Electrical Batteries Blog Header

 

We all use them but how much do we know about them?

 

  1. The name “Battery ” was chosen because the power supplied by an electric battery was reminiscent of the military term of weapons functioning together.

 

  1. In the 1800s Alessandro Volta, who is credited with being the inventor of the first electrical battery, discovered his battery to be working by using a dissected frog. When the frog’s leg started to twitch Alessandro knew there was a current running between the two pieces of metal.

 

  1. A high drain device like a digital camera will deplete a battery faster than a low drain device such as a clock.

 

  1. Loose batteries should not be carried in your pocket or in a purse. Batteries can short-circuit when they come into contact with metal items like keys and coins etc. This can cause the batteries to leak which could be harmful if it comes in contact with skin.

 

  1. Heat affects batteries. High temperatures will cause a battery to charge or discharge faster, thus improving performance. If the battery is left in the hot conditions for too long however, it will shorten the battery life.

 

  1. A rechargeable battery first came onto the market in 1991. It was more expensive than the disposable batteries but meant that the battery could be recharged many times before it needed replacing.

 

  1. In 2017 the biggest battery storage facility of its kind on earth was announced in the California desert. It is capable of powering 15,000 homes. The system was conceived as part of a backup against energy shortages.

 

  1. All batteries will degrade (self-discharge) over time - if if they are not used.