Power elements and batteries

There are two types of batteries: primary batteries (disposable batteries), which are designed to be used once and discarded, and secondary batteries (rechargeable batteries), which are designed to be recharged and used multiple times.

This is a type of low-maintenance lead-acid rechargeable battery. Because of their construction, VRLA batteries do not require regular addition of water to the cells.

Batteries come in many sizes, from miniature cells used to power hearing aids and wristwatches to battery banks the size of rooms that provide standby power for telephone exchanges and computer data centers.

Secondary batteries must be charged before use; they are usually assembled with active materials in the discharged state. Rechargeable batteries or secondary cellscan be recharged by applying electric current, which reverses the chemical reactions that occur during its use. Devices to supply the...