates the flow of electrons in a circuit. 

Batteries work as a mediator between electronic appliances and electric current supply. They are available in numerous shapes and sizes according to their type and use. 

Batteries are a compact source of energy. Energy storage is a major problem throughout the world. Batteries solve this problem by reducing the storage capacity very little and eliminating the need to carry fuel. Batteries are one of the most convenient ways to store power. 

All batteries that are invented to date are composed of three basic components: an anode (negative terminal), a cathode (positive terminal), and an electrolyte (which is usually a chemical substance that causes a reaction between anode and cathode). 

When the negative terminal and the positive terminal of a battery are connected in a circuit, a chemical reaction occurs between the electrolytes and the negative terminal. This reaction generates electrons that flow through the circuit and get deposited in the positive terminal i.e., the cathode. When the cathode or anode material is consumed, the reaction stops occurring, and the battery stops generating electricity. Here the battery is called 'dead'. 

Types of Batteries

The type of batteries can be classified into two categories mainly:

1. Primary Battery

The type of battery that cannot be recharged again and which has the capacity to produce electricity immediately needed is known as Primary Battery. It is non-rechargeable and disposable by nature. Such batteries drain out and stop producing the current as soon as the energy of their supply gets exhausted. Zinc Carbon and Alkaline Batteries are the major types of Primary Batteries. On a major basis, Primary Batteries are of utmost useful for small appliances such as Flash Lights or radio as the size of the Primary Cell is comparatively small and standard in size. Interestingly, the energy that is consumed during the manufacturing of Primary Batteries is almost 50 times higher than its actual energy supply and that is why Primary Batteries are a significant cause of pollution resulting in unfriendly technology towards the environment. 

2. Secondary Battery:

The type of battery that can be recharged and reused again, is known as a Secondary Battery. Unlike Primary Batteries, Secondary Batteries are produced in different shapes and sizes and are comparatively costlier than Primary Batteries. But on the other hand, Secondary Batteries do not commit any harm to the environment as they are reusable and can be recycled too. The period of usage of Secondary Battery is much longer and efficient.  It can be recharged as many times as a person wants. The major use of Secondary Batteries is reported by the Automobile Industry, a variety of portable devices used by consumers and by different types of vehicles. For vehicles that operate on batteries, there are numerous power stations at regular intervals to recharge the battery of the vehicle in order to operate it.

Usual Lifetime of a Battery

The average lifetime of a battery depends on its type and size. Non-rechargeable batteries have comparatively a low lifespan as their cells exhaust quite early whereas rechargeable batteries have a long lifespan as they can be recharged again and again until their cells are operational in nature. A lot of factors affect the battery life stated as below:

• Self Discharge: Lack of supply of current leads to Self-discharge of batteries especially with disposable batteries. 

• Corrosion: Corrosion in the internal parts of the batteries is one of the major reasons for its short lifespan. Because of internal corrosion, the active parts of the batteries also become inactive. 

• Physical Components Changes: The life of electrical appliances depends a lot on their physical state. 

• Charge/Discharge Speed: With changing technology, there is equipment that helps in the fast charging of any device. Such equipment may increase the speed of charging but in return decreases the lifespan of a device. Thus, leading towards dead batteries. 

• Overcharging: Just like fast charging, overcharging of batteries, again and again, leads to its damage. They can be of no longer use if overcharged repeatedly.

• Memory Effect: Overuse of memory of a device also leads towards a shorter lifespan of batteries. Over storage of data fills the whole memory of the device and damages the internal memory of the device because of which the battery is also affected. 

• Environmental Effect: The temperature range of weather affects the battery life a lot. In case of extreme weather conditions, the battery level may fluctuate leading it to recharge again and again which results in battery failure. 

• Storage: An average life of a battery can be extended by keeping it at low temperatures. Though it depends on its different types and sizes too. 

What are the Uses of Battery? 

Here are some major uses of batteries in our day-to-day life. 

1. Around the House 

Batteries are used in various things that we use in our house. Batteries are used to power things like remote controls, torches, wall clocks, flashlights, hearing aids, weight scales, etc. 

Rechargeable batteries are also used in various devices like digital cameras, mobile phones, batteries of vehicles, video game devices, remote control cars, home maintenance tools, and many more. 

2. Medical Environments 

Hospitals, health centers, and other emergency services depend upon batteries to a great extent. Batteries are necessary to make devices like electrocardiograms, electrocardiographs, infusion pumps, glucose meters, and other testing kits function properly. 

Nickel-cadmium batteries and lithium-ion batteries are highly used in the medical industry because they can be recharged. 

3. Firefighting and Emergency Response 

Radio is the most important tool of an emergency responder. They serve as an easy way for communication in places where danger persists. These radios are powered by high-quality large batteries, which are capable of holding a huge amount of charge. 

Other devices like ECG monitors, metal detectors, and flashlights are powered by batteries. These devices are very necessary to save the lives of people. 

4. Military Use 

A utility tool and a set of batteries are the most important tool of armed personnel. 

The military environment may not witness the need for batteries at first, but they are used in many ways. Batteries are used to power radio communications, night vision devices, radar communications, optical equipment, and various other field devices, which make the work easier and safer. 

Batteries Used in Electric Vehicles 

The batteries used in electric vehicles are called the electric-vehicle battery (EVB) (or traction battery). This battery has its application in giving power to the electric motors of electric vehicles like battery electric vehicles (BEV) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEV). 

The batteries of electric vehicles are usually rechargeable (secondary) batteries, and typically lithium-ion batteries are used. These batteries are specifically designed for high output ampere-hour (or kilowatt-hour) capacity. 

Electric Vehicle Battery Types: 

• Lead-acid battery 

• Zebra battery 

• Nickel-metal hydride battery 

• Lithium-ion battery 

Lead Acid Battery Uses 

Vehicles that need a constant source of uninterruptible energy use lead-acid batteries. Almost all vehicles in the world presently use this battery. 

For example, streetcars need lights that can function even when the engine is not running. The lights get the power from the batteries. Lead-acid batteries are also used in accessories like clocks and alarms. 

Industrial and automotive applications also use lead-acid batteries. The lead-acid batteries have gained much popularity, and are also highly used because of the following reason: 

1. Proven as regards performance. 

2. Recyclable. 

3. Economical to use. 

4. Easier to use. 

5. Safer compared to alternatives. 

6. They are capable of operating over a wide range of temperatures. G. These batteries don't need any management service. 

Battery Used in Mobile Phones 

Batteries used in mobile phones are capable of holding a huge amount of energy, which makes the device keep running for hours. It is no doubt a miracle of chemical engineering. Let us try to know the working procedure of such high-performance batteries. 

Mobile phones use lithium-ion batteries (Li-ion), which consist of a pair of electrodes (a cathode and an anode) and an electrolyte. 

The electrodes are usually made up of materials like lithium, graphite, or even nano-wires, but they are based on the science of the functioning of lithium. Lithium is a highly reactive metal, and hence it tends to react with other materials. 

State the Unique Difference between a Cell and a Battery 

Battery: The function of a battery and a cell is similar, but a battery contains several cells arranged in either series or parallel to produce a voltage of desired levels. A power bank is the best example of a battery; it is used to charge mobile phones. 

Cell: A cell is a source of energy that generates only DC voltage and current of small magnitude. For example, the cells used in remote control or wristwatches can generate voltage within the 1 .5 - 3 V range.

Are Batteries Harmful in Any Way?

In the world, everything has its pros and cons, so do batteries. Batteries are undoubtedly used in every way possible. Whether it is in our daily life or professional life. Even children’s toys are battery operated.

In such cases where it is used in such a high amount, there are adverse effects of it too. It can affect human health as well as the environment. As responsible individuals, we can make or take care of it, maybe not for everyone but ourselves and the people residing with us. 

Everyone should be aware of things that can lead to negative effects from the use of the battery. Some things that should be taken care of are mentioned below.

• Not every battery but some or most batteries are made up of metals and chemicals that can be harmful in their particular manner. Even though great care is taken while making batteries, one should be always careful. 

• Metal like lead is considered a toxic metal. If we get exposed to lead many negative effects can take place in the human body. Where it is different for infants and pregnant women from an adult.

• In adults, it can lead to memory loss whereas it can affect more adversely on infants and pregnant woman’s fetuses.

• Most small batteries or button batteries are suggested to keep away from kids, as there are so many active cases going on only for the children who swallow batteries. 

• Not only the human body but the environment also gets affected by batteries if they are not disposed of properly. Many cases are registered from the areas or landfills where the batteries are disposed of. 

• Normal batteries can be disposed of along with the trash but avoid throwing batteries containing harmful chemicals and metals in them. 

• Associations are forming a dedicated team of people only working towards battery disposals so that hazards created from battery disposal can be reduced as much as possible.

• Every individual must contain in-depth knowledge about things that are hazardous to living beings and the environment, where battery disposal is no less than a topic to not consider.

• Overall batteries are not harmful if you use them properly.

Are Batteries Replaceable in Near Future?

When we say future, we always think about innovations. Things we cannot even think of or imagine about. But in the past few decades, we have seen innovations, upgrades, and new ways of using things. Whether it is from cabled telephone to wireless cell phones, or letters to texts, or mud pots to refrigerator. 

With time everything is either updated or replaced. Like can you see anyone sending letters through a pigeon or horseman? No right. But when we talk about the replacement of batteries, it feels impossible and possible at the same time.   

It is hardly impossible to think about something, which we use in our daily life operating on a battery. Many new materials are used to produce a new type of battery.

Maybe the use of metals and chemicals which are used currently can be replaced, but replacing the battery itself seems weird and something we are not used to seeing. 

Thus there is no guarantee for the future, so hoping for the best and making the best out of it for the environment should be considered.

Though there are interesting facts that state the statistical estimation of around 30% growth in the demand for batteries in the near future by  2030. Day by day the demand for electrical vehicles is increasing which leads to a rise in demands for more batteries and power stations. The use of Second Batteries is reported comparatively high against Primary Batteries. On average, the lifespan of batteries in electric vehicles is 5-8 years after which they can be recycled and reused again. Such an estimation may probably result in a reduction of overall cost and in the remarkable growth of demand for batteries.