Engineering & Technology
WWW.CLARVIS.CO.UK
WWW.CLARVIS.CO.UK
Batteries and cells come in all different shapes and sizes and there are many different types.
We usually call the pictures shown here as batteries but they are actually cells. A battery is when multiple cells are connected together.
Although they all look different, each of the cells shown to the right all produce a voltage of 1.5V.
The larger cells, such a D and C cells, can supply more current and are best suited for high power products such as torches and remote control cars.
The smaller cells, such as AA and AAA cells, are used for less demanding products such as remote controls, console remote controls and clocks etc.
The advantage of the D and C cells is that they have a high capacity and can supply more current and last longer. They are however heavy and large.
The advantage of the AA and AAA cells is that they are much lighter and smaller. They have a lower capacity however and cannot supply high currents for very long.
These were some of the earliest batteries ever manufactured. They have the advantages that they are very robust, can supply very high currents and are of simple construction.
They are however bulky and heavy. They are commonly found in cars to power the electrics and start the car engines
They are commonly found in Bridlington, where they can be seen under the seats of the convoys of mobility scooters. They are also found in some off-grid photoelectric solar panel systems.
Lithium Ion batteries have revolutionised modern technology. It is this type of battery that has allowed the development of smart phones, drones and electric cars. They are capable of storing a great deal of energy for their size and are able to deliver very high currents.
Like all lithium based batteries, of course, they contain the harmful element lithium. The mining of lithium causes significat harm to the environment.
it is very important that these batteries are handled correctly. If they are shorted or punctured they can react violently and burst into flames.
These cells have the advantage that they are compact and have a relatively high capacity for their size. They are commonly found in car key fobs and other low power electrical equipment. They can't supply a high current but have a long shelf life.
Lithium, unfortunately is a poisonous heavy metal which can cause harm to nature.
These must be kept out of the reach of young children, as they are easily swallowed and toxic.
Photovoltaic panels are a type of solar panel that generate electricity from light. Although they perform best in summer, because photovoltaic panels do not require heat, they can also operate in winter.
They are considered to be a renewable energy source and do not release carbon dioxide. The manufacture of the solar panels does release carbon dioxide however.
As well as on buildings and in solar arrays (see picture) photovoltaic cells are used in modern calculators to improve battery life.
