Rechargeable battery
A
rechargeable battery,
storage battery, or
accumulator is a type of electrical battery. It comprises one or more electrochemical cells, and is a type of energy accumulator used for electrochemical energy storage. It is technically known as a
secondary cell because its electrochemical reactions are electrically reversible. Rechargeable batteries come in many different shapes and sizes, ranging from button cells to megawatt systems connected to stabilize an electrical distribution network. Several different combinations of chemicals are commonly used, including: lead–acid, nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride, lithium ion, and lithium ion polymer. Rechargeable batteries have a lower total cost of use and environmental impact than disposable batteries. Some rechargeable battery types are available in the same sizes as common consumer disposable types. Rechargeable batteries have a higher initial cost but can be recharged inexpensively and reused many times.