Carbon zinc, primary operating temperatures

The majority of battery manufacturers publish discharge figures taken at 20°C. By the correct matching of size and current drain, the carbon-zinc and other primary systems can successfully be operated at lower temperatures than those indicated, but liaison with the battery manufacturer is essential. 

Primary batteries have existed for over 100 years, but up to 1940, the zinc-carbon battery was the only one in wide use. During World War II and the postwar period, significant advances were made, not only with the zinc-carbon system, but with new and superior types of batteries. Capacity was improved from less than 50 Wh/kg with the early zinc-carbon batteries to more than 400 Wh/kg now obtained with lithium batteries. The shelf life of batteries at the time of World War n was limited to about 1 year when stored at moderate temperatures the shelf life of present-day conventional batteries is from 2 to 5 years. The shelf life of the newer lithium batteries is as high as 10 years, with a capability of storage at temperatures as high as 70°C. Low-temperature operation has been extended from 0 to -40C, and the power density has been improved manyfold. Special low-drain batteries using a solid electrolyte have shelf lives in excess of 20 years. 

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