Everything About the Types of Cells

Introduction

Cells, often known as electrochemical cells, are devices that generate electricity. The chemical reactions that take place within these cells provide the energy. Cells, often known as batteries, are a common day-to-day product that are required for a variety of functions.

It’s crucial to remember that a battery is made up of cells. It also behaves differently when used in different circuits (in series or parallel). 

Electrical Cells

A power generating device that turns chemical energy into electrical energy is known as an electrical cell.

Electrodes and electrolytes make up a cell. As conductors, the electrodes transmit current via the circuit. The anode, or positive terminal of the cell, is the electrode with the higher potential. The cathode, or negative terminal of the cell, is the electrode with the lowest potential.

When a cell is connected to an external load, it produces energy. Outside the cell, current flows from anode to cathode, but current flows from cathode to anode inside the cell.

Connection of Cell 

There are two ways to connect cells which are given here.

1. Series Combination of Cells
2. Parallel Combination of Cells

Series Combination of Cells

Cells in series are connected end to end such that the same current runs through all of them. The emf of the battery is connected to the sum of the emf of the single cells when the cells are connected in series. If we have numerous cells and arrange them in such a way that the positive terminal of one connects to the negative terminal of another, then the negative terminal connects to the positive terminal, and so on, we can say that the cells are connected in series.

Parallel Combination of Cells

If the current is shared among several cells, the cells are in parallel. All of the positive terminals are connected together in a parallel combination, and all of the negative terminals are connected together.

Types of Cells

There are four different types of cells which are given here.

1. Primary Cell
2. Secondary cell
3. Reserve cell
4. Fuel cell

Primary Cell

A Primary Cell is an electrical cell that is driven by an irreversible chemical reaction. Because the primary cell is driven by an irreversible chemical reaction, it cannot be recharged after usage, and it can only be used once before being discarded. Because the majority of primary cells have their electrolytes absorbed in solid form within some absorbent substance, these cells are also known as Dry Cells.

Secondary Cell

The secondary cell is an electrical cell that may be recharged after it has been used. These cells are driven by a reversible chemical reaction, and the condition of the Electrodes and Electrolyte can be restored to its original state after use by using an external power source. Secondary cells, when compared to primary cells, offer a higher discharge rate performance and can be employed with large loads that demand superior discharge rate performance.

Secondary cells are divided into two sub parts which are given here.

1. Cells that serve as energy storage devices and provide energy on demand. Typically, such cells are connected to primary power sources and can be fully charged on demand. Emergency no-fail and standby power sources, aircraft systems, and stationary energy storage systems for load – Levelling are examples of these types of secondary cells.
2. Cells that are used in the same way as primary cells, but are recharged rather than discarded after usage. Portable consumer gadgets and electric vehicles, for example, are examples of these types of secondary cells.

Reserve Cell

The reserve cell is the name given to a third type of battery. The reserve cell differs from primary and secondary cells in that a vital component of the cell is kept apart from the rest of the cell until right before activation. The component which is mostly isolated is the electrolyte. The electrolyte remains inactive in a solid state until the melting point of the electrolyte is achieved, allowing for ionic conduction and therefore activating the battery. 

Self-discharge is successfully eliminated, and chemical deterioration is minimised, thanks to reserve batteries. The majority of reserve batteries are only used once before being discarded. 

In missiles, torpedoes, and other weapon systems, reserve batteries are utilised in timing, temperature, and pressure sensitive detonation mechanisms.

Fuel Cell

The fuel cell is a type of cell that falls under the fourth category. Fuel cells are comparable to batteries, with the exception that all active components are not included in the device (as in a battery). Active materials are injected into batteries from outside sources in fuel cells. The fuel cell varies from a battery in that it can produce electrical energy as long as active materials are delivered to the electrodes, but it will shut down if these materials are not available. The use of cryogenic fuels in space vehicles is a well-known use of fuel cells.

Although recent developments have reignited interest in a range of systems with applications such as utility power, load-levelling, on-site generators, and electric cars, the use of fuel cell technology for terrestrial applications has been slow to develop.

Conclusion

A power generating device that turns chemical energy into electrical energy is known as an electrical cell.

There are two ways to connect cells which are given here.

1. Series Combination of Cells
2. Parallel Combination of Cells

Cells in series are connected end to end such that the same current runs through all of them.

If the current is shared among several cells, the cells are in parallel.

There are four different types of cells which are given here.

1. Primary Cell
2. Secondary cell
3. Reserve cell
4. Fuel cell