Types of Batteries: Choosing the Right Battery for Your Needs

Batteries are the energy storage units of many devices that we come across everyday. They are available in different forms, sizes, parameters, and shapes. You can commonly find them being used in automotive settings, backup power supplies, mobile devices, laptops, iPads, and other portable electronic devices.

But, not all the devices  can use the same kind of battery. Each and every device has its own specifications and power supply requirements and you will need a battery selection guide to pick the right battery for your application. So, in this article we will look into the factors to consider when selecting a battery.

Different Battery Sizes

Different battery sizes contribute to the overall effectiveness of your equipment, but it is important to understand why. Generally, the larger the battery is, the more capacity it has for energy storage.

So, even though a big and small battery are both rated at 1.5V, the big battery stores more energy and provides a longer battery life.

Batteries are extremely useful to us as consumers because they convert stored chemical energy into electrical energy, eliminating the need for a direct power source.

Tips for Choosing Batteries

Figure out what size batteries you need

This is simple. If your gadget runs on AAA batteries, then that’s what you need. You can look on the device itself for an indication of what battery size it takes, or consult the instruction manual

Decide between single use or rechargeable batteries

Single use batteries are cheaper upfront and have an excellent shelf life, but rechargeable can be used again and again, making them ultimately the more cost effective choice.

Get the right type of battery

Understanding how batteries work and knowing how alkaline differs from lithium and NiMH from lithium-ion will help you pick the best battery for your application.

Let’s go through each of these steps individually.

Figure Out What Size Batteries You Need

You don’t need to know much about batteries to get the right size for your device. Figuring it out can be as easy as looking at the batteries currently in your device and replacing them with the same size.

If you don’t already have batteries installed, look on the device for some indication or check the instruction manual. If you want to know a little more about battery sizes, here is a quick primer:

AA Batteries

Also known as “double A,” AA batteries are by far the most popular battery size. Used in multiple applications, these batteries can be purchased almost anywhere.

Double A batteries are generally what everyone pictures when they think of standard replacement batteries. Used in everything from thermometers to toys to alarm clocks, these batteries are used extensively.

AA batteries measure at 1.5V and work well for devices that require a somewhat high current draw, but are not in constant use. They can also be used for devices like clocks that are always on but use minimal energy.

AAA Batteries

Also known as “triple A,” AAA batteries are the second most popular kind of battery. They can be used in small toys, thermometers, and calculators. AAA batteries also measure at 1.5V but generate less energy due to their smaller size.

These batteries are used primarily in small devices that don’t require a lot of energy like kitchen timers and TV remote controls. The batteries will last a long time while still accomplishing their purposes.

AAAA Batteries

While “ quadruple A,” or AAAA, are not as common as their AA and AAA counterparts, these thin batteries pack a powerful punch. These small but powerful batteries are often used in LED penlights, laser pointers, glucose meters and hearing aids, and remote controls.

C Batteries

These heavy duty batteries are mainly used for toys, flashlights, and portable radios.

Perfect for heavy duty applications such as automatic hand sanitizer dispensers and battery powered flush sensors where batteries require frequent use and safe, reliable power.

D Batteries

Used for devices that require extended periods of power time, these batteries work best in large flashlights, paper towel dispensers, hands-free sensor faucets, and air freshener systems.

9V Batteries

Generally known for its rectangular shape, the 9-Volt battery is used in devices that require high voltage and lots of power.

9V batteries work extremely well for devices like infrared thermometers, battery powered temperature alarms, smoke detectors, and electronic portion scales.

CR123A Batteries 

Packed with power, this battery is frequently used for tactical equipment, wireless security, and home automation.

These batteries deliver a huge amount of power while maintaining a relatively small size. Ideal for devices that require a lot of power like LED flashlights, they ensure maximum performance.

23A Batteries

Delivering 12 volts of power, these batteries are used in applications that require infrequent but powerful bursts of energy such as garage door openers, wireless doorbells, and specialized medical equipment.

CR2032 Batteries

At 3 volts, this battery is commonly used in watches, calculators, toys, and different medical devices. These batteries provide long-lasting, reliable power and have a very high weight-to-power ratio. (CR2032 is practically weightless.)

Choose Single Use or Rechargeable

If you’re shopping for common cylindrical batteries, like AA, AAA, C or D, you have the option of buying single-use batteries or rechargeable batteries. (Coin-cell batteries like CR2032 are single-use only.) Both have advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a quick look at those:

Single-use batteries

These are what they sound like. When they run out of juice you need to dispose of them (to find battery recycling options near you, visit https://www.call2recycle.org/). The two main types of single use batteries are alkaline and lithium.

Pros

• Cheaper upfront cost than rechargeable batteries
• Very low self-discharge rate (power loss when not in use) for a long shelf life
• Widely available

Cons

• Require disposal after fully discharged

Rechargeable Batteries

These batteries are built to be recharged over and over again, in some cases up to 500 times or more. The two main rechargeable batteries are nickel-metal hydride and lithium-ion.

Pros

• Because they’re rechargeable, they generate less waste than single use batteries
• They offer better long term value than single use batteries (the more you use them, the cheaper they get)

Cons

• More expensive than single use batteries

Get the Right Type of Battery

When choosing batteries, there are lots of things to consider. Different chemical constructions offer unique benefits depending on where the battery is being used. Outlined below are common battery types along with the pros and cons of each.

Single-Use Alkaline Batteries

The most commonly used battery of all is an alkaline battery (meaning it contains an alkaline electrolyte, usually potassium hydroxide).

Best Use: “Low drain” devices such as LED headlamps, LED flashlights, toys, remote control devices, clocks and radios, and even moderate drain items such as lights using incandescent bulbs. Alkaline batteries can be used in high-drain devices (digital cameras, for instance) though their life expectancy will be sharply reduced.

Pros

• Moderately priced
• Widely available

Cons

• Perpetual cycle of use/disposal/replacement
• Can possibly be recycled, but most wind up in landfills

Single-Use Lithium Batteries

Lithium, an exceptionally light metal, gives lithium batteries the highest energy density of any battery cell. Thus, they can store more energy than alkaline batteries or any single use battery of comparable size. And they are superb performers in extreme temperatures, both hot and cold.

USE WITH CAUTION: Their high voltage capacity makes lithium batteries too powerful for some devices and may damage circuiting. Read manufacturer’s instructions for battery recommendations for individual products.

Best use: High drain devices (e.g. digital cameras) and most, but not all, moderate drain devices (e.g. headlamps, toys).

Pros

• Longest life (by far) in single-use category
• Superior functionality in extreme temperatures
• Very long shelf life
• Light weight, approximately 30% lighter than equivalent alkaline

Cons

• More expensive than alkaline
• Perpetual cycle of use/disposal/replacement
• Can possibly be recycled, but most wind up in landfills

Rechargeable Standard Nickel Metal Hydride Batteries

As the name suggests, a Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery consists of:

• nickel (Typically nickel hydride)
• an alloy (a mixture of metals or metal mixed with other elements
• potassium hydroxide (an alkaline) as an electrolyte

NiMH batteries have replaced nickel cadmium (NiCd) batteries as the preferred cylindrical chargeable battery. They offer higher energy capacity (up to 50 percent more) than NiCD batteries and avoid the high toxicity of cadmium.

That said, standard NiMH batteries have largely been replaced by pre-charged NiMH batteries. Best use: High-drain devices (e.g. digital cameras, flash units) or devices that experience prolonged or continuous use (e.g. GPS receivers).

Pros

• Delivers energy capacity at a more constant rate than single use batteries. For example, the light from a headlamp, using alkaline batteries, starts brightly and progressively grows dimmer. With NiMHs, the light level remains stable.
• No measurable “memory effect” (this is when a battery tends to “remember” to only store the amount of energy delivered during its most recent discharge).
• Performs reasonably well in colder weather
• Better long term value than single use batteries
• Recyclable

Cons

• Fairly fast rate of self-discharge (loss of power when not in use). Idle NiMH batteries may lose between 1 and 5 percent of their stored power per day.
• Moderately expensive initially
• Must be charged before first use
• Should be charged before first use
• Should be charged every every 1-2 months
• Energy capacity declines by 10-15 percent after 100 plus charges
• Performance may diminish if dropped or handled roughly

Rechargeable Pre-charged Nickel Metal Hydride Batteries

Also called “hybrid,” ready-to-use, or “low self-discharge” batteries, these NiMH batteries come pre-charged in their packages and are ready for action. They offer a very low self-discharge rate (power loss when not in use) which makes them very popular in the rechargeable category for cylindrical batteries.

Best use: High drain devices (e.g. digital cameras, flash units) prolonged or continuous use devices (e.g. GPS receivers, headlamps). Its lower self-discharge rate makes it suitable for some low drain devices like clocks and TV remotes.

Pros: Same as standard NiMH plus:

• Can go straight from package and into your device
• Much lower self-discharge rate than standard NiHM batteries

Cons

• Moderately expensive initially
• Should be charged every 6-9 months
• Energy capacity declines by 10-15 percent after a few hundred recharges

Rechargeable Lithium-ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries, also frequently referred to as “li-ion,” are the most popular and regularly used batteries in today’s world. Although you may not realize what kind of battery powers your mobile phone or laptop, chances are it’s a li-ion battery.

These batteries can be recharged over and over again, they do not require regular maintenance, and provide an extremely high energy density. Li-ion batteries are not available in consumer sizes because they could explode if placed in a regular device used to recharge batteries. Instead, they require a special kind of charger with a specific, lithium-ion charge algorithm.

Best use: Notebook computers, smartphones, GPS smart watches, portable power devices, some bike lights.

Pros:

• Offers the lowest-self-discharge rate (less than 10 per cent in a month) of any rechargeable battery
• High estimated number of recharging cycles (500-1000+)
• Maximum performance and efficiency offset high initial costs making it consumer friendly 
• Recyclable

Cons

• Not available for regular household items
• Requires protection circuit to prevent overheating and limit voltage
• Uses a specific type of charger, requiring the consumer to purchase one or have one on hand
• Even if left unused, is negatively impacted by age

Summing Up

Although we may not notice it, batteries play various roles in our daily lives. They are effective, trustworthy, and cost-effective electricity sources.

Batteries frequently supply the initial power for anything from automotive engines to medical operations to telecommunication devices.

Batteries are truly our portable storehouses of energy and with so much variety they can provide any and all of your energy needs.