Are you trying to learn more about the technology around you, or do you just want to know why your battery is taking so long to charge? While these batteries, especially rechargeable ones, have come a long way in recent years—they can still be frustrating. If you’d like to know a bit more about batteries and the processes behind them, then you’re in the right place.
In this article, we’re going to show you why rechargeable batteries are so much better than standard single-use alternatives. We’re also going to answer the question, how does a battery charger work? And if that’s not all, we’re going to look at some tips for making your batteries last longer, as well as some future possibilities for improving battery technology.
Benefits of rechargeable batteries
If you’ve been stuck with traditional batteries for a while, they might be all you’re used to. Often, cheap batteries will come with new devices—and you shouldn’t rely on these. There’s a key difference between batteries that stay in devices and can always be recharged, and devices that take standard batteries—leaving you to either use disposable ones or find ones you can recharge yourself.
There are actually a lot of benefits to using rechargeable batteries if you have the choice. Before we get on to answering the question, how does a battery charger work, we’re going to look at some of them:
Better for the environment
Waste is getting out of hand these days. That’s why many governments have started introducing plastic bag taxes. But plastic bags aren’t the only things filling landfill sites, batteries are too. Not only does a producing a battery cause some harm to the environment, but so does disposing of one. While some batteries can be recycled, not all of them can. Also, you have to be careful with disposing of many standard batteries, as the waste can be toxic.
You can avoid many of these issues by using simple disposable batteries. You won’t have to keep replacing them with more and more units (causing a strain on resources). That makes rechargeable batteries more sustainable and also have far less of an impact on the wider environment. You also won’t have to dispose of lots of throwaway cells, causing harm and disruption in the process.
More affordable
Instead of having to buy a new battery or set of batteries every time one wears out, you simply charge your own units. The cost of the electricity for this is so minimal you probably won’t even notice it. So you’ll save all that money you used to spend on buying newly packaged batteries. No matter how many batteries you use, this point shouldn’t be underestimated, but it’s especially useful for people who use lots of them.
More convenient
Aside from simply saving money and the environment, rechargeable batteries are also much more convenient. That’s because every time you run out, you don’t have to stop what you’re doing and head to the shops. With some devices, you can plug them in and recharge and keep using them while you’re waiting. That means you don’t ever have to be interrupted by your battery running flat.
Better performance
There’s actually a range of evidence to suggest that rechargeable batteries perform better and are longer lasting than disposable counterparts.
Time-saving
Aside from simply being more convenient, rechargeable batteries can save you time. Yes, it takes time to charge, but technology here is improving all the time. As well as that you can still use some devices when charging, as we’ve already looked at. That will save you a lot of time and effort over having to go to the shops to buy new batteries, especially if you live in remote areas.
Future uses for larger rechargeable batteries
While rechargeable batteries are already a great option—they could become even better in the future. A lot of research funding has been entering into the battery industry and that means there could be more powerful units and faster charging soon.
Uses for larger rechargeable batteries could replace generators and help on camping trips or providing energy in remote areas. Not to mention electric cars, which look set to take the automotive world by storm over the next few years. They run on a form of rechargeable battery, too. And their power and capacity look set to increase.
How to save battery power on your devices
If your smart phone or tablet is running low quite often, follow these simple tips to help them last longer:
Switch them off at night
If you don’t have a charger nearby, try leaving them switched off when you don’t need them. Especially at night.
Only do simple tasks on them
Things like videos and games take up a lot of processing power, and therefore use more battery. Try only running simple tasks while your battery is low.
Switch them off when you’re running low
Turn your device off when it’s running low and save it for when you really need it, rather than just wasting time on it.
How does a battery charger work?
If you’re wondering how does a battery charger work, then let’s have a look…
A standard battery charger will work by constantly supplying a DC power source to the battery. Most simple chargers will not change the amount of power that they give to a battery depending on the charge it already has or charging times, although some more sophisticated units can do that.
Most standard battery chargers draw 120 volts of AC current from a household power source (normally a plug). This current is then converted to DC and used to charge the battery. Remember, only use the right charger for each specific battery and power source. Always read the instructions. Don’t overpower a charger or battery or it might explode. Rechargeable batteries are here to stay, and they could have a number of benefits for your household items. Find the right rechargeable batteries and charger for you, and enjoy how easy they are to use.
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