The DURACELL zinc/potassium hydroxide/manganese
dioxide battery system, commonly referred to as alkaline or Alkaline
Manganese Dioxide, is now recognized as the premium primary zinc anode
battery system. It has been selected for consumer, industrial and
military applications where an economical and reliable battery is
required.
Its major advantages (compared to the zinc-carbon battery system)
are a high energy density; the ability to operate continuously at
relatively high discharge rates over a wide temperature range (due
to its lower internal resistance); and a shelf life in excess of
four years. The cost of the alkaline battery, on a service life
basis, is lowest in medium to high drain applications.
CHEMISTRY
The components of the alkaline-manganese
battery are a zinc anode, a manganese dioxide cathode, and a highly
conductive potassium hydroxide electrolyte.
CONSTRUCTION
The DURACELL alkaline cell is cylindrical
in design. A cutaway view of a representative battery is shown above.
RATED CAPACITY
The DURACELL alkaline battery system is
available in standard cylindrical and multicell configurations (34
mAh to 15,000 mAh).
PERFORMANCE
CHARACTERISTICS
Voltage
The open circuit voltage ranges from 1.5
to 1 .6V, depending on cathode formulation. Typical median operating
voltage ranges from 1.3 to 1.1V under moderate discharge conditions.
Discharge
Characteristics
Moderately sloping discharge curve.
Energy
Density
75 Wh/lb. (163 Wh/kg); 6.5 Wh/in.3
(398 Wh/l).
Effect
of Discharge Load and Temperature
Capable of performance at high discharge
rates; typical temperature range: -4°F to 130°F (-20°C
to 54°C).
Shelf Life
Up to 85% capacity
remaining after 4 years of storage at 70°F (21°C).
