Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Best Non-Rechargeable Batteries and How To Recharge Them

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Best Non-Rechargeable Batteries and How To Recharge Them

Have you ever wondered why all batteries couldn’t be recharged? Or why we need different types of batteries in the first place? This article would help you understand exactly that.

More specifically, we will focus on one type of battery, the non-rechargeable battery. Why we need them, and where to source them from. In this blog, you will know about some best non-rechargeable batteries & how to recharge them.

What are Non-Rechargeable Batteries?

To understand non-rechargeable batteries, we first need to understand what “a battery” or “a cell” is. Batteries are electrochemical power sources that consist of one or more cells.

A battery can convert chemical energy into electricity when it comes into contact with external connections and hence supplies power or charges the external connection.  There are two types of Batteries:

  • Primary Batteries (also known as Non-Rechargeable Batteries) and
  • Secondary Batteries (also known as Rechargeable Batteries)

Every battery has three basic parts: the anode (-), cathode (+), and electrolyte. The electrons that stream from the anodes (-) to the electrolyte and then to the cathodes (+) are what power a device.

Eventually, in a regular non-rechargeable battery, the anode corrodes due to the constant electrochemical reaction through the electrolyte, and then the battery dies.

You have to dispose of and replace these non-rechargeable batteries after they die. We will tell you about the best non-rechargeable batteries & how to recharge them.

The reason why non-rechargeable batteries are unable to recharge compared to rechargeable batteries is because of their composition.

The elements used to make rechargeable batteries are Lithium and Lead-Acid. Non-rechargeable batteries are made with Zinc and Manganese, which are cheaper elements.

Best Non-Rechargeable Batteries & How To Recharge Them

Must Read Review:

How to recharge a Non-Rechargeable Battery?

As the name suggests, a non-rechargeable battery cannot be recharged. Scientifically speaking, charging a non-rechargeable battery is not a good idea.

In fact, it is best to not try and recharge one. This is because, when you try to plug these batteries to charge them, you are forcing the electrons to be pushed back into their original state which is impossible.

Simply put, the chemical reaction is not reversible. This is the case, especially with alkaline non-rechargeable batteries.

Where the chemical reaction could also produce hydrogen gas in a closed space, and consequently result in leakage, or worse, an explosion. Hence, this process would not be efficient.

There are many instances where people have tried to charge these batteries using a power plug for rechargeable batteries and the batteries worked perfectly fine afterward.

Those who have attempted charging these batteries have claimed to notice the corrosion speed up. In addition, it could ruin the power plug and decrease overall battery life. Regardless, trying this would be taking a risk and endangering your life.

So then, why do we need non-rechargeable batteries?

As mentioned earlier, the elements used to make non-rechargeable batteries, i.e., Zinc and Manganese, are much cheaper. This makes them best suitable for low-draw devices that need very little current to run.

Furthermore, since they are cheaper they are easily accessible in the market. Devices such as alarm clocks, TV remotes, flashlights, and toys would work well with these batteries.

In addition to this, these batteries are portable, capable of having lasting storage time, and instantly ready to charge power. Hence making it valuable especially in times of an emergency.

Examples of Non-Rechargeable Batteries

Non-Rechargeable batteries are divided based on their composition, capacity, and purpose. Each of these divisions serves a different role.

Some batteries are chosen based on capacity while others are chosen based on composition. When divided according to composition, the most common examples of non-rechargeable batteries comprise of:

Zinc-Carbon Batteries

Zinc-Carbon batteries are cheap, have a long shelf life, and high charging capacity. However, their disadvantages include having low storage capacity and they are also very hazardous to the environment after disposal.

ZnCl (Zinc Chloride Batteries)

Zinc Chloride batteries are an upgraded version of the Zinc-Carbon battery. They are also called Heavy-Duty batteries as they perform twice as better as Zinc-Carbon batteries. They have a higher service life, use pure chemicals for their composition and provide uniform voltage.

LiMnO2 (Lithium Manganese Dioxide Batteries)

Devices such as gas and water meters use Lithium Manganese Dioxide batteries. They have a long lifespan of 10 years. This battery also has a high tolerance for temperature making it really useful to withstand extreme cold and heat.

Alkaline Batteries

Alkaline batteries are the most popular primary batteries that are available. Their storage time can last up to 10 years. These batteries are highly efficient and cost-effective.

They are also leakproof even when completely discharged. However, the disadvantage is that they can only work with low loads. This makes them suited to very low drawing electrical devices.

When divided according to capacity, the most common ones found include:

AA Batteries

With a nominal voltage of 1.5 volts, this is one of the most common format capacities of batteries available in the market. It is mostly found in portable electric devices such as remotes and clocks to gaming controllers. Alkaline and Lithium batteries are the most common AA batteries.

AAA Batteries

These come in second, for the most commonly found non-rechargeable batteries in the market. Compared to AA batteries, AAA batteries carry a lesser charge. Hence, although they have the same nominal voltage of 1.5 volts, their capacity is much lesser.

So, they only work well with lightweight, low-draining power devices. Devices like cameras, mp3 and mp4 players, doorbells, etc. mostly use AAA batteries to function.

When divided according to purpose, non-rechargeable batteries have two main types:

Household Batteries

This type of battery is the most easily available kind for the common man. We use these batteries in almost every household appliance such as clocks, kitchen tools and machines, remote controls, alarms, kids toys, lighting, etc.

These batteries are disposed of and replaced once they die or run out of charge. The most common batteries used for this are AA and AAA batteries.

Industrial Batteries

Industrial primary batteries require higher capacity and voltage power as they work with heavy-duty machinery and appliances. More powerful non-rechargeable batteries such as the 9V (9 volts) battery, primary lithium batteries, etc. are used for these purposes.

Best Non-Rechargeable Battery to buy

Many marketplaces sell non-rechargeable batteries in different sizes and capacities. It then becomes difficult for us to choose the right kind of battery for our needs.

For this reason, we have divided some of the top best brands when it comes to non-rechargeable batteries, that you can check out. In this section, we will look at some of the top-selling non-rechargeable battery brands available in the market along with what they are best suited for.

1. Duracell Ultra Alkaline AA Batteries

Best Non-Rechargeable Batteries & How To Recharge Them

Duracell Batteries are known worldwide for their quality and durability. The brand offers various types of batteries, the most common being their Alkaline AA Battery range.

Pros:

  • These batteries can last ten times more than ordinary Zinc-Carbon batteries.
  • They can undergo extreme temperatures and still work fine.
  • Works extremely well with children’s toys, BP monitors, and remotes.

Cons:

  • It can only be used once.
  • It is not rechargeable. Any attempt at doing so would lead to ruptures or leakages.
  • Costlier compared to Indian counterparts.

2. Eveready Zinc-Carbon AA Batteries

India’s very own Eveready Batteries are known for their performance and variety. One of Eveready’s most sold products is its Zinc-Carbon AA Batteries.

Pros:

  • Extremely durable batteries.
  • Works with almost any household appliance.
  • Affordable and is good value for money.

Cons:

  • Longevity is lesser compared to other brands as it is made out of ZInc-Carbon.
  • Can be used only one time.

3. Panasonic Alkaline AA Batteries

Best Non-Rechargeable Batteries & How To Recharge Them

Using Japanese technology, Panasonic is no doubt one of the best battery brands that exist. Their non-rechargeable Alkaline AA batteries are one of their bestsellers.

Pros:

  • Lasts 15 times longer than other batteries
  • Works well with many devices and also great to use with high-powered devices.
  • Has long shelf life and doesn’t damage or corrode easily.

Cons:

  • Expensive compared to other brands due to their high quality.
  • It is not rechargeable.

4. Energizer Max AAA Alkaline Batteries

Energizer batteries are a well-known household staple. They have lasting performance. These batteries are the longest-lasting batteries in the market.

Pros:

  • They can hold power for up to 10 years even during storage
  • They can last 10 ten times longer than regular batteries.
  • The batteries also have a protective coating that can help prevent leakages, even when stored, for up to 2 years.

Cons:

  • Only best suited for smaller devices and not so much for heavy-duty appliances.
  • It is not rechargeable.

5. AmazonBasics AAA Performance Alkaline Non-Rechargeable Batteries 

Best Non-Rechargeable Batteries & How To Recharge Them

Pros:

  • The composition is new and improved making it anti-corrosive.
  • Doesn’t leak even when stored for ten years or longer.
  • Uses Japanese design and technology to make it work under extreme temperatures.

Cons:

  • Single-time use is only possible and it is not rechargeable.
  • Doesn’t work well with all household appliances

Must Read Review: 

Conclusion for Best Non-Rechargeable Batteries & How To Recharge Them

Primary or non-rechargeable batteries are an indispensable part of every household. They have several advantages and help in times of emergency. Since it is easily available in the market, it is most likely that you would find batteries like these in your house as well.
Non-rechargeable batteries do have the disadvantage of disposal once they die and hence, cannot be reused. This makes them hazardous for the environment as most of them are not recyclable. Regardless of this demerit, it is better to use these batteries in the long run as they can hold more energy and last longer than rechargeable batteries.

We hope this article helps you make a smart decision on which batteries would best suit your needs. Let me know in the comment box.

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