Batteries occupy a predominant place in this product group, so we will focus on them in more detail.
Batteries are one of the most useful and used household items. The most common disposable batteries on the market come in different sizes, shapes, and capacities. Each battery has markings that consumers should be aware of in order to make an informed choice.
TYPES OF BATTERIES ACCORDING TO THEIR CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
- Zinc-carbon batteries – R
Zinc-carbon batteries are gradually falling out of use, but are still popular in Bulgaria. Although the price of this type of battery is the lowest, the cost of the energy obtained is quite high, because their capacity, measured in mAh, is 2-3 times smaller than that of alkaline batteries. Under constant load, it is normal for them to work 2-3 times shorter than alkaline ones. Due to their low price, they are very suitable for undemanding electrical appliances such as a small radio, a pocket flashlight or a wall clock. They are completely unsuitable for appliances with increased current consumption and cyclic load, such as a camera. They have a faster self-discharge rate - about 4% per year. Some digital cameras cannot be turned on at all if batteries of this type are used.
- Alkaline batteries – LR
Alkaline batteries are currently the most common in the commercial network. They are distinguished by a high energy charge, average weight compared to other batteries, relatively safe when discarded, about 5-7 years of shelf life (without use) and are nominally cheap compared to reusable batteries. In this type of battery, their capacity decreases by about 2% per year (at room temperature), due to natural self-discharge. At the same time, their internal resistance increases, thus reducing the load that the battery can absorb. Usually, the packaging does not indicate the date of manufacture, but the shelf life - most often from 5 to 7 years. This means that if the battery is expiring this year or next, it has lost about 10% of its initial charge.
- Lithium batteries - FR
The latest technology in the production of alkaline batteries is lithium. Lithium batteries are the most durable, but also the most expensive AA/AAA size batteries. They are specially designed for newer high-tech devices – digital cameras and photo cameras, MP3 players, portable LCD-TV or DVD devices. This type of battery is extremely light, can work successfully at low temperatures, and is several times more durable than alkaline batteries when used in digital cameras with flash. They provide an optimal ratio between the duration of operation at a minimum volume and weight. It is no coincidence that they are increasingly used in mobile phones. This type of battery has a life of 2-3 years, regardless of whether they have worked or not!
SINGLE-USE BATTERIES OR RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES?
Rechargeable batteries have become increasingly popular recently. And this is easily explained, because the cost of the electricity obtained with them is many times lower than any disposable battery. What still stops many people is the initial high price of the batteries and the mandatory purchase of a charger. Despite the high initial price, choosing rechargeable batteries over disposable ones is worth it, because over time it pays off many times over – a rechargeable battery can have a life of more than 100 charging cycles, and a regular one – only 1. This means that if a rechargeable battery costs 7 leva, then one cycle costs 0.07 leva (7/100 cycles), which is far below the price of the cheapest disposable battery.
Despite the obvious financial benefit of using rechargeable batteries, disposable batteries also have their advantages and are unlikely to disappear from the market anytime soon. As we have already noted, their main advantages are the ability to use them immediately after removing them from their packaging, high energy density and long-term storage with minimal loss of capacity. All qualities that are especially valuable when powering devices for which guaranteed battery performance is of paramount importance. For example, a professional photographer is more likely to prefer to carry a bag of batteries to be sure that the power supply will not let him down and miss the moment for the "photo of the year". Disposable batteries are also preferable when you are traveling abroad, where the plug of the power supply may not be suitable for the local standard of outlets, or if you are staying in an area where it is not possible to charge the batteries. In any case, even when using rechargeable batteries, it is good to have a spare set of regular batteries on hand - just in case.
The advantages of rechargeable batteries are most evident in devices with high current consumption and regular use such as digital cameras, portable audio equipment, electronic games. In these cases, modern nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) rechargeable batteries in combination with appropriate chargers have undoubted and significant advantages. The initial higher investment is not long in coming back, and many times over. In a number of cases, the advantages of rechargeable batteries - low cost of electricity and their ability to work longer under heavy load, make them indispensable. In cases where the use of rechargeable batteries is not suitable or justified, disposable alkaline batteries are used.
BATTERY-OPERATED FLASHLIGHTS AND LAMPS
We also include flashlights and battery-powered lamps in this product group, which we will also pay some attention to. These devices are very diverse and use different types of batteries and lighting fixtures:
- Regular batteries (non-rechargeable): this type of lantern is powered by a different type of disposable alkaline batteries.
- Rechargeable batteries – batteries that are reusable. These types of batteries can be charged using an electric or solar charger.
- LED (Light Emitting Diode) – LEDs are very small in size, but they generate very bright light, using much less energy, making them much more economical than regular light bulbs.
- Fluorescent lamp – a gas discharge lamp that produces bright light with low energy consumption.
Advantages of battery-powered lighting devices:
The main advantages of battery-operated lanterns and lamps are as follows:
- Easy to use
- High reliability
- Quiet operation mode
Battery-powered lanterns and lamps are best for camping, as they are the safest to use and can be used in the tent itself. They are also completely harmless to children, because they do not heat up and do not cause burns.
