The D battery’s other name is the R20 battery, and it is the cell-cylinder battery. D batteries are larger batteries that are part of medium-drain applications like flashlights, larger toys, and other devices. The capacity of this battery is larger as compared to AA and C battery types. There are different chemicals used for battery construction. The battery voltage, capacity, and discharge rates are based on battery chemistry. In this post, we will cover features working and related factors for D batteries. So let’s get started with Introduction to D Battery.
What is a D battery?
- The D battery is a standard-size dry cell, and the cylindrical shape has electrical contact at both sides; the positive end is bumped.
- D cells are part of high-current drain devices such as larger flashlights, radio receivers, etc., and devices that need longer working time.
- The D cell comes with rechargeable or non-rechargeable features. Its terminal voltage is based on cell chemistry.
Dimensions and capacity
D battery comes with nominal diameters of 33.2 ± 1 millimeters. The length of the battery is 61.5 millimeters (2.42 inches).
| Zinc–carbon | Alkaline | Li-FeS2 | NiCd | NiMH | Li-SOCl2 | ||
| IEC name | R20 | LR20 | FR20 | KR20 | HR20 | ER | |
| ANSI/NEDA name | 13D | 13A | 13LF | 13K | 13H | ||
|
Typical capacity
|
milliamphours | 8,000 mAh |
12,000–18,000 mAh
|
2,000–5,500 mAh | 2,200–12,000 mAh | 19,000 mAh | |
| energy | 12 Wh | 18–27 Wh | 2.5–6.9 Wh | 2.75–15 Wh | 68.4 Wh | ||
| Nominal voltage | 1.5 V | 1.5 V | 1.5 V | 1.25 V | 1.25 V | 3.6 V | |
| Rechargeable | No | Special type only | No | Yes | Yes | No | |
D BATTERY TYPES
- The primary battery composition is alkaline, lithium, or lithium iron disulfide and zinc-carbon.
- LiFeS₂ and zinc carbon batteries are disposable cells. Lithium and alkaline batteries also come with recharging features such as lithium-ion or rechargeable lithium.
Non-Rechargeable D Cells
- The common type of D cell is a zinc carbon cell and comes with a zinc metal anode and a manganese dioxide and graphite mixture paste for the cathode. Carbon powder increases cell conductivity. The electrolyte of ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl) is used in the battery.
- The alkaline D cell comes with the same electrodes as the zinc carbon cell has; zinc metal is used as an anode, and the manganese dioxide cathode’s main difference is an electrolyte.
- In alkaline cells, a potassium hydroxide cathode is used. The alkaline cell has a high capacity and provides high current without heating.
- These two are non-rechargeable, but the voltage is 1.5 volts. The chemistry for zinc-carbon cells is 8,000 mAh, and for alkaline batteries, it is 12,000 to 18,000 mAh.
Rechargeable D Cells
- The two types of rechargeable D cells are Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) and Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH). These two types of D batteries use Nickel Oxide Hydroxide as the cathode.
- Their anode is different in composition; for nickel-cadmium batteries, cadmium metal is used, and the metallic alloy is used for nickel metal hydride batteries.
- These two batteries use potassium hydroxide for electrolyte. The voltage of these two is 1.25V. Since they are rechargeable batteries, they come with less capacity than non-rechargeable batteries. Nickel Cadmium D Battery comes with a capacity of 2,000 to 5,500 mAh.
- Nickel Metal Hydride battery has a capacity of 2,500 to 12,000 mAh.
Features of D Cell Batteries
1. Size
- The minimum height for the battery is 59.5 mm, and the maximum height is 61.5 mm. Battery diameter is in the range of a minimum of 32.2 mm and a maximum of 34.2 mm. The positive terminal of the battery is about 1.5 mm, and the diameter of this terminal is about 9.5 mm. The battery comes with a flat negative terminal, but its minimum diameter is 18 mm.
Voltage
- The D battery voltage value is 1.5 volts, which is for non-rechargeable primary type D batteries. Recharging a D battery is about 1.2 volts.
Capacity
- The capacity for alkaline D batteries is about 20,000 mAh. The zinc-carbon type D battery is 8000 mAh.
Weight
- Battery weight is 140 grams.
Applications
- The common uses of D batteries are radios, portable stereos, etc.
Runtime
- Battery run time based on uses, current draw features, and use time. The new D cell has 1.5 volts and a capacity of 18000 mAH. The low-intensity light system comes with a current value of 650 mA.
How long do D-size batteries last?
- D battery is used for demanding applications since it produces high current. The current can be different based on brands.
- Normally, a D battery generates 10,000 mAh and works for 28 hours.
AA Battery vs. D-Cell Battery
- The dimensions for the AA battery are 14.5 x 50.5 mm, a smaller size than the D battery, whose dimensions are 34.2 x 61.5 mm.
- AA call comes with less capacity than D cell battery, such as alkaline AA battery capacity is 1.8 to 2.7 Ah, and alkaline D battery capacity is 10-18 Ah.
- D cells provide a huge current compared to AA batteries without affecting the battery.
- Some manufacturers provide an AA to D battery adapter that helps to replace D with AA batteries.
D vs. C Batteries
Size and form factor
- D and C batteries come in different sizes and form factors; D batteries are larger, and C is a small size. The battery use is based on device design, where it needed to wait.
Electrical capacity
- Dell comes with high energy-storing capacity due to its larger size.
Voltage output
- D and C batteries provide 1.5 volts, and this volt value helps to use them in different devices. The weight of the D battery is higher than that of the C battery.
Cost
- The cost of the battery is different based on brand, but D batteries are high cost based on size and capacity.
Shelf life
- The D and C batteries come with a longer working life in properly stored conditions. D and C batteries work longer when stored well. The rechargeable batteries come with a short working life.
Environmental Effect
- Either C or D battery comes with chemical components that have a bad effect on the environment.
Rechargeable D batteries vs. non-rechargeable D batteries
There are some rechargeable D batteries, especially NiMH types. These D batteries have features for charging and reusing many times and provide environmentally friendly options.
They are best to use for devices to save our extra costs and reduce battery wastage. But they come with a lower capacity than an alkaline D battery for one one-time charge that is used for high-drain devices.
How long does a D battery last?
The working life of the D battery is based on the type and uses.
- Alkaline D batteries work for 5 to 10 years for low-drain devices if stored properly.
- The rechargeable NiMH D battery has less working life per charge and can be recharged about 1000 times to save extra costs.
- Lithium D batteries have a longer working life than alkaline or NiMH types and work well in extreme conditions.
D Battery Applications
- Portable radios
- Medical equipment
- Camping lanterns
- Remote controls for large electronic devices
- Large flashlights
- Battery-powered toys
- Boom boxes
FAQs
HOW LONG do NIMH BATTERIES LAST?
- NiMH battery works for 700 to 1000 life cycles. They come with high capacity, so they are not depleted like NiCad chemistry. NiMH batteries have a working life of about 5 years, and some have 3 years.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF NIMH RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES?
- NiMH rechargeable batteries are more famous than other types. Its main features are as follows.
- It has high capacity and works for 2 to 4 times more than dry cells of other types.
- It is used for high-drain applications and has repeatedly charged or discharged about 500-1000 life cycles.
- It has stable working performance and a flat discharge curve that defines the 80 percent usage cycle; NiMH batteries work for high voltage.
- It does not have a memory effect and is easy to charge and discharge.
- It is low-cost and does not have any toxic chemicals.
WHAT DOES BATTERY CAPACITY MEAN?
- Battery capacity is measured in mAh, which is milliamp hours. Such as a battery that comes with a capacity of 1800 mAh that provides a current of 1800 milliamperes in one hour. It shows that high mAh for the same battery type and high run times.
ARE D BATTERIES ALLOWED ON PLANES?
- Yes, we can carry D batteries on the plane. The D-size battery is part of dry cells. These cells are AA, AAA, and C batteries; also, aircraft allow lithium batteries to carry.
CAN D BATTERIES EXPLODE?
- • A D battery, if not properly handled, has the chance of exploding, especially at the time of disposal or getting a short circuit. Accurately dispose of the primary battery when not in use. For rechargeable batteries, ensure they are used before disposal.
WHY DO D BATTERIES LEAK?
- D battery leak is due to battery discharge. It occurs due to gradual self-discharge and use. It is the result of a change in battery chemistry, which produces hydrogen gas. When more hydrogen gases are produced, it causes pressure in the cell. As a result, leakage occurs.
How to Store D Batteries?
- D batteries can cause leaks, so accurate handling and storage are needed. The best is to store the D battery in dry conditions at room temperature. The minor low temperature also increases battery strength. Do not store batteries in extreme temperatures.
ARE D BATTERIES RECYCLABLE?
- Primary batteries do not have a hazard effect and can be thrown in the trash, but rechargeable batteries are recyclable.
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