There are many different types of laptop batteries, each for a different purpose. Some batteries are designed to power the laptop when it is plugged in and charging, others provide continuous power whether or not the computer is plugged in. There are also extended life batteries that have twice the capacity as standard batteries with up to 8 hours of battery life before needing a recharge. Different laptops use different types of battery technology. Some, like the Dell laptop use lithium ion batteries. These types of batteries are designed to minimize weight and provide a great deal of power for their size.
Lithium Ion Batteries
The most common type of battery used in laptops is Lithium Ion. That means that they have a positive electrode made from lithium, carbon anode which serves as the source of electrons during an electrochemical reaction with negative electrodes. The two electrodes are separated by either a liquid or gel electrolyte solution or thick film ceramic separators coated on both sides with a conducting polymer PTC system safety circuit built into them so that when the temperature gets too high they shut off before getting hot enough to cause thermal runaway and catch fire. They also have a built-in voltage and current limiter.
Lithium Ion batteries come in two types which are called polymer and prismatic. The prismatic type is the most common and has a metal case with a bumpy surface. The polymer type is made of a plastic film that is rolled up like a cigar. They have different advantages and disadvantages. The prismatic type is less likely to experience thermal runaway if it is damaged because the liquid or gel electrolyte will spread the damage out. The polymer type is more likely to experience thermal runaway but it can also be repaired by simply unrolling it and putting it back together.
Nickel Metal Hydride Batteries
Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries were once the most common type of battery in laptop computers. They are a secondary or rechargeable battery. That means that they can be recharged by connecting them to a power supply. They use nickel oxide hydroxide and metallic nickel as the positive and negative electrodes with an alkaline electrolyte.
Nickel Metal Hydride batteries have a number of advantages over Lithium Ion batteries. They are cheaper, have a longer life, and can handle more charge cycles. However, they are heavier than lithium ion batteries and don’t generate as much power.
Lithium Polymer Batteries
Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries were originally developed for use in cell phones and other small portable devices. They are made of lithium cobalt oxide. They are also rechargeable but they don’t use liquid or gel electrolytes to transfer the charge between electrodes. Instead, lithium ions move through a solid polymer membrane which is porous enough for ions to pass through it.
LiPo batteries are typically used in small things like cell phones and cameras because they can be made into different shapes and sizes compared to other types of batteries which need flat metal cases to contain them. However, LiPo batteries typically do not last as long as other battery types which means that they may not be an appropriate choice for laptops which need more power than smaller devices like cell phones.
Rechargeable Batteries
Rechargeable batteries are also called secondary batteries because they can be recharged by connecting them to a power supply. They use nickel oxide hydroxide and metallic nickel as the positive and negative electrodes with an alkaline electrolyte.
Rechargeable batteries come in a number of different types including Nickel Metal Hydride, Lithium Ion, and Lithium Polymer. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages which need to be considered when choosing a battery for a laptop computer. For example, Nickel Metal Hydride batteries are cheaper than Lithium Ion batteries but they don’t generate as much power. Lithium Ion batteries are lighter than Nickel Metal Hydride batteries but they can experience thermal runaway if they are damaged. Lithium Polymer batteries are flexible and can be made into different shapes and sizes but they don’t last as long as other types of batteries. So, it is important to consider the needs of the laptop when choosing a battery.
Non-Rechargeable Batteries
Non-rechargeable batteries are also called primary batteries because they cannot be recharged. They use zinc and manganese dioxide as the positive and negative electrodes with an acidic electrolyte.
Non-rechargeable batteries come in a number of different types including Alkaline, Carbon-Zinc, and Silver-Oxide. Alkaline batteries are the most common type of non-rechargeable battery and they have a high energy density. Carbon-Zinc batteries are cheaper than Alkaline batteries but they have a lower energy density. Silver-Oxide batteries have a higher energy density than Alkaline or Carbon-Zinc batteries but they are more expensive. So, it is important to consider the needs of the laptop when choosing a battery.
