Urbana Soccer http://www.urbanasoccer.org Kicking Around New Ideas and Information about All Things Energy Mon, 15 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0000 en hourly 1 A Guide to Using Battery-Operated Devices in Water http://www.urbanasoccer.org/2013/04/15/a-guide-to-using-battery-operated-devices-in-water/ http://www.urbanasoccer.org/2013/04/15/a-guide-to-using-battery-operated-devices-in-water/#comments Mon, 15 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.urbanasoccer.org/?p=14 Battery-operated devices can be a wonderful thing for you when you are going camping or hiking. You do not have to worry about being near electrical outlets to keep the device going. One thing about battery-operated devices is that they can sometimes be used underwater. This is great for people who want to go scuba diving and take pictures or even hikers who tend to drop things in puddles on rough terrain. There are a few things you need to know about using these types of devices before you go out on your next adventure.Confused? here

C cell or C batteries are used in flashlights and some basic toys. The C cell battery is considerably larger than the AA battery, so it can support larger electronic devices. Children’s toys needing batteries use C cell batteries. Some flashlights use C cell batteries.

D cell or D batteries are larger than the C cell battery. D cell batteries are used in flashlights and large portable radios. Because of their size and weight, large heavy duty flashlights use D cell batteries. Before the advent of LED technology, D cell batteries powered the strongest cylinder style flashlights. The larger battery meant longer life and brighter field of view.

There are other, more specialized batteries for cameras and camcorders, but the average homeowner will replace the batteries mentioned much more frequently.

]]> http://www.urbanasoccer.org/2012/05/26/aa-c-d-common-uses-for-different-types-of-batteries/feed/ 0 The Pros and Cons of Rechargeable Batteries http://www.urbanasoccer.org/2012/05/25/the-pros-and-cons-of-rechargeable-batteries/ http://www.urbanasoccer.org/2012/05/25/the-pros-and-cons-of-rechargeable-batteries/#comments Fri, 25 May 2012 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.urbanasoccer.org/?p=6 You would think that saving the environment one battery at a time would be enough of an incentive to have every customer rushing out to buy rechargeable batteries. Apparently saving the planet is not enough, the batteries have to be convenient too. If they are not super convenient, then saving the planet comes secondary.

Pros

One of the biggest advantages to using rechargeable batteries is the fact that there is no need to worry about disposal or the effect batteries will have in landfills. The second advantage to rechargeable batteries is that once you buy a few sets of batteries and the recharging station, you can have batteries charging for when they are needed. Batteries do not have to be replaced often, but when they do there is a charged set ready and waiting.

Cons

A big disadvantage to rechargeable batteries is that they take some planning ahead. If you do not have a set of batteries charging or already charged and waiting, you will have to wait a few hours for a charged-up set to become available. You will also have to buy a few sets of batteries so that you can be using one set while another charges up on the docking station. This might be inconvenient since the cost of the rechargeable batteries are slightly more expensive than the disposable variety.

You thought this was good? Brace yourself: Infinite Life for Thin Film Batteries?

]]> http://www.urbanasoccer.org/2012/05/25/the-pros-and-cons-of-rechargeable-batteries/feed/ 0 How to Properly Discard Used Batteries http://www.urbanasoccer.org/2012/05/23/how-to-properly-discard-used-batteries/ http://www.urbanasoccer.org/2012/05/23/how-to-properly-discard-used-batteries/#comments Wed, 23 May 2012 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.urbanasoccer.org/?p=5 It’s important to properly dispose of used batteries because they are filled with reactive chemicals that are harmful to our environment. If nickel-cadmium batteries are disposed of improperly it can be very damaging to the environment. The battery will corrode and causes the cadmium to leach into the ground or water. Lithium batteries left to corrode can cause fire to erupt and contaminate the ground.

Older household batteries like the C battery, can contain mercury and should be carefully disposed of just as the other types of batteries. Household batteries now contain alkaline, which is much safer. Battery companies state that these can safely be thrown away in the trash. Many people now use rechargeable batteries, but these have a life span as well and will need to be disposed of eventually.

The best way to dispose of the batteries is to recycle them. There are many places that will take used batteries, including some larger retail stores. Local recycling centers will usually take them at their hazardous waste facilities.
Many communities have set up battery drop off sites, or check out if yours has set aside a few days a year for special pick up that includes hazardous materials. Take a look here to learn more: Nickel Cadmium batteries were the first on the market for cordless power tools

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