A battery is a power source that converts stored chemical energy into electrical energy through a series of electrochemical oxidation-reduction reactions. When connected in a circuit, batteries generate a flow of electrons from a negative terminal (anode) to a positive terminal (cathode). This creates an electric current that can be used to power an electrical device.
Batteries are available in several types, from single-use batteries used in consumer products to high-power, ruggedized batteries used in industrial applications. At EVS supply, we offer a wide range of standard and custom batteries to help clients find optimal power solutions for their applications. Here, we provide an overview of the various battery types, the difference between primary and secondary batteries, and some common battery applications.
Various Types of Batteries
Electrode materials and electrolytes can be combined in several ways to create specific types of batteries with different voltages and capacities. EVS Supply's product catalog features an extensive collection of standard batteries with a range of sizes, capacities, discharge rates, and termination types. These include:
Lithium Thionyl Chloride
Lithium thionyl chloride batteries are non-rechargeable batteries made from a combination of lithium and thionyl chloride materials. These batteries are available in either spirally-wound or bobbin-type constructions, which offer different capacities, energy densities, and self-discharge rates. General features of lithium thionyl chloride batteries include:
High operating voltage
Wide range of compatible temperatures
Highest energy density of any primary cell
Highest capacity by weight and volume of the commercially available battery types
Excellent service life and reliability due to a low self-discharge rate
Sealed Lead-Acid
A sealed lead-acid battery, also known as a valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) battery, is a fully-enclosed rechargeable battery that can be made from flat plates or formed into a spiral roll to create cylindrical cells. Sealed lead-acid batteries are characterized by the presence of an automatically activated pressure relief valve, which allows gases to escape when the internal pressure exceeds the unit’s safety limits. Features include:
High capacity range
Long life span
Low ventilation requirements
Maintenance-free
Low cost
Alkaline
Alkaline batteries are non-rechargeable batteries that produce energy through a chemical reaction between zinc metal and manganese oxide. They derive their name from the fact that they use an alkaline electrolyte of potassium hydroxide in place of the acidic ammonium chloride or zinc chloride electrolytes used in zinc-carbon batteries. Characteristics of alkaline batteries include:
High energy density
Long shelf life
Tolerant of very low temperatures
Non-toxic and easy to recycle
Minimal risk of leakage
Lithium-Ion
Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable batteries that use a metal oxide as the cathode and typically graphite as the anode. During discharge, lithium ions move from the anode to the cathode, generating a steady flow of electrons. When charging, the ions reverse direction and flow back to the anode. Lithium-ion batteries provide the following benefits:
Higher capacity than equivalent lead-acid batteries
Long shelf life due to a low self-discharge rate
Lightweight
Maintenance-free
Highly efficient charging
Various Types of Batteries
Electrode materials and electrolytes can be combined in several ways to create specific types of batteries with different voltages and capacities. EVS Supply's product catalog features an extensive collection of standard batteries with a range of sizes, capacities, discharge rates, and termination types. These include:
Lithium thionyl chloride batteries are non-rechargeable batteries made from a combination of lithium and thionyl chloride materials. These batteries are available in either spirally-wound or bobbin-type constructions, which offer different capacities, energy densities, and self-discharge rates. General features of lithium thionyl chloride batteries include:
High operating voltage
Wide range of compatible temperatures
Highest energy density of any primary cell
Highest capacity by weight and volume of the commercially available battery types
Excellent service life and reliability due to a low self-discharge rate
A sealed lead-acid battery, also known as a valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) battery, is a fully-enclosed rechargeable battery that can be made from flat plates or formed into a spiral roll to create cylindrical cells. Sealed lead-acid batteries are characterized by the presence of an automatically activated pressure relief valve, which allows gases to escape when the internal pressure exceeds the unit’s safety limits. Features include:
Alkaline batteries are non-rechargeable batteries that produce energy through a chemical reaction between zinc metal and manganese oxide. They derive their name from the fact that they use an alkaline electrolyte of potassium hydroxide in place of the acidic ammonium chloride or zinc chloride electrolytes used in zinc-carbon batteries. Characteristics of alkaline batteries include:
Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable batteries that use a metal oxide as the cathode and typically graphite as the anode. During discharge, lithium ions move from the anode to the cathode, generating a steady flow of electrons. When charging, the ions reverse direction and flow back to the anode. Lithium-ion batteries provide the following benefits:
Higher capacity than equivalent lead-acid batteries
Long shelf life due to a low self-discharge rate
Lightweight
Maintenance-free
Highly efficient charging
Primary and Secondary Cell Batteries
Batteries can be classified into two basic categories:
Primary Cell Batteries
Primary cell batteries are composed of electrochemical cells in which the chemical reactions that occur during usage are irreversible. Once depleted, these batteries are discarded since they cannot be safely recharged. Because they are limited to one use, primary cell batteries generate substantially more waste than rechargeable batteries and tend to be more expensive in the long term. However, single-use batteries also provide several important benefits, which include:
High specific energy
Long storage times
Low initial cost
Readily available for use
These benefits make primary cell batteries ideal for low-cost, low-drain electronic devices as well as applications in which charging is unfeasible. Examples include:
Consumer products such as watches, flashlights, radios, and toys
Single-use military applications such as missiles and weapon systems
Secondary Cell Batteries
In contrast to primary cell batteries, the electrochemical reaction in secondary cell batteries is reversible. This allows the batteries to be recharged once their stored energy is depleted. Secondary cell batteries offer a high power density, high discharge rate, and great low-temperature performance, but they also require a higher initial investment and their shelf lives tend to be shorter than primary cell batteries.
Secondary cell batteries are best suited for high-drain devices or for supporting applications in which single-use batteries would be impractical or costly. Examples include:
Mobile phones, cameras, and laptops, and other portable electronic devices
Car batteries
Power tools
Electric vehicles
Applications for a Variety of Batteries
Each type of battery offers a unique set of advantages and limitations that influences its suitability for certain applications and environments. Four of the most widely used battery types and their ideal uses are discussed below.
Lithium thionyl chloride
Compatible with a wide range of temperatures, lithium thionyl chloride batteries are often used to support devices that must endure extremely hot or cold conditions. Their high energy densities also make them an ideal choice for applications requiring low currents over extended time periods. Examples of devices powered by these batteries include:
Electric power, water, and gas meters
Temperature-tolerant RFID tracking devices
Sealed lead-acid
Sealed lead-acid batteries have an exceptionally low gas and acid output, making them safe for indoor use. With their high capacity and ability to be recharged, these batteries are also ideal for applications that require large power investments. Specific examples include:
Wheelchairs
Forklifts
Scooters
Boats
Portable tools
Emergency lighting
Medical equipment
Alkaline
Alkaline batteries are efficient, versatile, and easy to use, making them a popular choice for common low-drain household applications. This includes:
Flashlights
Portable radios
Toys
Watches
Smoke detectors
Lithium-ion
Lithium-ion batteries are lightweight, efficient, and available in a wide range of sizes and shapes. This makes them suitable for everything from portable electronic devices to electric vehicle and aerospace applications in which weight is a critical cost factor. Specific examples include:
Cellphones
Laptops
Power tools
Cameras
Electric and hybrid automobiles
Applications for a Variety of Batteries
Each type of battery offers a unique set of advantages and limitations that influences its suitability for certain applications and environments. Four of the most widely used battery types and their ideal uses are discussed below.
Compatible with a wide range of temperatures, lithium thionyl chloride batteries are often used to support devices that must endure extremely hot or cold conditions. Their high energy densities also make them an ideal choice for applications requiring low currents over extended time periods. Examples of devices powered by these batteries include:
Sealed lead-acid batteries have an exceptionally low gas and acid output, making them safe for indoor use. With their high capacity and ability to be recharged, these batteries are also ideal for applications that require large power investments. Specific examples include:
Lithium-ion batteries are lightweight, efficient, and available in a wide range of sizes and shapes. This makes them suitable for everything from portable electronic devices to electric vehicle and aerospace applications in which weight is a critical cost factor. Specific examples include:
Cellphones
Laptops
Power tools
Cameras
Electric and hybrid automobiles
Batteries from EVS Supply
Understanding the various types of batteries available and how they perform in different environments is key when choosing or designing a battery solution for an application. At EVS Supply, we provide customers with an extensive selection of top-selling battery brands to optimize the performance, safety, and longevity of their electronic devices and battery-powered operations. We also have the manufacturing capabilities and engineering expertise to custom-build battery packs for specialized applications. Our diverse battery solutions can be used in everything from cellphones, watches, and laptops to electricity meters and GPS systems.
