Chemistry Project Abstract
CAPACITY AND REUSABILITY OF SECONDARY CELLS
Presenter:
Brook X. Li, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506; brookcom@imsa.edu
Advisor:
Ms. Diane Hinterlong, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 Sullivan Road, Physics, Aurora, IL, 60506; 630-907-5969; dlh@imsa.edu
Abstract:
Using secondary cells (rechargeable) over primary cells (not rechargeable) has benefits in both economy and environmental friendliness. Firstly, this inquiry attempts to quantify the capacity of three types of secondary cells, nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride, and rechargeable alkaline. The alkaline manganese dioxide primary cell is tested as a baseline for comparison. AAA and D size batteries constructed with these cell chemistries are tested for capacity in four common electrical devices: a CD player, a calculator, a flashlight, and a stereo. It was found that nickel metal hydride and rechargeable alkaline batteries out perform the older nickel cadmium batteries, but standard alkaline batteries remain the best in capacity. Secondly, this inquiry attempts to devise mechanisms to test the number of times a battery can be recharged. The mechanisms devised involve fairly complex electric circuits to automatically charge and discharge batteries. A computer would be used to record voltage data, which would then be analyzed manually. Though originally intended, it was not possible to actually perform such tests using the mechanisms devised due to the amount of time needed to perform reusability tests (up to many months on end).