Power supplies convert electrical energy from an outlet into usable power for devices, while batteries store chemical energy for later use in portable applications.
Why do we need batteries?
Batteries store energy which means we can reduce waste of energy. This can help us to reduce the amount of non-renewable energy we use and therefore helps the environment. Many batteries are easy to remove and replace or recharge. Many batteries are small and portable, so they can provide electricity for mobile devices and vehicles.
What is a battery used for?
Batteries can be used to power portable devices. They let devices use electricity without the need to be plugged into main electricity sources, such as wall sockets. Mobile phones, tablets, the TV remote and torches all use batteries. Some batteries are rechargeable so they can be used again and again.
Do batteries provide good power?
Batteries also provide very stable and clean power, although you have to consider the discharge curve. Batteries follow chemically and physically determined voltage curves as they discharge. Fresh batteries usually have a high initial voltage (sometimes even just a surface charge) that rapidly declines.
Batteries are a non-renewable form of energy but when rechargeable batteries store energy from renewable energy sources they can help reduce our use of fossil fuels and cut down carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas production. Find out why batteries may have a key role to play in making our energy supply greener. What is a battery?
How do batteries store energy?
Batteries are used to store chemical energy. Placing a battery in a circuit allows this chemical energy to generate electricity which can power device like mobile phones, TV remotes and even cars. Generally, batteries only store small amounts of energy. More and more mobile devices like tablets, phones and laptops use rechargeable batteries.
What makes a battery portable?
A “feature” that comes with the battery's portability is limited capacity. A power intensive circuit, especially one with moving parts could use up the available energy and discharge the battery very quickly. Plan for this in your project with things like switches to cut off and save power while doing other activities.