What is the typical application for primary cells?

Primary cells are designed for single-use applications. They generate electrical energy through irreversible chemical reactions, which means that once they are depleted, they cannot be recharged or reused. This characteristic makes them ideal for devices and applications where a power source is needed for a limited time without the requirement for recharging, such as remote controls, flashlights, and disposable cameras.

In contrast, repeat discharging and recharging is characteristic of secondary cells, which are rechargeable and can be used multiple times. High capacity energy storage is typically associated with specific types of rechargeable batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems. Long-term storage in solar devices is more effectively handled by rechargeable batteries that can accumulate and store energy from solar panels for later use. Thus, while primary cells have their place in various applications, their most typical and appropriate use is for applications where they are only required to be used once until they are completely drained.