Secondary batteries

A rechargeable battery, storage battery, or secondary cell is a type of electrical battery that may be charged, discharged into a load, and recharged several times, as opposed to a disposable or main battery, which is given fully charged and discarded after use. It is made up of one or more electrochemical cells. The device is referred to as a "accumulator" because it stores and accumulates energy through a reversible electrochemical process. Rechargeable batteries are manufactured in a wide range of sizes and forms, from button cells to megawatt systems coupled to stabilise an electrical distribution network. Lead-acid, zinc-air, nickel-cadmium NiCd, nickel-metal hydride NiMH, lithium-ion Li-ion, lithium iron phosphate LiFePO4, and lithium-ion polymer are just a few examples of the various electrode materials and electrolytes that are employed. Although they initially cost more than disposable batteries, rechargeable batteries offer a far lower total cost of ownership and have less of an impact on the environment because they can be recharged again for less expense. Some rechargeable battery types are interchangeable with disposable battery types because they come in the same sizes and voltages.