Akkumulaattorit

Akkumulaattorit, commonly known as accumulators or rechargeable batteries, are devices that store electrical energy electrochemically and can be discharged and recharged multiple times. This reusability distinguishes them from primary (non-rechargeable) batteries. The fundamental principle behind their operation involves reversible chemical reactions. During charging, electrical energy is converted into chemical energy. When discharging, this stored chemical energy is converted back into electrical energy.

The most prevalent type of accumulator is the lithium-ion battery, widely used in portable electronics, electric vehicles, and energy storage systems due to its high energy density, long cycle life, and relatively low self-discharge rate. Other common accumulator technologies include nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), nickel-cadmium (NiCd), and lead-acid batteries. Lead-acid batteries, despite their lower energy density, remain essential for automotive starting, lighting, and ignition (SLI) applications and in uninterruptible power supplies (UPS).

The performance of an accumulator is characterized by several key parameters: capacity, which is the amount of electrical charge it can store (often measured in ampere-hours, Ah); voltage, the electrical potential difference it provides; and cycle life, the number of charge-discharge cycles it can endure before its performance significantly degrades. Environmental factors such as temperature and the rate of charge and discharge can also affect an accumulator's lifespan and efficiency. Proper handling, charging, and disposal are crucial for maintaining performance and ensuring safety.