D Batteries Cost Twice But Have Power of 3-6 AA Batteries

D Batteries Cost Twice But Have Power of 3-6 AA Batteries

If you wondered if it's worth using AA batteries in D cell holders, D batteries last about 3-6 times longer than comparable AA, which are over half the battery market, but they only cost twice as much. This makes sense when you think about the greater efficiency of a larger package for the chemicals. That means it doesn't make sense to try to use AA batteries unless you have piles of them around your house, but it WOULD make sense to use an adapter to use D cells for AA applications if you can make one.

Some rechargeable D batteries only have AA sized cells inside so look for the capacity rating.

Capacity in amp hours
Conclusion: Each D is worth about 3-6 AA cells
AA      D       Ratio
.4-1.7  8.00    3.13 Zinc Carbon 
1.8-2.6 12-18   6    Alkaline
.6-1.0  2.0-5.5 3-6  NiCd
.6-2.8  2.2-12  4    NiMH

Cost for AA 8.99 for 8-pack 1.12 each
            D 15.99 for 8-pack 2.00 each

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D_battery

	Zinc–carbon	Alkaline	Li-FeS2	NiCd	NiMH
IEC name	R20	LR20	FR20	KR20	HR20
ANSI/NEDA name	13D	13A	13LF
Typical capacity	8000 mAh	12000-18000 mAh		2000-5500 mAh	2200–12000 mAh
Nominalvoltage	1.5 V	1.5 V	1.5 V	1.25 V	1.25 V
Rechargeable	no	Special type only	No	Yes	Yes

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AA_battery

Type	Zinc–carbon	Alkaline	Li-FeS2	Li-ion	NiCd	NiMH	NiZn
IEC name	R6	LR6	FR6	?	KR6	HR6	ZR6
ANSI/NEDA name	15D	15A	15LF	14500	1.2K2	1.2H2	?
Capacity under 50 mA constant drain	400–1700mAh	1800–2600 mAh	2700–3400mAh	?	600–1000mAh	600–2850mAh	1500–1800mAh
Nominal voltage	1.5 V	1.5 V	1.5 V	3.6 V	1.2 V	1.2 V	1.65 V
Max. energy at nominal voltage and 50 mA drain	2.55Wh	3.90 Wh	5.10 Wh	?	1.20Wh	3.42Wh	2.97Wh
Rechargeable	No	No, except forRechargeable alkaline battery	No[3]	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes