How do I choose a battery?

One of the first choices in battery selection is to decide whether the application requires primary (single use) or secondary (rechargeable) batteries. For the most part, this is an easy decision for the designer.

How do you compare batteries of different chemistry?

When comparing batteries of different chemistry, it is useful to look at the energy content. To obtain the energy content of a battery, multiply the battery capacity in Ah by the voltage to obtain energy in watt hours (Wh).

What factors should you consider when choosing a battery?

Learn about the 4 important considerations when selecting the right battery to use for a consumer application, including rechargeability, energy density, power density, shelf life, safety, form factor, cost, and flexibility.

Do I need a primary or secondary battery?

The first thing to consider is if your application needs a primary or secondary battery. A primary battery is one that cannot be re-charged and a secondary battery is one that can. Primary batteries tend to have low self discharge rates around 2% a year. Primary batteries can provide longer shelf life and are much cheaper for low usage devices.

Why do batteries need to be placed in series?

Smaller cell voltages means batteries have to be placed in series to achieve higher pack voltages. Placing cells in series adds the voltage of the cells together. Most applications need at least 5V and most chemistries produce 1.2 – 4.2V. Another major consideration when determining battery voltage is voltage sag effect.

How to choose a battery for a project?

Total charge time required for your battery should be considered and will depend on size, chemistry, and charging methods. Key Points: Size, shape and weight could be a critical part of choosing a battery for a project. Some cell chemistries have more options than others.