When we speak the language of batteries, we use the same terms as battery scientists. Knowing what these words mean, makes it easier for us to follow the fascinating world of batteries as they evolve. We’ll keep this post alive for a very long time. Google ‘ups battery center language of batteries’ each time you need to find it again.
Common Words In The Language of Batteries
- CAPACITY – Capacity is the amount of electrical energy a battery can store and deliver, at a point in its calendar life. A rechargeable battery gradually loses capacity as it charges and discharges.
- NOMINAL VOLTAGE – Voltage refers to the power of a battery to push electrical energy through a device. This voltage diminishes as the battery ages. Nominal cell voltage is the average across battery life.
- SHAPES AND SIZES – To speak the language of batteries fluently, we also need to understand the ‘shorthand’ for battery cell shapes and sizes. Next time you purchase a battery, note the words on the label and point of sale receipt.
- SELF-DISCHARGE – We could compare batteries to leaky buckets, because both lose some of their contents over time. This is how a starter battery goes flat, if we leave our auto parked in a garage for months.
- PRIMARY AND SECONDARY – Primary batteries only work once until they are flat, and then we need to recycle them. We can recharge secondary batteries from other power sources, and use them again and again.
- ENERGY DENSITY – Energy density combines capacity, shape, and size, so we can compare what different batteries can do. We express density as the amount of watt-hours a battery holds, per unit of weight or volume.
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When we speak in battery language, everybody understands what we are saying, and there is no confusion. We hope you enjoyed reading our post, and that you visit again soon. Our articles contain a wealth of information in a single place, so the facts you need are easy to find first time.
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