When developing an autonomous heating system, it is necessary to take into account many details that play an important role. How economical, as well as effective, the model directly depends on the radiators. Which is better for a private house, should be decided based on the comparative characteristics of their main parameters: the price of equipment, its reliability and, of course, quality, as well as from the material of production.
Types of batteries and their characteristics
In everyday life, in addition to ordinary batteries, you can also find rechargeable types identical to the first. Yes, they will last longer, but such items are also more expensive. In this article, we will not dwell on them, but consider the usual types of batteries.
Battery classification
Energy sources can be sorted according to several criteria:
- Chemical composition.
- Standard size
By chemical composition
Below, you will be presented with batteries by type of electrolyte. The most famous are the first two types.
Saline
The electrolyte of such a battery is based on ammonium or zinc chloride. A negative lead that occupies a large area of the cylindrical element is created from Zn. Such elements have a carbon rod, which is treated with a special compound.
Sometimes you can find that the electrodes of such batteries are made of manganese oxide. These elements have the lowest cost among all the others. Used in Chinese alarm clocks, TV remotes, computer mice and other small appliances. Ideal for devices with low current consumption.
Key Features:
- Cannot be charged.
- They may not work in the cold.
- They sit down quickly.
- It may leak if used for a long time.
- Are cheap!
- Stored for 2 years.
They are also popularly referred to as carbon-zinc and zinc-carbon.
Read more about salt batteries here!
Alkaline or Alkaline
These Alkaline batteries use potassium hydroxide as the electrolyte. The electrodes are made from the same material as the previous type. That is, from manganese dioxide and powdered zinc. Often, such batteries can be found in tablets, phones, cameras, toys, remotes and other devices.
For the first time, these galvanic batteries were produced by Durasel in 1964. Potassium hydroxide is used as an electrolyte.
Features:
- More powerful than saline.
- Are a little susceptible to self-discharge.
- Sealed.
- They cost a little more than the previous ones.
- Large mass.
- They can be stored for up to 5-10 years.
- Operate in subzero temperatures down to -20 C0
Some of the alkaline batteries can be recharged, but they will cost several times more.
You can read more about this type of battery here!
Injection molding
This is a new type of battery that has appeared recently. They are considered the best compared to those described above. These batteries should be taken for devices with high energy consumption, for example, cameras, flashlights, toys.
The anode of such batteries is made of manganese dioxide, and the cathode is made of lithium. The electrolyte is organic.
Features:
- Increased capacity.
- Not high self-discharge.
- Shelf life is 10-12 years.
- They work at temperatures from -40 degrees.
- High price.
From cast energy sources, several subspecies can be distinguished.
Iodine-lithium
They use iodine as an oxidizing agent. Lithium in them is a reducing agent. As a result of these features, they are able to store a charge for a long time. They discharge slowly and are powerful enough. Therefore, it was decided to use them in pacemakers.
Castable solid cathode batteries
Here the cathode is made of lithium, and the anode is made of sulfides and metal oxides. Salt solutions serve here as an electrolyte. The voltage is at 1.5 volts.
They are able to function perfectly in different temperature ranges. They have a high capacity and are very expensive compared to all others.
With liquid oxidants
Sulfur dioxide is used, which is immersed in a thick liquid of thionyl chloride. Lithium bromide is the electrolyte here. Carbons are cathodes. They are smeared onto a plate made of aluminum, stainless steel or nickel.
If the device is using a lot of power, the battery will drain quickly. This is the main disadvantage of this power supply. It can function at temperatures from -60 degrees. Its negative feature also includes the price, explosiveness. Sometimes elements of this type with increased toxicity can be found. Used in the space or military industry.
Read more about lithium batteries here!
Silver batteries
One of the most expensive energy sources. But on the other hand, their capacity is about 50% higher than that of injection molding and therefore they will work longer. They do an excellent job in adverse weather conditions.
Their cathode is made of silver oxide and the anode is made of zinc. An alkali metal hydroxide is used as an electrolyte. They have an overall capacity and voltage up to 1.55 volts. You can store such batteries for up to 10 years, since their self-discharge is very low. Can be used at temperatures up to -30 degrees. Many people gave them the name silver-zinc.
They are very often used in watches, photographic equipment and medical equipment.
Zinc air
They are highly sensitive to weather conditions. Best used indoors. In other conditions, the air can change humidity and the batteries will stop working. The main positive feature is the large amount of energy. This is due to the fact that the cathode in this battery is not consumable. Calcium hydroxide is used as an electrolyte.
Such elements on the market can be found in two variations:
- Push-button, tablet, flat or disc-shaped. They have a small capacity. Used frequently.
- Prismatic. They have an increased capacity up to 1000 mAh.
They are environmentally friendly and are very often used in medicine. True, they do not work as long as we would like. They can work for a maximum of 1 month after opening the package. They can work at temperatures from -25 to +35 C0. Voltage 1.2-1.4 volts.
If you have already opened the package and activated these batteries, then you will have to glue everything tightly to seal it. So the self-discharge will decrease. Under such conditions, they can persist for up to several years.
Mercury
These are some of the most poisonous batteries in existence at the moment. Because of their toxicity, they have not become popular. These power supplies can be recharged multiple times. They quickly lose their capacity due to the flow of liquid metal into one area.
They are able to work for a long time in bad climatic conditions.
Read more about this type of battery in this article!
These are the types of batteries in terms of composition.
Cast iron radiators - we study the features of cast iron devices
The simplest type of radiators is cast iron. These products are still popular in the market despite their more modern counterparts. It is quite simple to explain such popularity - cast iron products have a lot of advantages, including:
- time-tested strength and durability - can serve for two decades or more;
- the ability to assemble a radiator from a different number of sections;
- rust resistance;
- low level of heat transfer;
- the material is not afraid of chemical attack.
Cast iron radiators
Durability is due to the fact that cast iron batteries are equipped with very thick walls.But this is precisely the main disadvantage of the products - too much weight due to the severity of the materials used for the production. Low thermal conductivity is considered a plus and a minus at the same time. The main advantage is that the batteries, although they warm up slowly, also cool down slowly - if the heating is turned off, the radiators will remain warm for some time. But such radiators will not be able to quickly regulate the temperature with the help of regulators.
Another drawback of cast iron batteries is their unpresentability. True, in the modern market you can find models with an exclusive design, but their cost will be much higher than the price of ordinary radiators.
Battery classification by size
As you know, many batteries have different shapes. That is why the marking of the batteries was specially developed according to their type. There are European and American classifications.
Below is a table that displays energy sources by standard size. It will help you determine the type of battery.
American marking | People's markings | Coded designations | Type | Width in mm | Height in mm | Capacity in mAh. |
AND | not | LR23R23 | Alkaline Salt | 17 | 50 | Not known |
AA | Finger | FR6LR6R6 | Lithium Alkaline Salt | 14.5 | 50.5 | 1100 – 3500 |
AAA | Mizinchikovaya | LR03FR03R03 | Alkaline Lithium Salt | 10.5 | 44.5 | 540 – 1300 |
AAAA | Little pinky | LR8D425 | Alkaline | 8.3 | 42.5 | 625 |
IN | LR12 | Alkaline | 21.5 | 60 | 8350 | |
FROM | Average | 26.2 | 50 | 3800 – 8000 | ||
D | Large, round | LR14 R14 | Alkaline Salt | 34.2 | 61.5 | 8000 – 19500 |
F | LR20R20 | Alkaline Salt | 33 | 91 | unknown | |
N | LR1R1 | Alkaline Salt | 12 | 30.2 | 1000 | |
½ AA | R14250 | Salt | 14.5 | 25 | ||
R10 | 21.5 | 37.3 | 1800 | |||
PP 3 | Crown | 1604, 6F22, 6R611604A, 6LF22, 6LR61, MN1604, MX1604 | Salt Alkaline | 26.5 | 48.5 | 150 – 1000 |
A 23 | Mini pinky | ANSI-1181A, 8LR23, 8LR932, GP23A, E23A, LRV08, MN21, V23GA | 10.5 | 28.9 | 40 |
You can see the American mark on the battery label. They also indicate what it consists of, and also put down the date. The L value on the battery indicates that it is alkaline. Sizes may vary slightly from those shown. For example, if the battery is in a dense label, then its dimensions will be 1-3 mm larger. The manufacturer puts such a shell to protect the energy source from weather conditions and impacts in case of a fall.
IEC standard designations
Designation | Energy source type |
PR | Zinc air |
R | Saline |
CR | Lithium |
SR | Silver |
LR | Alkaline |
Thus, the types of electrochemical cells can be different.
What is worth knowing about steel radiators for installation in a private house?
Steel batteries are produced in two types: they can be tubular and panel. Panel panels are two connected plates with a thickness of up to 2 mm. Their advantages include low inertia, radiation of a large amount of heat, a modern stylish look, the ability to manufacture products of different shapes, low cost and resistance to double vision inside the heating system. However, steel types of radiators have such disadvantages as:
- high risk of rust;
- restrictions on use in heating systems, the coolant in which contains various alkali reagents;
- the inability to choose the number of sections - steel radiators are produced by already assembled ready-made panels.
Steel battery
One of the varieties of steel radiators is tubular models. Their main advantage is their interesting design and the ability to choose the appropriate shape. You can buy a product with an internal coating of steel with special polymer compounds, which will reduce the risk of rust.
Tablet types of batteries
These types of power supplies can be called flat, flattened, disk, buttons, etc. They are different in chemical composition. In fact, there are a lot of them and on our site you can find more than 80% of all their types. Below are their most basic representatives.
- Zinc air PR elements of sizes 5, 10, 13, 312, 630 and 675 for 1.2 V.
- Lithium CR batteries with standard sizes from 927 to 3032 (where the first one or two digits are the diameter in millimeters, and the last two digits are the thickness, in tenths, fractions of a millimeter) by 3 V.
- Disc-shaped SR batteries in sizes 41 to 932 with silver oxide for 1.55 V watches.
- LR tablets size 43, 54, 44, 1.5 volt. Used in calculators, watches and other devices.
Calculation of heating radiators by power
Video: Calculation of heating radiators
In this case, I want to offer you the simplest calculation of heating radiators, or rather, a way to calculate the required power that is required for a particular room, but here it is necessary to take into account the height of the ceilings, which should not exceed 2.5-2.6 m (this standard). For each square meter of area, it is necessary to issue 100 W of thermal power, but for clarity, we will make conditional calculations.
For example, we have a room of 6.5 × 5 m, therefore, the total area will be S = 6.5 * 5 = 32.5 m2. If 100 W or 0.1 kW of heat is required per square square, then 32.5 * 0.1 = 3.25 kW of heat power. Take a SanTexRai (STR) aluminum radiator with a section power of 160 W or 0.16 kW, then 3.25 / 0.16 = 20.3125, that is, approximately 21 sections. In this case, two heaters can be used.
In cases where the ceilings are higher than 2.6 m, then the calculation of the radiator sections is done according to the volume of the room. For a room with normal thermal insulation (warm walls, windows with double-glazed windows), 41 W or 0.041 kW of thermal power is needed per cube. Take the same area, but with ceilings 3 m high, then V = 32.5 * 3 = 97.5 m3. Heating will require 97.5 * 0.041 ~ 3.99 kW of thermal power. 3.99 / 0.16-24.93 or 25 sections of SanTexRai (STR) - a lot of heat will rise to the ceiling and will be useless for people in the room. These are the numbers.
Attention! For the calculation of panel radiators, all calculations remain the same, only the unit of heat supply is taken not by the section, but by the whole device.
Recommendation. No matter how high or low the room is, the heater should be a couple of centimeters below the windowsill, if there is, of course, a window there. Heat flows, rising upward, create an air barrier between cold glass and a warm room.
A brief description of popular types of batteries
The most popular today are batteries made in the form of a cylinder. So, now we will make a short overview on them.
AA.
Very popular. Has a voltage of 1.5. Dimensions 14.5x50.5 mm. Alkaline ones are labeled as LR6, and zinc-carbon ones are labeled as R6 and FR6 lithium. The people gave them the name finger because they are roughly similar to fingers.
AAA.
They have a size of 10.5x44.5 mm. Voltage 1.5 volts. Alkaline types are designated as LR03 and other types as R03, FR03, etc. The people christened them mezinchikov because of the similarity in terms of size with the little finger.
FROM.
Marked as R14 and LR14. Voltage 1.5 volts. May be alkaline and saline. There are people who call them "Average". Dimensions 26.2x50 mm. They are almost as long as fingerlings.
D.
Referred to as LR20, they are alkaline. Saline are designated as R20. Parameters 34.2x61.5 mm. Capacity 8000 - 12000 mAh. Many are called round kegs, casks, or simply large. The production was started in 1898. And they consider the first 1.5 volt batteries. Then they were released for flashlights. Well, now they are used in radios, tape recorders, clocks, etc.
PP3.
They are saline and labeled as 6F22 and alkaline with the designation 6LR61. You can also find injection molding elements of this format. They are referred to as 6KR61. Another familiar name is "Krona".
Dimensions 48.5x26.5x17.5 mm. The capacity for alkaline ones can reach up to 1200 mAh and for salt ones up to 400. The voltage is 9 V. In fact, this is a connection in series of several flat, flattened 1.5-volt batteries. Usually there are 6 or 3 jokes.
Bimetallic devices - we study the characteristics
Today on sale you can find a new type of radiators - bimetallic. These batteries are made of an alloy of aluminum and steel, which makes them quite practical and reliable. The design of the device is presented in the form of a steel core, which is covered with aluminum. As a result, the coolant passing through the steel elements does not harm the aluminum.Thanks to this design, such radiators can also be used in apartments with a centralized heating system. The main advantages include:
- the ability to withstand pressure surges in pipes (up to 35 atmospheres);
- low weight due to the use of aluminum;
- high level of heat transfer.
Bimetal radiator
If we talk about the minuses, then it is one - a fairly high price. Such radiators cost more than aluminum, steel and cast iron, which slows down their widespread use a little.
Unusual battery types
A.
They are in the form of a cylinder. They are of the alkaline type. Voltage 1.5 volts. According to the IEC marking, they are called R23. Dimensions 17 x 50 mm. They used to be used in non-standard devices and old computers. At the moment, they are practically not found.
AAAA.
They are referred to as LR61. They are very miniature cylindrical alkaline batteries. Voltage 1.5 V. Dimensions 8.3 x 42.5 mm. Such long batteries are used in cameras, flashlights, powerful stylus, laser pointers, blood glucose meters.
B.
They are saline and labeled as R12. There are also alkaline ones with the designation LR12. Made in the form of a cylindrical shape. Size 21.5x60 mm. Voltage 1.5 volts. Often used in lighting installations.
F.
They have a voltage of 1.5 V. They are referred to as L25 and LR25. Manufacturers produce salt cells with an energy capacity of 10.5 mAh and alkaline cells up to 26 mAh. Dimensions 33x91 mm.
N.
Marked as R1 and LR1. Capacity 400-1000mAh. Voltage 1.5 V. Dimensions 12x30.2 mm.
1 / 2AA.
They are designated CR14250. Type Li ‑ MnO2 (lithium manganese dioxide). Voltage 3.6 V. Li ‑ SOCl2 (Lithium Thionyl Chloride) are labeled ER14250. Parameters 14x25 mm.
R10.
Voltage 1.5 volts. Production started in the Soviet Union. They also have main markings as 332. Size 21 by 37 mm. At the moment, their production has been reduced.
There are similar batteries with 2 R10 cells inside. Such a power source is marked 2R10 and dimensions are 21.8x74.6 mm. Its voltage is 3 V. It is referred to as Duplex.
A23.
Has an increased voltage of 12 v. Its dimensions are 10.3x28.5 mm. It is alkaline in type. Marked as 8LR932 by IEC standard. When opened, usually 8 LR932 batteries are found connected one after the other. Most often used in remote controls and toys.
A27.
IEC standard - 8LR732. Alkaline type. Dimensions 8x28.2 mm. Voltage 12 V. Just like the previous one, it has a serial connection of eight LR632 batteries inside. Required for radio remotes, lighters, cigarettes powered by electricity.
3336.
It is IEC labeled 3LR12 and is of the alkaline type. And 3R12 is saline. People call them square because they have a rectangular shape. Similar power sources have been produced since 1901. Back then, they were only used in flashlights. After a while, they began to be used in radios, humidity sensors, toys and other devices. Their voltage is 4.5 volts. Energy capacity 1200 - 6100 mAh. Dimensions 67x62x22.
In fact, these are three R12 finger batteries connected in series.
At the moment, there are different types of batteries on sale. Therefore, you can easily find the right one for you! It is best to take time-tested batteries. Or you can purchase power sources from a well-known company.
Other differences
There are, of course, other differences that are more important when choosing an interior design, but they have nothing to do with other issues (the quality of heating and the radiators themselves).
Floor and concealed water convectors
Floor standing convectors are good for cutting edge interior styles
Technologically, the floor-standing options are essentially the same radiators that we talked about above, but not fixed on the wall. For their manufacture, similar materials are used, but in the finished assembly there are legs on which the structure can be placed anywhere, like an electric or oil heater. It is more suitable for luxury private houses, as well as various institutions and offices.
Concealed floor convectors
There are also specially designed concealed floor convectors, which functionally resemble a warm water or electric floor system. Only here it is not the coating itself that heats up, but hot air enters through the grate embedded in the floor, under which the convector is located. Most often, the pipes there are made of copper, with aluminum fins, but in some cases the cores are made of steel, as in classic bimetallic radiators. The use of such systems is possible either in elite private houses or in public premises.
Specifications:
- operating pressure 10-16 bar or 9.86-15.79 atm;
- thermal power of one device 130-1000 W;
- working water temperature 1-90⁰C;
- short-term possible heating 110-130⁰C.
Positive aspects of outdoor models:
- the design is lightweight, durable and easy to perform;
- no corrosion;
- saving useful space;
- ease of installation.
Negative sides of floor models:
- great length (dimensions);
- low heat transfer;
- low economic performance.
Skirting convectors
Carrera skirting convector device
Such skirting convectors, which you see in the photo, and the like are also called warm or heating skirting boards, but they have not yet taken root in our country (such models are most widespread in the USA and Canada). The main thing that is striking here is the dimensions of the device: the height is only 20-25 cm, and the depth is 10 cm! Like any skirting board, they are fixed to the wall.
Specifications:
- operating pressure limit of 16 bar or 15.79 atm (the ceiling is used as a pressure test);
- thermal power of one device, depending on the size, 500-1500 W;
- working temperature 1-90⁰C;
- short-term possible heating 110-130⁰C.
Positive qualities of warm skirting boards:
- fast heating - this saves up to 40% of energy resources;
- thermostats are supplied in the kit;
- installation speed and easy repair;
- heat is evenly distributed throughout the room.
Negative qualities of warm skirting boards:
- specialists are required for installation;
- you definitely need a heat-resistant cladding on the walls (a snug fit of the convector);
- high price.
Battery manufacturers
Batteries are created by different companies, both foreign and domestic. Each company strives to produce high quality batteries. After all, her reputation depends on it.
Domestic manufacturers of batteries in Russia
Below will be presented the main firms working in this direction.
- Space
- Energy
- Liotech
- Photon
- SSK
- Robiton
- Ergolux
- Trophy
What are the criteria for choosing batteries
The main criterion for choosing a radiator is power. You can calculate it using the formula: N = S * 100 * 1.45. We take into account that there is 100 W of power per 1 square meter, S is the area of the room, and 1.4 is the coefficient of possible heat leakage.
For example, 20 * 100 * 1.45 = 2900 W. That is, for a room of 20 sq. m, we need a heater with a heat output of 2900 watts. We check the technical characteristics of the radiator and select the number of sections or the device of the required size.
Be sure to consider the following points:
- The pressure that the heater can withstand must be at least 1.5 times higher than the operating pressure in the space heating system. This item is indicated in the passport of the goods. In five-story buildings, the working pressure is usually 5-8 atm. In multi-storey buildings (6 or more floors), the coolant in the system is usually supplied at a pressure of 12-15 atm. Heating devices often fail due to a water hammer; it is almost impossible to avoid this phenomenon in apartment buildings. Therefore, it is important to choose the right type of heating battery in accordance with the load that it will experience in an apartment or private house.
- The number of sections is calculated taking into account the heat transfer of the device and the characteristics of the room: its area, location, wall insulation. Sectional batteries can be "extended". This is important if there is no way to calculate the size right away. When changing a cast-iron radiator, it is enough to stop at the number of sections that was previously.
- The composition of the coolant in our houses is not of high quality, so you should pay attention to a product that is more wear-resistant, with a long service life, compatible with the material of the pipes of the system.
- Ease of installation if the battery is installed independently (this mainly applies to panel radiators).
- Interior Design. There are models of heaters of various configurations on the market that will easily fit into the interior of an apartment or house. Modern craftsmen give even heavy cast-iron batteries an elegant and interesting look.
Types of radiators | Operating pressure | Maximum coolant temperature | Heat dissipation | System piping material compatibility | Lifetime |
Cast iron | 9 bar | 150º C | 100-150 W | compatible with other materials | up to 30 years |
Steel | 10-12 bar | 110-120º C | 120-150 W | incompatible with copper pipes | up to 20 years |
Bimetallic | 20 bar | 130º C | 125-180 W | incompatible with copper pipes | up to 20 years |
Copper | 16 bar | 150 º C | up to 180 W | incompatible with aluminum | 20 years and more |
Aluminum | 6-20 bar | 130º C | 130-180 W | compatible with pipes made of polypropylene, metal-plastic | 10-15 years old |
Review of prices for radiators of different types
Their sizes, types and prices depend on the area of the room, material and configuration of heating batteries. The most expensive are copper and cast iron radiators made to order. The cost of a section of such a device can be either 2 thousand rubles or 20 thousand. A section of a standard cast-iron heater in a store costs 500 rubles on average. Bimetallic and aluminum batteries are more affordable as standard. Section price starts from 350 rubles.
Yandex.Market will provide information on prices for the type of radiators you are interested in in stores in your city. This will make it much easier to find and select a device.
When buying, it is always useful to familiarize yourself with the product passport, get recommendations from a consultant in the store and take into account the technical requirements of the heating system of your house or apartment. Study the calculation of gas for heating calculator at the link.
Lead acid batteries
Lead acid batteries are rechargeable batteries invented in the 1980s. These large, heavy batteries are widely used in automobiles as they meet the current requirements of heavy motors. The composition of a lead-acid battery varies between charged and discharged states.
Combination of Pb (negative) and PbO 2 (positive) as electrodes with H 2 SO 4 as electrolyte in charged form and PbSO 4 and water in discharged form.
Application of lead acid batteries
The main application of a lead acid battery is in the starting and ignition system of a car. Another form of it, a battery with a liquid accumulator, is used as a backup power source for high-performance servers, personal computers, telephone exchanges, and in autonomous homes with inverters. Portable emergency lights also use lead acid batteries.
How do I choose the right battery?
So, the main question is which battery is the most suitable for my case? The answer is quite simple, and is predetermined by the nature of each of the above battery technologies.
For small, low power electronic devices
Lithium batteries are used in pocket computers, mobile phones, etc. They are fast charging, lightweight and compact, and require no maintenance.Usually, you will sooner replace your electronic device than the lithium battery will become depleted.
Car adapters exist for most of these electronic devices, and these same adapters can be used with 12V solar panels (typically up to 10W).
For digital cameras and cameras, radios and flashlights
It uses NiMh batteries as a replacement for standard ‘AA’ or ‘AAA’ alkaline cells. They power camera flashes well enough, are widely available and there are a lot of good quality chargers in any specialty store.
The main disadvantage of NiMh batteries is their inability to maintain a charge for a long time. In 2008, new NiMh battery technologies emerged that overcome these shortcomings (eg PowerEx Imedion).
When it comes to charging AA batteries, there are many possibilities. But it's better to buy a good charger. Many chargers that allow you to quickly charge your batteries cause them to overheat. Remember that the optimal charging current is 200-300mA. Recently introduced high-power chargers with a current of up to 1A prevent you from fully charging your batteries and shorten their lifespan.
For solar power plants
When it comes to conserving the energy generated by solar panels, lead acid batteries are still the king. Home photovoltaic systems use special deep-discharge batteries (similar to golf cart batteries). They are low cost, widely available and capable of storing energy for months with very little self-discharge. When you invest in solar panels, it is very important not to waste your expensive electricity. Lead-acid batteries have shown stability and predictability over the years.
Small portable solar powered devices use low-power lithium batteries to keep them lightweight and not compromise on design.
Why are alkaline and metal hydride batteries not used in the solar electrical systems offered?
The chemical processes in lithium and metal hydride batteries become unstable with larger batteries. The complexity of regulation and control circuit increases greatly with increasing capacity of lithium batteries. It would be tempting to have a battery that is much lighter than lead acid, but unfortunately, lithium and metal hydride batteries are now most suitable only for low-power DC consumers. The exception is modern lithium iron phosphate batteries. With the correct selection of the charge control system, they can be a replacement for lead-acid batteries in autonomous and backup power supply systems.
NiMh batteries are difficult to make large, and the maximum capacity of a single battery on the market is 4 Ah. NiMh batteries can generate hydrogen if not properly charged. This is not a problem for AA batteries, but if the battery is quite large, then this must be taken into account during operation. Also, if a NiMh battery fails, it happens almost immediately. those. One day it works well, but the next day it can deliver no more than 50% capacity - which is not very good if you are far from an electrical outlet.
Lithium batteries contain special electronic circuits to ensure safe operation, and which do not allow them to be charged too quickly or overcharged, and also limit discharge currents. Most lithium batteries will not be able to deliver more than double their rated capacity. This means that the largest laptop batteries cannot deliver more than 100W of power.Try connecting the inverter to a 12V lithium battery and it won't even be able to recognize that the battery is connected to it. Almost all lithium battery packs do not support even the smallest inverters when a load is connected to them. Just like NiMh batteries, lithium batteries fail unexpectedly when they approach the end of their life. Many have noticed that their cell phones are suddenly starting to work much less than they recently did. It also doesn't add confidence in battery performance if you travel far from an electrical outlet from which you can recharge the battery at any time.
Therefore, only "slow" lead-acid batteries remain for use in autonomous power supply systems. They have a long service life, are easy to operate and predictable in performance. These batteries act as reservoirs that store your solar energy until you need it. They also act as a buffer for those times when your solar panel cannot fully support the load. They can be connected to equipment and charged at the same time - unlike lithium batteries. Even a 7 Ah battery, such as the one used in the laptop kit, can power laptops, battery chargers, can be solar-powered, and doesn't weigh that much.
Read the sections on solar panels and charge controllers to have a clearer understanding of how a solar power system works, what charge and discharge modes are needed to provide reliable power supply away from centralized power grids.
Zinc Carbon Batteries
Carbon zinc batteries are also known as dry cells (since the nature of the electrolyte used in these cells is dry), which are part of a carbon rod (cathode) surrounded by a mixture of carbon powder and manganese dioxide (to increase conductivity). This whole combination is packaged in a zinc container that acts as an anode. The electrolyte is a mixture of ammonium chloride and zinc chloride. Typical voltage is just under 1.5 V. These batteries are durable and have a longer life span. Zinc-carbon batteries can be used effectively at moderate temperatures, but do not work at low temperatures.
Application of zinc carbon batteries
These general purpose batteries are available at lower prices, so many electronic devices are sold with these batteries for free. The main use is in low power applications such as flashlights, remote control, toys and table clocks.