Types of battery
'Battery' was originally a historic term that referred to a number of large weapons or cannons that could be installed to defend for example a building such as a castle, now more often referred to as an artillery battery. The word is also used to refer to a layout, type of building and practice of farming, normally poultry, where animals are kept in a series of cages or compartments; battery farming.
In the modern context of building design, in perhaps a similar way a battery initially referred to a number of cells that made up an apparatus to produce or store energy. These cells in most cases are electrochemical cells or electric cells (that were at least initially configured in series) to create a battery, an instrument that can store or produce an electrical current by means of a selected electrochemical process.
Internationally the size and capacity of a battery is now standardised and coded accordingly and they have wide range of capabilities and functions. This process is managed in Europe by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
The recycling of batteries at the end of their useful life has become an increasingly important phase mainly because they contain harmful chemicals and heavy metals which can be very harmful to wildlife and the environment. Almost all batteries can be recycled but some more easily than others. The barriers to recycling are mainly poor waste management and education, access to processing facilities, the market and general costs.
A fuel cell is a form of battery that uses electrochemical energy, but using oxygen and hydrogen to produce electricity, heat and water. It operates much like a battery, but rather than running down and requiring re-charging or replacement, they can be refuelled. For more information see: Fuel cell.
A thermal battery is used to describe a device or material that can store heat or coolth over a period of time and release it when required. Performance often relates to thermal mass, insulation or phase change capacities.
Other types of battery include:
- Flow battery.
- Fly wheel.
- Graphene batteries.
- Lead-acid battery.
- Lithium-ion battery.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Battery storage
- Battery energy storage systems with grid-connected solar photovoltaics BR 514.
- DC isolators for photovoltaic systems (FB 68).
- Domestic micro-generation.
- Energy price crisis: ECA calls for energy levy reform.
- Energy storage - the missing piece?
- Energy storage for buildings.
- Energy storage in buildings - a technology overview BG73 2018.
- The use of batteries to store electricity for buildings.
- Why the UK needs to support emerging tech like energy storage.
Featured articles and news
Investors in People: CIOB achieves gold
Reflecting a commitment to employees and members.
Scratching beneath the surface; a guide to selection.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.
UK gov apprenticeship funding from April 2024
Brief summary the policy paper updated in March.
For the World Autism Awareness Month of April.
70+ experts appointed to public sector fire safety framework
The Fire Safety (FS2) Framework from LHC Procurement.
Project and programme management codes of practice
CIOB publications for built environment professionals.
The ECA Industry Awards 2024 now open !
Recognising the best in the electrotechnical industry.
Sustainable development concepts decade by decade.
The regenerative structural engineer
A call for design that will repair the natural world.
Buildings that mimic the restorative aspects found in nature.
CIAT publishes Principal Designer Competency Framework
For those considering applying for registration as a PD.
BSRIA Building Reg's guidance: The second staircase
An overview focusing on aspects which most affect the building services industry.
Design codes and pattern books
Harmonious proportions and golden sections.
Introducing or next Guest Editor Arun Baybars
Practising architect and design panel review member.
Quick summary by size, shape, test, material, use or bonding..