AA Battery Voltage Capacity Chart, Types, Sizes Dimensions
An AA battery is a common type you can use to supply great power for electronic devices at your house or workplace. It is convenient and versatile for the effective operation of electronic equipment. But this is only true when you know the voltage of AA batteries.
This figure can change depending on its features and sizes. Thus, you should consider this popular battery type’s standard size and its specifications for the proper voltage.
This article will cover information about these batteries, such as specifications, types, and performance guidelines. Besides, some basic AA battery usage scenarios also clarify how to economically and safely apply it to your cellular device.
What Is An AA Battery?
It is a small, cylindrical battery of Ni-MH, lithium, and alkaline compositions. This battery type is common and comes from brands such as Toshiba, Duracell, Energizer, and Atomic. Private label producers and smaller manufacturers often also produce this AA battery type.
Below is everything you should learn about this battery type, including features, dimensions, capacity, and size.
AA Battery Voltage, Dimensions Capacity
Voltage
The initial voltage of AA batteries is often 1.2V.
The electronic devices and appliances requiring AA batteries are mainly designed to operate in the 0.9 to 1.5 V range.
Eneloop AA batteries from Panasonic feature a low voltage but maintain a constant discharge rate of about 1.0V while using.
Alkaline batteries may have an initial voltage as high as 1.5V but will drop in voltage during use, deteriorating the device performance after a long time.
For easier access, you can refer to our AA battery voltage chart to check the accurate AA battery voltage. Here are some standard voltages for AA batteries:
Size
An AA battery has diameter x length dimensions equivalent to: 14.5 x 50.5 mm (0.57 x 1.99 inches).
Although the standard label is “AA,” other brands include MN1500, U12, Penlight, MX1500, 15D, 15A, Mignon, LR6, HP7, MV1500, Type 316, R6, depending on the used standard, chemistry, and country.
AA batteries differ in capacity, chemistry, voltage, and other characteristics and are the best of all new battery types introduced over time.
Capacity
AA battery capacity may depend on the battery chemistry and is measured in milliampere hours. So, the range of AA battery mAh can be from 500 to 3300 with a big difference.
Besides, the most popular battery types are non-rechargeable such as alkaline, and rechargeable, such as nickel-metal hydride, but lithium AA batteries are on the rise.
Types Of AA Batteries
The battery types are the first important thing you should consider before purchasing them due to their various retailers, manufacturers, and suppliers.
Scroll down to learn more about the most popular AA battery types appropriate for your applications.
Rechargeable AA Batteries
Other chemistries are available, but the NiMH type is arguably the most common rechargeable AA battery encountered today. The rechargeable battery pack is also a popular choice. You can combine many identical rechargeable double A batteries into one larger one.
NiCd or nickel-cadmium battery is an older type with a 1.2 nominal voltage and a capacity of 600-1000 mAh.
NiCd rechargeable batteries come with a high self-discharge rate and strong memory effect and can also deliver strong currents without affecting rechargeable batteries.
Modern NiMH batteries have low memory effects, low self-discharge rates, and more stable output voltages.
Yet, several models are suitable for high power usage and others for high-capacity operation. Therefore, you must check the device’s necessary output current when choosing NiMH rechargeable batteries.
Lithium AA Batteries
As a matter of fact, AA battery types can explode or leak when you put in the wrong charger. And Lithium-ion batteries may catch fire with shocking ferocity if mishandled enough.
Yet, standard AA Lithium batteries (non-ion) are supposed to be non-rechargeable. This AA battery type is an ideal option for short-term use, more robust in high-drain devices.
They can include digital cameras or a better choice for low-drain appliances suitable for an extended time. But, lithium AA batteries have a shelf life of about 9 years, which in the right equipment, may last longer than other AA types.
Alkaline AA Batteries
An AA alkaline battery is essentially the “standard” type, sold everywhere and used in almost all electronic devices that consume low power.
TV remote controls, toys and games, portable kitchens, grooming appliances, and multiple mobile phones with AV technology rely on AA Alkaline cells.
Besides, this battery type also supplies the power for cordless phones, off-grid accent lighting, wall clocks, and compact flashlights. This is one of the types of battery that provides economical mid-tier cell performance.
The main advantages of standard non-rechargeable AA alkaline batteries are that they are readily available, cheap in the short term, and suitable for a wide range of low-drain devices.
This common type also becomes the standard battery option. Also, when you need to frequently use a device with a battery power supply from AA batteries, remember to alter the cells when necessary.
FAQs
How Long Can AA Batteries Last?
AA batteries can last about from 5 to 10 years. However, it also depends on important factors such as devices, applications, frequency, or intensity of using the battery.
So don’t be surprised if your AA cells may last longer than the above ranges or run out of energy before 5 years. Besides, you should consider other factors affecting their durability, performance, and lifespan.
Can You Charge Your AA Batteries Without A Charger?
No, you can’t. We do not recommend charging your AA batteries without the dedicated charger. Doing so may cause the battery to overheat, catch fire, or explode.
How Can You Store AA Batteries?
Below are a few tips to help you store AA batteries for a long-time:
Place them properly, in a dry and clean environment with a suitable temperature, and out of the children’s reach.
Hold them in their original packaging till equipped for use – this now no longer best facilitates guarding new cells.
Don’t let batteries stay in the gadgets if you’re no longer going to use them for an extended time.
Keep them separately and carefully label them if you store an aggregate of present-day and partly used batteries.
Use a plastic garage box, private plastic bags, or place tape through the terminals for storing your batteries.
Periodically check and top-up rechargeable batteries, if you keep them for an extended time, as allowing them to discharge in the garage, can critically eat up their capacity.
Never overload, puncture, disassemble, or burn batteries.
How To Properly Install AA Batteries?
First, determine the positive and negative terminals of the AA batteries. For typical alkaline AA batteries, the flat side is often positive. You should see the small circular protrusion on the other side, as it is usually the negative end.
After identifying your battery’s negative and positive terminals, you may easily match them up with the appropriate markings on your electronic appliances.
Note that several appliances have a small metal tab to keep the battery working. These tabs must be undamaged and unstressed, as this can affect your appliances’ performance. Sliding this tab a bit and gently flipping it back in the correct direction might address the intermittent current.
Are AA Batteries Recyclable?
Yes, they are. Most AA batteries are recyclable, including both rechargeable and disposable batteries. They must be taken to domestic waste disposal facilities, recycled in municipal waste disposal facilities, or approved recycling facilities.
Besides, recycling AA batteries also gives significant advantages to the environment because of their material proportion.
For the most part, they are not properly disposed of in regular household waste bins. You should pay more attention to this.
In general, the simplest way to recycle AA batteries is to bring them back to the store the next time you want to purchase new batteries. Most places where AA batteries are also sold supply collection points for old batteries for recycling.
Conclusion
We’ve covered everything you need to understand about the double A battery voltage. You can choose based on its type, size, or other chemistry features.
AA is a staple battery of daily life that you may buy without considering the choices available to offer your equipment greater performance for better cost-effectiveness.
Yet, you must choose which cells are well-fitted to use, purchase and recycle from various manufacturers and suppliers. You should make multiple considerations for the different voltages, shelf life, chemical energy types, and storage of all AA batteries as well.
Alkaline Battery Storage, Disposal and Recharging Tips
Even batteries with a small voltage like commonly used AA and AAA alkaline batteries can start a fire under the right conditions.
If the negative and positive posts of the batteries come in contact with something metal, the heat begins to build. If this heat is confined (in a junk drawer, glove compartment, or box in your garage) it can’t dissipate, and will eventually get hot enough to ignite surrounding materials.
This can happen easily if a penny touches the uncovered end of a 9V battery, or if a paper clip or other common metal object comes in contact with more than one AA battery.
How to Safely Store Alkaline Batteries
It’s easy to greatly reduce the risk of battery fires with simple storage tips:
- Keep the plastic cap on the end of 9V batteries, or store them in their original packaging.
- Never store batteries loose or in a container with other batteries.
- Put tape over battery posts to prevent them from coming into contact with metal or other batteries.
Share these battery safety tips with friends and family! Buying Energizer Industrial alkaline batteries in bulk not only saves money, but the secure cardboard packaging also makes proper battery storage easier.
Can you recharge alkaline batteries?
Never attempt to recharge alkaline batteries unless they were specifically designed for recharging. Recharging primary alkaline batteries may cause the batteries to leak or explode. Prolonged exposure to heat will also cause batteries to leak.
It is possible to test and recharge alkaline batteries – if they are rechargeable. You can recharge all different types of battery sizes from AA, AAA, C, and even 9V batteries. At BatteryProducts.com we have two battery chargers for rechargeable alkaline batteries.
The reliable Tnergy Rechargeable Batteries come with a Smart charger and a car charger. To get a maximum charge leave the batteries in overnight or around 10-12 hours. Once the battery reaches its optimum capacity, the charger goes into a trickle charge state to maintain power.
Testing Alkaline Batteries
You can either test alkaline batteries with a specified testing device or put batteries in low-powered devices like flashlights or computer mice. If the low-powered device works, awesome, but sometimes a testing device gives you a more accurate reading. If your rechargeable battery is not charged after being in the charger, the battery is likely drained and should be disposed of.
How to Dispose of Alkaline Batteries
Where to Dispose of Energizer and all Other Alkaline Batteries
The simplest way to dispose of your alkaline battery is to throw them away with normal household waste. in 1989, Energizer was the first battery maker to remove mercury from all household batteries. This makes throwing away alkaline batteries environmentally friendly and is the most proper way to dispose of all alkaline batteries.
Bulk Battery Disposal
If you plan on disposing of multiple batteries, let’s say 100 of them and when they come into contact with each other, this can create safety risks. In this case, the proper way to dispose of all alkaline batteries is to contact your local government for disposal practices or recycle them yourself.
Does Refrigerating Alkaline Batteries Extend Their Life?
It is important to keep all alkaline batteries from Duracell to Energizer in a safe cool place. Here at Battery Products, we believe storing batteries in the freezer or refrigerator is not necessary. The one place to not keep your alkaline batteries is in hot places, this can lead to capacity loss, leakage or rupture. Never throw away batteries in a fire or store them in hot places. Store them in dry places at room temperature instead. This is the most effective way to increase the life of your alkaline battery.
Alkaline Battery Safety
Never burn or expose alkaline batteries to open flame.
Given enough time, all dead alkaline batteries will eventually leak. Batteries leak potassium hydroxide, a strong base, which will cause irritation of the skin, eyes, and lungs.
When potassium hydroxide mixes with the air, it crystallizes into potassium carbonate. Potassium carbonate will damage or destroy any electrodes or circuitry connected to the battery at the time of the leak.
Most alkaline batteries manufactured today are mercury-free and not generally considered hazardous waste. However, even modern alkaline batteries contain corrosives and trace amounts of heavy metals. California is the only state in the US which specifically bans disposing of alkaline batteries with regular waste.
Alkaline battery recycling is not widespread in the United States, but there are companies who recover the steel casings and zinc-manganese anodes and cathodes for the purposes of recycling.
Shop all alkaline batteries in bulk for sale from Battery Products.
How To Test A AA Battery? (4 Methods Maintenance Tips)
AA batteries are a common component in electronic devices, and most people know how to use them. However, when our devices start not working properly, we may wonder if it is the device or the batteries to blame.
But how do you test a AA battery to make sure it has enough voltage? In this blog post, we will show you how to test a AA battery using a multimeter. We will also give you some tips on how to extend the life of your batteries. Keep reading for more information!
How To Test a AA battery?
There are a number of different tools that can be used to test a AA battery. One of the most used methods is to measure the electrical resistance that the battery offers in its unloaded state.
To do this, a voltmeter or multimeter is connected between the battery terminals. Alternatively, you can use a couple of other methods that don’t require a special meter.
Ultimately, the method that is best depends on what specific information you are looking for about your AA battery. So it’s important to carefully consider which test is most convenient for you and will provide you with the most relevant and reliable data.
What’s The Difference Between a Voltmeter And a Multimeter?
A voltmeter and a multimeter are two common tools used by electricians and engineers to test the voltage output of different devices. While they are both battery testers and measure electrical current, there are some key differences between the two.
A voltmeter is designed to measure DC voltage, while a multimeter can measure both types of current and also has the ability to test other aspects of circuits, such as resistance and continuity.
Additionally, while most voltmeters have only a few basic functions, multi-meters tend to be more versatile, providing users with many useful measurement options in one convenient device.
Ultimately, whether you need to measure DC or AC voltage or perform other circuit testing functions, a good multimeter will serve you well.
How To Test a AA Battery With a Voltmeter?
To test a AA battery with a voltmeter, first, make sure that the voltmeter is on DCV and set it to 20.
Attach the red probe to the positive terminal of the battery, then attach the black probe to the negative terminal of the battery and wait for a reading. Make sure to write down this reading, as it will indicate how much charge is left in your battery.
If the voltage reading is low or zero, it may mean that your battery is no longer functional and needs to be replaced. If you are testing an alkaline-type battery, you may need to perform this test multiple times before obtaining an accurate reading.
Regardless of which type of AA battery you are testing, however, following these steps should give you an accurate indication of its level of charge and help you determine whether replacement is necessary.
How To Test a AA Battery With a Multimeter?
Testing the battery voltage on a multimeter is similar to testing it on a voltmeter. To test the functionality of a AA battery using a multimeter, you will need to set the DC setting on your meter and attach the red probe to the positive terminal of the battery.
Next, attach the black probe to the negative terminal of the battery. If there is an indication that power is flowing through the battery, it will likely be in millivolts (mV).
If you do not see any indication of power being generated by the battery, it may be time to replace it. This simple test can help ensure that your AA batteries are functioning properly and providing reliable power to your devices.
What Should the Voltage Read On a AA Battery?
When testing the voltage on a AA battery, there are several factors to keep in mind. Generally, a fresh AA/AAA lithium or alkaline battery should read 1.5 volts or higher, while a used battery will likely read lower than this threshold.
However, a AA/AAA rechargeable battery should read 1.25 V. In addition, it is essential to consider the type of AA battery that you are using.
Different manufacturers may have slightly different cutoff points and values, so it is necessary to ensure that you are using an accurate multimeter and following all recommended procedures for testing an AA battery.
Ultimately, the most reliable way to determine whether or not a AA battery is functioning correctly is by testing its voltage level directly and comparing your results with established standards.
How To Test a AA Battery Without a Battery Tester
Test The Battery In a Device
There are a number of ways to test a AA battery without a specialized battery tester. One option is to use a flashlight or other device that requires AA batteries. Simply insert any suspected bad battery into the device and see if it works as expected.
Another option is to try using the battery in a remote control or video game controller. If these devices work as normal, then chances are the battery is still good.
Test the Battery Using the Drop Test
Alternatively, you can try testing the battery using a drop test if you are testing an alkaline battery. To test it, simply hold the battery over a hard surface and drop the battery negative side down.
The battery will either thud onto the surface and remain standing upright, or it will bounce and fall over.
In general, batteries that thud are considered to be in good condition and are suitable for use, while batteries that bounce are generally considered to be bad and should be replaced.
However, this test should not be performed on lithium-ion batteries, as they tend to react very differently compared to alkaline batteries in this situation.
Overall, there are many options for evaluating AA batteries without needing specialized equipment, so anyone who is concerned about their performance can easily determine their quality on their own.
Different Types of AA Batteries
There are several different types of aa batteries available on the market today, each with its own set of unique features and benefits. At the basic level, aa batteries can be split into two categories based on their chemistry: alkaline or lithium-ion.
Alkaline batteries tend to be cheaper and more widely available than lithium-ion batteries, but they also have a shorter lifespan and provide less power per charge than their lithium counterparts.
Lithium-ion batteries, on the other hand, can last longer and hold a charge for a much longer period of time, making them an ideal choice for high-powered electronics that require consistent battery life.
Additionally, there are various subtypes of both alkaline and lithium-ion batteries, depending on the capacity required for specific devices.
It is important to carefully assess your needs before choosing a type of battery in order to ensure that you get the best possible performance from your device.
Which AA Batteries Are Better?
There is a lot of debate among consumers about which aa batteries are the best. Most people prefer a type of lithium battery known as an energizer ultimate lithium battery.
Rechargeable aa batteries are also a popular choice since they can be used repeatedly without having to be replaced. Eventually, the best battery comes down to personal preference and which features are most important to you.
Some people value long battery life and high energy output, while others value convenience and price. Whatever your needs may be, there are a wide variety of aa batteries available to suit them all.
Are Rechargeable AA Batteries Worth It?
Rechargeable AA batteries offer many benefits over traditional batteries. They tend to last longer, and you can recharge them multiple times before needing to be replaced.
over, they are typically more environmentally friendly than other battery types, as their production requires fewer raw materials and produces less pollution.
While rechargeable AA batteries do have a higher upfront cost than generic alkaline, in the long run, they can offer significant savings and help to reduce waste.
So for those looking for an eco-friendly alternative to standard alkaline batteries, rechargeable AA batteries are definitely worth considering.
How To Extend the Life of Your AA Batteries?
There are many tips and tricks for extending the life of your AA batteries and rechargeable batteries. One of the most important things to keep in mind is that batteries can only perform at their best when they are fully charged.
Therefore, when it comes to your rechargeable batteries, it is important to avoid using them when they are drained.
Additionally, remember to keep your batteries cool and dry, as fluctuations in temperature or exposure to moisture can cause them to lose power quickly.
You may also want to consider investing in an external battery charger or automatic battery rotation system, which can help ensure that your batteries stay charged throughout their lifespan.
Overall, while it may take a bit of extra effort, following these simple steps will help ensure that your AA batteries continue to perform well for years to come.
Conclusion
So there you have it – a guide to testing AA batteries. We hope you found this article helpful. If you did, please let us know in the Комментарии и мнения владельцев below.
And if there’s anything else you’d like us to cover, feel free to reach out and let us know. Thanks for reading!
Learn The Basic Of AA AAA Battery Voltage Range
The standard size for a dry cell battery is AA or AAA, which is usually used for low drain electronic devices and gadgets. AAA batteries only measure 10.5 mm and used as a single cell.
What is the difference between the voltage of an AA and AAA battery? AA and AAA battery voltage has a nominal voltage of 1.5V. The energy of these batteries will generally decrease during the lifespan of a cell.
AAA and AA batteries are most commonly found in the household. It powers small electronic gadgets like flashlights, radio, and calculators. It caters to more people than other battery types.
What Are The Voltage Of AA AAA Battery?
As I have already answered earlier, the voltage of both battery types is 1.5 nominal voltage.
What About The Voltage Of Lithium AA Batteries?
Lithium AA batteries have a 3V voltage, while the rechargeable lithium batteries have 3.5 Voltage. The NiMH and NiCd are both rechargeable batteries and have 3.5 and 1.2 Voltage.
What Voltages Indicates Bad For AA AAA Battery?
A suitable voltage for an AA and Triple-A batteries is something in between 1.1V and 1.5V. That means the battery has a full charge. However, if the voltage drops to something below 1.1V is already a dead battery. You may use a voltmeter to test how much power is left in your alkaline batteries.
Here are some steps or procedures you can follow in testing your AA and AAA batteries below:
Step 1: Using your voltmeter or multimeter, you have to set it under the DC mode. You can find the DC mode in the center dial with the label VDC. Sometimes it is the single line with three dashed lines under it. Step 2: The multimeter must be set to a voltage nearing the 1.5 Voltage, while it is placed under the DC mode. Usually, the dials of a multimeter have values increasing by 10s. For example, a multimeter will have a set of 2V, 20V, 30V … and 200V settings for the AC mode. And since AA and AAA batteries are only 1.5V, you have to choose 2V. Step 3: Connect the multimeter’s red lead to the positive terminal of the battery. The elevated bump on an AA and Triple A batteries are the terminal. The black lead of the multimeter to the negative terminal; this is the flat end of the cell. Step 4: Hold both ends of the lead and read the multimeter display. The multimeter should have a reading of 1.1V to 1.5V to indicate a full charge and a reasonable charge. If your meter reading falls from 1.1V and below, that means that your battery does not have sufficient charge or maybe dead.
What Are The Voltage Of These Dead Battery?
We call a battery nearing depletion to be in its end-voltage. Every chemistry has its specific voltage, and 90% of the initial energy is often referred to as the end voltage.
By using the application, we can best specify the end voltage of a battery. Electronic appliance and gadgets have their particular energy in which it begins to fail or hinders itself from the proper operation. This reading would indicate the total no.of cells or the full voltage.
Portable equipment will often range from 1 to 1.1, but there are times when it will go down to 0.9V. When the digits continue to lower, it will make the equipment operate longer during the set of battery charge.
It is also the same reason why primary battery manufacturers don’t use Amp hours. They prefer to show the voltage discharge curves against time. Another reason is that the capacity differs by discharge rate. They also make a list of multiple curves through the current.
What Are The Differences Between AA And AAA Batteries?
Both AA and AAA batteries are called alkaline cells. They are both used to power electronic gadgets and devices. But, besides that what sets them apart?
AAA batteries are different in size with a AA battery. AAA batteries are much smaller than AA cells. The Energy Storing Capacity is relative to the size of the battery. Although they are both giving off 1.5V, the amount of energy to be wasted also varies. AA batteries tend to keep the power a little longer than AAA cells. 2. The difference in price also varies. The law of supply and demand dictates the future of cost differences. 3. In terms of sale, AA batteries are sold much more than AAA cells. There is more demand for AA batteries than AAA batteries. For every 12 purchases made for these batteries, 10 or 11 are AA batteries, while AAA batteries remained to be costly because there are low production and low demand.
What Are These Battery Nominal Voltage?
Nominal means name. For a battery like the AA and AAA, nominal voltage refers to the RMS value.
Nominal voltage refers to the system voltage during the distribution point, let’s say for example 220VAC. When we say Nominal utilization voltage, it is the energy consume at user point. It is also the one imprinted on the equipment, e.g., 120VAC.
Voltage ranges also refer to the defined highs and lows above the numbers that are needed to be maintained. Every system and supplies should be required to conform to that kind of limitations.
Ranges are the one that defines the limit within the nominal values.
AA AAA Battery Voltage Chart
This chart shows the battery voltage rate against the its discharge capacity. Looking at the table or chart, you’ll see that a battery with a voltage of 1.5 has a discharge rate of 750mAh.
AA Battery Voltage Range
To better understand battery voltage range and capacity, you should try to understand this correlation between voltage and capacity. A cell stores up energy, while function refers to how much energy it can store. Does that make sense?
In a typical battery like the basic types, a constant voltage can be replaced with volts multiplied by the amps. Voltage is the normal parameters for a cell. Once you have chosen the energy, you can specify the capacity by the amp-hour rating.
An alkaline battery or NiMH cell in a standard AA size has something about 2000 to 3000 mAh. With a battery voltage of 1.2V up to 1.5V will correspond to 2 to 4 Wh with each battery. If you use multiple arrays in a series, the voltage rises but the capacity in the amp-hours will remain the same.
Therefore, if you will be using 3 AA battery in a series, it will give you higher voltage. If you arrange them in parallel, it will provide you with the same energy as a single cell.
AA Battery Voltage Range
4AA battery voltage range as we have explained in a 3AA battery depends on how you used them. The voltage rises if you arrange these batteries in a series. If they are in parallel, it increases the current flow.
How These Battery Arrangement And Power Works?
To further explain how a 3AA and 4AA voltage range works, it will be helpful to understand the battery arrangement and power.
Battery Arrangement
Parallel Arrangement. Showing the diagram on top, it shows a parallel method of batteries. These four batteries in a parallel system will produce the same voltage as a single battery, 1.5V. The rate in which an electric charge passes through a circuit is called a Current. We usually measure the current through Amperes. In general, batteries with a higher ampere per hour ratings are the ones with greater capacities. Serial Arrangement. The lower diagram shows an example of a serial arrangement. When you series four batteries it will produce the current of one battery. However, the voltage will be four times of a single cell. The measurement of energy per unit charge is what we call voltage, and it is measured in volts.
In a battery, voltage is the determinant on how strong the electrons are pushed into the circuits, in the same way, that pressure is the one that determines how strong the water will be pushed into the hose. Majority of the alkaline batteries like AA, Triple-A, C and D batteries have 1.5V.
To show you more clearly, the diagram showed batteries with a rate of 1.5V and 500 milliamps per hour. In a parallel arrangement, the four cells will produce 1.5V with a speed of 2000 milliamps-hour while the four batteries in a series will be able to provide 6V with 500 milliamps-hour.
How To Check AA And AAA Battery Voltage
Checking Battery voltage is easy if you have all the materials and tools you needed. You can check battery voltage by using a multimeter.
You will need the following:
Voltmeter AA or AAA batteries
AA/AAA Alkaline batteries have a voltage of 1.5V AA/AAA NiMH or NiCd rechargeable batteries have a voltage of 1.25V
Ways To Test AA AAA Battery With Multimeter
Connect the voltmeter to your battery terminals and set to the DCV mode. Make sure that you set the voltage far from the energy of the batteries. If it has a 20V in DCV mode, set it there. Check the connections properly, positive terminal for positive cable and vice versa.
If the reading gives you more than 1.3V for non-rechargeable batteries, then it still has some juice in it, you can still use the batteries. If it is lower than 1.3V, then you can properly dispose of your cells.
It is really important to learn how batteries work. AA and AAA battery voltage helps us to know if the batteries we have at home will still work after storing it for several months. You might be storing these batteries not knowing they can self-discharge after several months.
Start Simple with Alkaline AA Batteries
I thought I’d whip up a circuit to run exclusively on solar power. Growing around solar-powered electronics like desktop calculators, I knew it was a solved problem. But after running into obstacles, I have been humbled by the challenges involved and decided to fall back to battery power. A lot of solar power projects have a rechargeable battery somewhere in the mix, and I’m going to follow that precedence in the hopes of simplified energy management.
But as an intermediate stepping stone, I will adapt my circuit to run on batteries without worrying about the charging circuit just yet. I have the components I need on hand: a pile of alkaline AA batteries and a tray for 5AA batteries in series.
A fresh AA alkaline battery has an open-circuit voltage just over 1.5V, and four of those in series would deliver more than 6V. Plenty for an ESP8266, but I’m not using fresh batteries for this project. My fresh AA batteries go into devices with motors or other high drain use. Once those devices complain the batteries were too weak, I move them into purely electronic devices with lower amperage demands. (TV remote controls, Hackaday badges, Xbox wireless controllers, etc.) When they are deemed too weak again, they go into my pile of AA batteries awaiting Joule thief LED duty. Open-circuit voltage for veteran batteries in this pile hover around 1.1V, thus I needed five of them in series instead of just four.
These 5-ish volts are too low to activate my modified MP1584 buck converter, which would no longer activate until input voltage of at least 13V. But that’s not a problem, because the Wemos D1 Mini clone board I’m using could run on 5V USB power. These batteries are pretty close to that voltage level, so I bypassed the MP1584 and connected the battery tray to existing “5V” pin on this module and used its onboard voltage regulator (which I didn’t trust to handle solar power directly) to deliver 3.3V to the ESP8266 and INA219. This worked pretty well.
thoughts on “ Start Simple with Alkaline AA Batteries ”
9V cells are also pretty spiffy for low current demands – if you’re replacing them every spring and fall in your smoke/CO2 detectors (okay, yea, who is actually doing that?) you could have a stockpile of them. Paired with a 9V connector cable and a good compact switchmode regulator, those second purposed 9V cells can power a variety of much lower voltage (and current) devices Like Liked by 1 person
In my home I’ve switched over to smoke detectors with builtin non-replaceable 10 year life batteries. The upside is that I no longer need to remember to replace 9V batteries on a regular basis, the downside is I no longer have a steady source of 9V batteries to repurpose. Like Liked by 1 person
Do the batteries still sustain a usable charge when you combine a bunch of semi dead ones? Or do they all just die right away? I like recharging my dead alkalines for use in remotes or other low value/low power draw devices. There’s risk of spilling, but I’m willing to take that gamble over wasting new batteries in cheap low draw situations Like Liked by 1 person
It all depends on how power is drawn. This specific experiment had relatively high draw (Wi-Fi) but only for a few seconds, followed by several minutes of near-zero draw allowing battery recovery. This pulsed pattern may work better than a constant low draw for certain batteries near end of life. Like Liked by 1 person