Rechargeable Batteries for Commercial Applications

More rechargeable batteries are deployed in commercial applications, namely automobiles, telephones, cell phones, iPads, medical devices, cameras, watches, and so on. Battery power requirements are very low for these applications except for batteries for EVs and HEVs. Two important electrical performance parameters for EV batteries are the specific energy (Wh/kg) and the energy density (Wh/L). The performance specifications requirements for low-power rechargeable batteries widely 

The aqueous secondary or rechargeable batteries are widely used for commercial and low-power sensors and devices. The Ni-MH, Ni-Hj, and Ni-Zn batteries have been added recently to this category of secondary batteries. Typical characteristics of various aqueous secondary batteries are summarized in Table 1.6. 

Ni-MH batteries were introduced in the market as early as 1992. Since then, significant improvements in their characteristics, weight, size, and cost have been observed. These batteries have substituted Ni-Cd batteries, which were being deployed in several applications, including portable commercial devices and sensors. 

Zinc-silver-oxide (Zn-AgO) batteries are widely used for commercial applications. These batteries offer high specific energy (Wh/kg) and energy density (Wh/L), proven reliability, enhanced safety, and highest power output per unit weight and volume. These batteries can be discharged even at 20°C. However, low cycle life, high procurement cost, and poor performance at low temperatures are drawbacks of Zn-AgO batteries. 

Zn-AgO batteries are widely deployed in space application because of their outstanding electrical performance capabilities. These batteries have been used by the astronauts of several missions in their extravehicular activities because of their high-energy capability and portability aspects. These batteries can be used in portable applications, such as television cameras, medical equipment, communications equipment, and lighting systems. 

---