How to choose between rechargeable and non rechargeable batteries?

1. Check the power consumption intensity and frequency of use of the device
Scenario for selecting non rechargeable batteries:
Suitable for devices with low power consumption and low frequency use, these devices have low battery replacement frequency and do not require frequent investment in costs or operations:
Typical equipment: remote control (TV, air conditioning), electronic clock, flashlight (occasionally used), smoke alarm, calculator, etc.
Reason: These devices have low current and slow power consumption, and a single battery can be used for several months or even 1-2 years. Using a battery once is more worry free (no need to charge), and the cost per use is low.
Scenario for selecting rechargeable batteries:
Suitable for high power consuming and high-frequency devices that require frequent battery replacement, the "recycling" of rechargeable batteries can significantly reduce long-term costs:
Typical equipment: digital camera, game controller, wireless mouse/keyboard, children's toys (electric), flashlight (frequently used), mobile speaker, etc.
Reason: High power consuming devices may deplete one primary battery in 1-2 days, and the cumulative cost of long-term purchase is much higher than that of rechargeable batteries (for example, one rechargeable battery can be cycled 500 times, which is equivalent to 500 primary batteries).
2. Cost Analysis: Short term vs Long term
Non rechargeable batteries: Low short-term cost (cheap per cell), but high long-term cost.
For example, a game controller consumes 4 alkaline batteries per month (about 10 yuan), with an annual cost of 120 yuan; And with 4 nickel hydrogen rechargeable batteries (about 50 yuan) and a charger (about 30 yuan), the initial cost is 80 yuan, and it can be reused for more than 3 years, making it more cost-effective in the long run.
Rechargeable batteries: The initial cost is high (battery+charger), but the long-term cost is extremely low (mainly electricity, almost negligible).
Suitable for scenarios that require long-term, high-frequency use, the longer the high-frequency use, the higher the cost-effectiveness.
3. Check convenience: whether it is convenient to charge or replace
Non rechargeable battery: Ready to use, no additional operation required.
Suitable for "emergency" or "inconvenient charging" scenarios, such as when the device suddenly runs out of battery while going out, convenience stores can buy replacements; Or the device can be installed in a fixed position (such as a smoke alarm), and can be used for a long time after replacement without frequent disassembly and charging.
Rechargeable batteries: dependent on the charger and charging time.
It is necessary to plan charging in advance (usually fully charged in a few hours), and a backup battery is needed to cope with the "charging gap" (for example, when the camera goes out for shooting, 1-2 sets of backup rechargeable batteries need to be brought). If the device is used in a fixed scenario (such as at home) and charging is convenient, then convenience is not affected.
4. Look at environmental protection needs
Non rechargeable batteries: They are not environmentally friendly and contain heavy metals (such as mercury and cadmium) after disposal. Improper disposal can pollute the environment (even for "mercury free" batteries, large-scale disposal can still cause resource waste).
Rechargeable batteries: More environmentally friendly, recycling can reduce battery waste by more than 90%, meeting low-carbon requirements (but professional recycling is still required after scrapping to avoid pollution).
If environmental protection is important, priority should be given to rechargeable batteries.
5. Check storage requirements
Non rechargeable battery: suitable for long-term storage (low self discharge rate), such as buying a spare box, which can maintain more than 80% of the battery capacity after 1-2 years, suitable for emergency reserves (such as flashlights in case of power outages).
Rechargeable batteries: have a high self discharge rate (nickel hydrogen batteries may lose 30% -50% of their power after being stored for one month, while lithium batteries are slightly better), and do not need to be charged regularly for a long time (such as every three months), otherwise they may suffer from power loss and damage.