Guide to Batteries

Batteries are devices that convert chemical energy into electrical energy.  They are designed to power external devices such as lights or motors when an electrical circuit is created between their negative and positive electrodes.  Electrons released from the battery's negative electrode (cathode) flow to the positive electrode (anode) through this electrical circuit outside the battery.

A battery actually consists of two or more dry cells or wet cells, each containing electrodes and an electrolyte that produce a direct current voltage by means of a chemical reaction.  Dry cells contain an electrolyte suspended in a pasty, absorbent material whereas wet cells, such as those used in car batteries, contain a liquid electrolyte.

Batteries actually date back to the Parthian period of Persian history (from 250 BC to 250 AD).  Of course, this ancient battery didn't look like today's model.  Discovered just outside of Baghdad, this battery comprises an asphalt stopper, through which an iron rod surrounded by a copper cylinder passes.  The final ingredient was vinegar.  If the jar was filled with vinegar, it could produce a current of 1.1 volts.

While this technology was used in Persia for many years, and is still used today for electroplating by craftsmen in Iraq, the rest of the world did not learn about electricity until at least the 17th century AD.  In 1600, British physician William Gilbert published his findings about electricity and magnetism, and in 1660, German inventor Otto von Guericke invented a machine that produced static electricity.  Around 1730, English scientist William Gray discovered the principle of electrical conductivity, and a few years later, French chemist Charles du Fay discovered the existence of "vitreous" and "resinous" electricity, which we know today as positive and negative electrical charges.  In 1747, British scientist Henry Cavendish measured the electrical conductivity of various materials, and during the 1780s, Italian anatomist Luigi Galvani discovered that an electrical impulse could move a severed frog's leg.

Alessandro Volta invented the first battery in 1800, but later batteries, such as Daniell's wet cell battery (1836), Plante's lead-acid rechargeable battery (1859), and Gassner's dry cell battery (1887), were more practical and convenient.  Carbon-zinc batteries were first sold during the late 19th century, but their low power output and short life span limited their usefulness.  Nickel-cadmium rechargeable batteries were invented shortly thereafter, but long-life alkaline batteries would not be developed and commercialized until the 1950s.  More recent developments in battery technology include Lithium batteries as well as rechargeable Lithium-Ion and Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries.

Batteries can be connected in series to increase their voltage, or in parallel to increase the current they provide.  Standard alkaline and carbon zinc batteries are not rechargeable; wet cell lead-acid batteries and dry cells that use nickel cadmium (NiCad), nickel metal hydride (NiMH), or lithium ion technology may be recharged repeatedly.

Specialized batteries are produced by OEM and third-party sources for a wide range of electrical and electronic devices.  Non-OEM batteries are often available at substantial discounts.

Browse these online battery dealers and battery manufacturers to find a broad selection of OEM and 3rd-party batteries for laptop computers, power tools, and cell phones, as well as for hearing aids, flashlights, and many other applications.

Shop for Batteries and Power Supplies

1. Batteries Plus
   
   This nationwide battery store chain offers all sorts of batteries for thousands of products.
   www.BatteriesPlus.com
2. InterstateBatteries.com
   
   Offers automotive batteries, laptop batteries, cell phone batteries, hearing aid batteries, cordless tool batteries, and more.
   www.InterstateBatteries.com
3. Batteries and Chargers
   
   Specialty batteries and battery chargers, Lithium batteries, rechargeable batteries, Ni-Cad chargers, and NIMH batteries.
   www.ChiefSupply.com

Battery and Power Supply Manufacturers

• Duracell
  
  Consumer and industrial batteries.
  www.Duracell.com
• Rayovac
  
  Hearing aid batteries, consumer batteries and lighting devices, and rechargeable batteries.
  www.Rayovac.com
• Eveready
  
  Dry cell batteries, flashlights, alkaline, carbon zinc, miniature, and rechargeable batteries.
  www.Eveready.com
• Exide Technologies
  
  Stored electrical energy solutions and innovative technologies.
  www.Exide.com
• American Battery
  
  UPS replacement batteries for APC and Tripp Lite.
  www.AmericanBatteryCompany.com
• Optima Batteries
  
  Completely sealed, maintenance free, lead-acid batteries.
  www.OptimaBatteries.com
• Tadiran Batteries
  
  Lithium thionyl chloride batteries in a variety of configurations.
  www.TadiranBat.com
• APC - American Power Conversion
  
  Uninterruptible power supplies — AC and DC power availability solutions.
  www.APC.com

Related Battery and Accessory Site

• Laptop Batteries - battery technologies for laptop and notebook computers.

Battery Guide - Guide to Batteries