Issue link: https://resources.mouser.com/i/1442856
| 14 | Because batteries are electrochemical devices, there should be an impetus to reduce the consumption of its resultant chemical waste. Primary units, as mentioned, are suitable for one-time usage. They must be disposed of after they lose their charge. Rechargeable batteries reduce chemical and solid waste. Capacity How long can a battery go before it needs to be replaced (primary cell) or recharged (secondary cell)? Battery life is determined by a battery's capacity to hold an electric charge (if only that pink bunny on TV could talk). This battery capacity gets measured in Ampere hours (Ah). Because rechargeable batteries are electrochemical devices, capacity is limited in a primary aspect based upon how large the physical cell will be. In small devices or portable applications, it can be expressed in milliamp- hours (mAh). Inherently large loads, or items drawing large currents, will discharge a battery quicker. An adjustment factor, named consumption rate, is generally applied to any battery life calculations. Consumption rate helps account for the reality that the battery will ultimately decrease in its ability to deliver current at some point before it gets fully discharged. Mouser Electronics provides a useful battery life calculator for engineers to make quick calculations. Battery Life = Battery Capacity (Ah) ÷ Load Current (A) x Consumption Rate (0.7 default) Runtime = 10 x Ampere Hours (Ah) ÷ Load in Watts (W) Number of Charges Secondary batteries provide unplugged freedom and the ability to be recharged. But how many times can they get recharged before they break down into failure? To be most advantageous, the number of recharges available should exceed the expected number of discharges that will occur. As is the case of the secondary batteries aboard the space station mentioned earlier, there is a limit. These have to be some of the most highly designed cells in use, yet they ultimately wear out and need to be replaced. Most everyone is familiar with rechargeable batteries in a specific form available for commercial and reusable use in products employed in our everyday lives. Often this takes the form of rechargeable batteries used in cameras, remote controls, flashlights, smoke detectors, remote control toys and hobbies, and clocks. Often what is employed is a standardized rechargeable battery in the AA or AAA category. These types of readily used rechargeable batteries are recognized to be able to be charged to 1,000 (10 3 ) times before they wear out. Capacity Retention Have you ever pulled out two fresh batteries and plugged them in and found them not ready to function? This effect can be caused by an issue known as capacity retention. It is analogous to me with college Algebra and Latin. At one time, I knew them well. I was fully charged. But alas, over time, it has slowly slipped away. I still maintain some, but it is a shell of itself. " " We desire to live in a world whereby humankind stewards its resources well and works to mitigate harm to the environment.