Your Guide to C-Rechargeable Batteries
There are various types of batteries, and one of them is the rechargeable one. Another type is the non-rechargeable battery. Rechargeable batteries are gaining popularity due to their value addition abilities. Unlike in the past where a rechargeable battery would go flat within months, nowadays batteries can retain up to 80 percent of their capacity after one year of usage. This is thanks to the low self-discharge (LSD) technology.
Sanyo was first to introduce the LSD Ni-MH (Nickel metal hydride) cells in their Eneloop AA cells in November 2005. Type C alkaline batteries are usually rated for about 8000 mAh though this is under low current of about 30 mA. When used in a flashlight with a load of 500mA, the capacity of most alkaline batteries will drop by almost half the amount. Alkaline rechargeable batteries are much better than NiMH cells since they have a longer shelf life of about 10 years with minimal self-discharge. Some batteries come with a USB charger, for example, the Thrunite U1. The charger required depends on the capacity and type of your battery.
What is the meaning of a rechargeable battery?
It's a device that stores energy and can be charged repeatedly by applying DC current to the terminals. Here are some classes in which they are classified under:
- Rechargeable AA batteries
- Li-ion batteries
- LiFePO4 batteries
What are the different types of rechargeable batteries and their suitable applications?
- Valve regulated lead acid. These are suited for applications where traditional flooded batteries cannot be used. Besides, they don't spill their electrolytes even when inverted.
- Ni-CD (Nickel-cadmium) batteries are useful in high discharge rates. They have a good life cycle and have optimal performance even at low power levels. However, they are quite pricey than the lead-acid and Li-polymer batteries.
- Nickel-zinc (NiZn) batteries, unlike the NiMH, are suited for the high-drain devices, for example, digital cameras.
- Lithium-ion battery (Li-ion). The normal voltage amount of these batteries is the AAA, C, D, and AA batteries. Similar to the NiZn, they are available in higher voltage amounts of 9V and 3.7 volts. Some lithium batteries come pre-charged, and that can last you for a year.
What are some of the rechargeable C-batteries?
- Sunlabz C 3000mAh NICD. These are one of the notable rechargeable batteries since you get eight units per every pack. The AA batteries can be used in lower-drain devices such as solar charged lights or AM/FM radio and electronic toys too. Some of those used in watches are 1.5 volts.
- Eneloop C size spacers. With the Panasonic Eneloop and you can use AA rechargeable batteries in devices that use C-sized batteries. You only slide the slim AA battery cylinder into these tubes and insert them.
- Odec 5000mAh deep cycle. These rechargeable batteries are perfect for a critical device that should not shut down, for instance, an emergency radio responder or flashlight.
- EBL 5000mAh high-capacity rechargeable batteries. It comes in a pack of four and is the most economical since they can maintain up to 75 percent after three years. Further, they can be charged more than 1200 times without losing their efficacy.