10 billion batteries are sold in the United States. That’s about a billion tons of garbage with very toxic elements. It is a big industry, and it is a shame that we don’t pursue the possibility of eliminating most of the batteries by producing devices that would generate their own electricity.
Going back to topic, not long ago, rechargeable batteries used to cost 5 to 10 times more than equivalent alkaline batteries since you had to buy a charger. The initial investment was pretty high for many to consider it a viable alternative.
Additionally, the current technology, nickel cadmium batteries are very fragile, as they develop what we call “memory”. If you use the battery and recharge it, when it is in the middle of the discharge cycle, it will eventually develop the memory where the battery would suddenly get discharged upon reaching that memory level.
Additionally, since rechargeable batteries have lower resistance than alkaline, they tend to perform better for applications where high current is required. Example: Computers, Cellular phones, Remote Control vehicles, Cameras, etc.
You get more performance and voltage is high throughout the life of the battery.
Fortunately, thanks to ongoing advances in both batteries and battery chargers, alkaline batteries can be replaced with higher capacity, environmentally friendly, rechargeable NiMH or Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. What’s more, rechargeable batteries are usually much less expensive to use.
Today you can buy for 20 bucks, 4 NiMH AA batteries, which are very good for digital cameras or an Ipod, and they give you better performance than alkaline- almost as good as lithium ones. The charger and battery will last 2 to 5 years, and within a few months you will recover your investment.
Before I finish, I would like to clear up this myth:
Rechargeable batteries have a lower capacity than disposable alkaline batteries. Not true.
Regular batteries can give you current over a longer span of time. However the voltage will decline faster, which means that for applications that are sensible to voltage, a regular battery will not work well. For example: General purpose batteries are perfect for a regular flash light or LED flash light. The range of voltages it will perform is high and will actually work for a longer period of time. However, if the device has sensible electronics with a higher cuttoff voltage (for example an MP3 player), you will notice that the rechargeable battery outlasts the battery, with exception of a lithium battery.
I just bought a bunch of rechargeable batteries on sale here in Detroit for my daughter in college. They are so practical for her mp3 player, voice recorder, and all the other gadgets that college kids have. I will send her this link to show her that Dad does know best.
Nice tip! thanks.
You can get NiMH AA’s for a lot less than $5/ea (try $1.59). Just checkout “www.batteryspace.com” . It’s the cheapest and most convenient source I’ve found for all things battery.