What are the differences between
NiCad, NiMH and Lithium Ion batteries?
Batteries in portable consumer
devices such as a laptop, camcorder,
cellular phone, etc., are typically made
using either Nickel Cadmium (NiCad),
Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) or Lithium
Ion (Li-Ion) battery cell chemistry. Each
type of rechargeable battery chemistry
has its own unique characteristics:
NiCad Batteries(Nickel Cadmium)
The main difference between the two
is that NiMH battery (the newer
technology of the two) offers higher
energy density than NiCads. In other
words, the capacity of a NiMH is
approximately twice the capacity of its
NiCad counterpart. What this means is
for you is increased run-time from the
battery with no additional bulk or
weight. NiMH also offers another major
advantage: NiCad batteries tend to suffer
from what is called the "memory effect".
NiMH Batteries(Nickel Metal Hydride)
NiMH batteries are less prone to
develop this problem and thus require
less maintenance and conditioning.
NiMH batteries are also environmentally
friendlier than NiCad batteries since they
do not contain heavy metals (which
present serious landfill problems).
Note:Not all devices can accept both
NiCad or NiMH batteries.
Li-Ion Batteries(Lithium Ion)
Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) has become the
new standard for portable power in
consumer devices.
Li-Ion batteries
produce the same energy as NiMH
battery but weights approximately 20%
- 35% less.
This is can make a noticeable
difference in devices such as cellular
phones, camcorders or notebook
computers where the battery makes up
a significant portion of the total weight.
Another reason Li-Ion batteries have
become so popular is that they do not
suffer from the "memory effect" at all.
They are also environmentally friendly
because they don't contain toxic
materials such as Cadmium or Mercury.
The Do's and Don'ts of Battery Use
Battery Do's:Fully charge/
discharge battery up to 4 cycles before
achieving full capacity of a new battery.
Fully discharge and then fully charge the
battery every two to three weeks for
battery conditions.
Run the device under
the battery's power until it shuts down
or until you get a low battery warning.
Then recharge the battery as instructed
in the user's manual.
Remove from the
device and stored in a cool, dry, clean
place if the battery will not be in use for
a month or longer
The charge cycle should
begin again.
This may happen several
times during the first battery charge.
Don't worry; it's perfectly normal.
How can I maximize the performance
of my battery?
There are several steps you can take
to help you get maximum performance
from your battery:
Prevent the Memory Effect- Keep the
battery healthy by fully charging and
then fully discharging it at least once
every two to three weeks.
Exceptions to
the rule are Li-Ion batteries which do
not suffer from the memory effect.
Keep the Batteries Clean- It's a good
idea to clean dirty battery contacts with
a cotton swab and alcohol.
This helps
maintain a good connection between
the battery and the portable device.
Exercise the Battery- Do not leave the
battery dormant for long periods of
time.
We recommend using the battery
at least once every two to three weeks.
If a battery has not been used for a long
period of time, perform the new battery
procedure described above.
Battery Storage- If you don't plan on
using the battery for a month or more,
store it in a clean, dry, cool place away
from heat and metal objects.
NiCad, NiMH
and Li-Ion batteries will self-discharge
during storage; remember to recharge
the batteries before use.
SLA Batteries(Sealed
Lead Acid)
Sealed Lead Acid- (SLA) batteries must
be kept at full charge during storage.
This
is usually achieved by using special trickle
chargers.
If you do not have a trickle
charger, do not attempt to store SLA
batteries for more than three months.
Memory Effect:Memory effect, also
known as lazy battery effect, is an effect
observed in some rechargeable batteries
that causes them to hold less charge.
In its
original meaning it describes one very
specific situation in which certain NiCad
batteries gradually lose their maximum
energy capacity if they are repeatedly
recharged after being only partially
discharged.
Today, the term is commonly
applied to almost any case in which a
battery appears to hold less charge than
was expected.
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Created at 2014-06-05 14:44:31
Tags:
Battries
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