Coin Cell Batteries – Introduction and Applications

A battery is defined as an electrochemical device. It is a device that can store chemical energy which is usually translated to electric energy when connected to a circuit. There are different types of batteries suited for different devices. A coin cell battery is also known as a button cell battery. These batteries are usually small single-cell batteries that are shaped like a cylinder and resembling a button. The button cell battery has a body that is made of nickel-plated stainless steel. The bottom part of the body of the coin cell is the positive terminal. On the other hand, it has an insulated top cap which is the negative terminal of the coin cell.

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The coin cells typically measure 5mm to 25mm and are portable little cells that are used to power small and portable electronic devices. In our article below, we discuss more button cells.

Coin Cell Batteries in Series

A series is a battery cell arrangement that is when you connect two or more batteries. We do this to increase the battery system's overall voltage. Take note that when you connect any batteries in a series, you aim to increase the voltage and not capacity. Therefore, to connect or configure your batteries with a series configuration, you have to make sure each battery has the same voltage and capacity rating.  When making such a connection, the negative terminal of one cell battery is connected to the positive terminal of a different battery.

When making a series configuration using the coin cell batteries, you follow the same process as other batteries. You can make a small battery pack of coin batteries by connecting the negative terminal to a positive terminal of a different battery. In most cases, a device that requires a stacked battery pack has a removable insert or tube where you can arrange your coin battery cells. Here you can stack your batteries in a series configuration. Let’s take an example of four button cells each rated at 1.5 volts, of a handheld torch. The total voltage will sum up to 6 volts but the capacity will remain the same as that of one battery. Inside a battery pack or tube, you will arrange your coin cells on the opposite side, such that it's a negative to the positive terminal. On the opposite ends after stacking your batteries, use a connector.

Coin Cell Batteries in Parallel

A parallel connection happens when you connect two or more batteries to increase the amp-hour capacity. It is different from a series connection as here you aim to increase the capacity while the voltage remains the same. In such a connection, the negative terminals are connected to the negative terminal of another battery, while the positive terminal is connected to a positive terminal.

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Connecting the single coin cell batteries in a parallel configuration will result in longer battery life as compared to a single battery. Before making such a connection it is important to ensure that all coin batteries are at the same charge level and nominal voltage. Failure to do so will result in the one with the higher charge attempting to charge the other battery which can be a safety hazard. Safety hazards always arise from the voltage differences which cause a short circuit to occur hence causing overheating, an explosion, or fire.

Therefore, it is vital to note that you can easily stack your batteries in a parallel configuration so long as you make a stable and right connection. To achieve this, no special circuitry is needed. Thinner or smaller coin cells are known to handle peak currents better. So, they are a preferable choice when making such a connection. By using a battery holder, you will be able to make such a connection. For example, if you take four button cells at a nominal voltage of 1.5 volts, the voltage will remain the same but, the capacity increases to four times the capacity of one battery.

Coin Cell Batteries Applications

The coin cells are often those batteries people tend to ignore as they are not in a visible place, until their remote control, watch or even car keys stop working. Most small gadget users always start panicking about where to get replacements, or what model or brand to select from.  But, this should not be an issue as most stores have these batteries.

The common question here will be whether the gadget you are using is among the small devices that use coin cells. Here, we take you through the coin cell batteries applications, to give you an overview of where you are most likely to encounter these batteries. Let’s take an example of the CR2032 Lithium battery uses. This battery is found in almost all appliances out here. With the ability to produce a voltage of 3V, these button cells are used to power devices such as hearing aids, smart spectacles, and smartwatches. Other brands of button cells are used in the following gadgets;

Electricity meters

Toys

Calculators

Digital cameras

Electronic Thermometer

Banking card readers

Electronic devices motherboards

Vending machines

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Medical equipment- many portable medical devices use button cells. Examples include blood pressure meter, cardiac pacemaker, and blood glucose meters.

Tracking & RFID

Wristwatches and digital watches

Fitness appliance

Wall clocks

Memory backup

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)/ Car remote controls - All car keys contain an inbuilt remote control system that makes it possible to unlock, lock, open the trunk, and car sound alarm.

Conclusion

As stated above, coin cell batteries are used in most portable small devices. In the article above, we have given you other applications of these batteries. It is crucial to take note of such gadgets and their batteries as they are known to pose a health hazard. How? You may ask. Studies have proven that button cells tend to be attractive to small children. Most kids when they come across these batteries, may put them in their mouth and swallow them. Doing so can cause significant damage to the internal organs as the battery component will react with bodily fluids. Therefore, any household that has these batteries has to practice safe storage and disposal of coin cell batteries to help curb health hazards in children.