Batteries Rechargeable (Secondary)

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
PRT-13851 SparkFun	BATTERY LITHIUM 3.7V 400MAH	0
PRT-13813 SparkFun	BATTERY LITHIUM 3.7V 1AH	153
PRT-11855 SparkFun	LI-ION BATTERY 1AH	12
PRT-13855 SparkFun	LITHIUM ION BATTERY - 2AH	279
PRT-13189 SparkFun	BATTERY LITHIUM 3.7V 2.6AH	444
PRT-13852 SparkFun	BATTERY LITHIUM 3.7V 40MAH	199
PRT-12895 SparkFun	BATTERY LITHIUM 3.7V 2.6AH	371
PRT-13853 SparkFun	BATTERY LITHIUM 3.7V 110MAH	500
PRT-10319 SparkFun	COIN CELL 24.5MM CR2450	0
PRT-08483 SparkFun	BATTERY LITHIUM 3.7V 2AH	0

Batteries Rechargeable (Secondary)

1. Overview

Rechargeable batteries (secondary batteries) are electrochemical energy storage devices that can be repeatedly charged and discharged through reversible chemical reactions. Unlike primary batteries, they form the backbone of modern energy storage systems, enabling portable electronics, electric vehicles (EVs), and renewable energy integration. Their ability to reduce long-term costs and environmental impact makes them critical in sustainable technology development.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

Type	Functional Characteristics	Application Examples
Lithium-ion (Li-ion)	High energy density (100-265 Wh/kg), low self-discharge, long cycle life (500-2000 cycles)	Smartphones, EVs, laptops
Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH)	Moderate energy density (60-120 Wh/kg), environmental friendliness, memory effect resistance	Hybrid vehicles, digital cameras
Lead-Acid	Low cost, high surge current capability, heavy weight	Automotive starters, backup power systems
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4)	Exceptional thermal stability, long lifespan (2000+ cycles), lower energy density	Electric buses, solar storage, marine applications

3. Structure and Composition

Typical rechargeable battery cells consist of:

Cathode: Lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) in Li-ion, Nickel oxyhydroxide (NiOOH) in NiMH
Anode: Graphite (Li-ion), Hydrogen-absorbing alloy (NiMH)
Electrolyte: Lithium salt in organic solvent (Li-ion), Potassium hydroxide (NiMH)
Separator: Microporous polymer membrane preventing short circuits
Current Collectors: Copper (anode), Aluminum (cathode)

Cell designs include cylindrical (18650 format), prismatic, and pouch configurations with integrated protection circuits.

4. Key Technical Parameters

Parameter	Description	Importance
Energy Density	Wh/kg or Wh/L	Determines runtime and weight
Charge Cycle Life	Number of full discharge/charge cycles	Dictates longevity and cost-effectiveness
Internal Resistance	Measured in milliohms	Affects power output and efficiency
Self-Discharge Rate	Monthly capacity loss percentage	Storage performance indicator
Charging Efficiency	Percentage of energy retained during charging	Impacts operational costs

5. Application Fields

Consumer Electronics: Smartphones, tablets, wearables
Transportation: EVs (Tesla Model 3), Hybrid vehicles (Toyota Prius)
Renewable Energy: Solar+storage systems (Tesla Powerwall)
Industrial: Forklifts, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS)
Military/Aerospace: UAVs, satellites

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

Manufacturer	Representative Product	Chemistry Type
Panasonic	NCR18650B	Lithium-ion
BYD	Blade Battery	Lithium Iron Phosphate
Samsung SDI	INR18650-30Q	Nickel Cobalt Manganese (NCM)
Exide Technologies	Chloride SLA	Lead-Acid
LG Chem	LGDBHE21865	Lithium-ion Polymer

7. Selection Recommendations

Key considerations:

Energy Requirements: Calculate Wh needed for target runtime
Power Profile: Assess peak current demands (e.g., EV acceleration)
Environmental Conditions: Operating temperature range (-20 C to 60 C typical)
Cost Constraints: Balance upfront cost vs lifecycle value
Regulatory Compliance: UN38.3, IEC 62133 certifications

Example: Select LiFePO4 for solar storage systems requiring 5000+ cycles and wide temperature tolerance.

8. Industry Trends

Material Innovation: Silicon anodes (20%+ capacity increase), solid-state electrolytes
Fast Charging: 0-80% in 15 minutes (e.g., Tesla 4680 cells)
Recycling: EU Battery Passport regulations driving closed-loop systems
Market Growth: 12.6% CAGR projected through 2030 (Grand View Research)
AI Integration: Smart BMS (Battery Management Systems) optimizing charge cycles