Why do batteries have different voltages and capacities?
Different devices operate at different voltages and power levels. They all require batteries that provide the necessary power output at a required minimum discharge voltage. The voltage of a given battery depends on both, the number of single cells connected in series and on their electrochemical system. For instance a lithium-manganese-dioxide cell has a nominal voltage of 3V, a rechargeable lead-acid cell offers 2V, while an alkaline-manganese primary cell has an initial voltage of 1.5V, that decreases during discharge to 0.9V and below. The capacity of a battery is determined by the amount of chemical energy stored inside its housing. It determines – for a given current of a given device – the service output duration of the battery. In order to properly operate a specific electrical device, the battery’s operating voltage must be keyed to that of the device; the correct battery capacity must be selected in order to provide the necessary service output duration; the battery must be a
A. Different devices operate at different voltages and power levels. They all require batteries that provide the necessary power output at a minimum discharging voltage. The voltage of a given battery depends on the number of single cells connected in series and on their electrochemical system. For instance, a lithium-manganese-dioxide cell has a nominal voltage of 3 V, a rechargeable lead-acid cell offers 2 V, while an alkaline-manganese cell has an initial voltage of approx. 1.5 V. The capacity of a battery is calculated by the amount of active ingredients stored inside its housing. Rated capacity can be misleading because it doesn’t provide a measure of a battery’s ability to deliver energy. The actual delivered capacity is highly dependent on: • Drain rate (load) • Operating temperature • Cutoff voltage For instance, Ultra Advanced with POWERCHECK™ delivers more energy in power-demanding devices than standard Duracell batteries, while both products would have similar rated capaciti