AAA Batteries: Types and Specifications

Technologies of the modern world tend to minimize and no wires. This leads to the fact that in recent years more and more devices and devices have appeared, for which AAA batteries are used. Such devices are in the house of almost every one of us. These are wireless mice, shaving machines, TV and DVD control panels, pocket recorders, audio players, etc.

Batteries "AAA" because of its small size is often called "little fingers" or "mini-fingered". For the marking of batteries of this type, the following designations can also be used: LR3, R3, LR03 (IEC) and R03. When choosing a galvanic cell for your gadget, you must first pay attention to the type of electrolyte used, since this determines the capacity, the duration of the work and the possibility of recharging.

Depending on their composition, ordinary AAA batteries are divided into saline, alkaline (alkaline) and lithium.

Power sources, which use salt electrolyte, are designed for low load and are used, as a rule, in watches, electronic thermometers and remote consoles. They are the cheapest and short-lived. They can be distinguished from another type by the lack of a prefix L in marking, for example R3, R6, and low cost (as mentioned above).

Alkaline (alkaline) AAA batteries occupy an intermediate position. As an electrolyte, they use potassium hydroxide and this is the main difference from the salt elements. Chemical reactions in such sources occur at a higher rate. This contributes to better current output. They serve longer and are suitable for equipment with an average level of energy consumption: audio players, PDAs, radios, etc. Distinguish from another kind of them you can by the word "alkaline" and the presence of the letter L in the marking.

The best are lithium batteries AAA type. They have the least internal resistance and the longest possible service life. They are advantageous for use in devices with intensive energy consumption: toys, LED flashlights, etc.

If the device is used often enough, the AAA batteries will be an excellent alternative to the "mini-finger" alkaline and lithium cells. With the help of the charger, such sources can be recharged an average of about a thousand times. The capacity of the batteries is usually indicated in ampere hours. At present, the following types of such elements have been distributed:

• Li-pol (lithium-polymer);
• Li-pol (lithium-ion);
• NiMH (nickel metal hydride);
• NiCd (nickel-cadmium).

Each of them has its own characteristics. Thus, NiMH-batteries are very sensitive to recharge, and the work of lithium batteries also depends on the voltage and temperature. Sources such as NiMH and NiCd have a so-called "memory effect", which consists in reducing the capacity when charging a battery that is not fully discharged. In addition, for these two types there is a noticeable self-discharge, that is, a loss of charge even in the case of idle time, when the device is turned off. Cadmium batteries, although they have low energy intensity, can withstand frost and can withstand even short circuits.

Therefore, the choice of power supply "AAA" type entirely depends on the device in which it will be used, and the conditions for future work. Also, when buying an item, you need to pay attention to the brand and expiration date.