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23 Nov

Does overcharging cause damage?

Overcharging occurs when the total capacity removed has been replaced by recharging and the battery remains on charge. This overcharging creates excessive heat that can cause the battery plates within the cells to buckle and shed their active material. The battery will react to the overcharge by producing an excessive amount of hydrogen and oxygen. These gases are the result of the breakdown of the water molecules within the electrolyte. The water that has been displaced by overcharging can [...]

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23 Nov

How are battery ratings used?

  How are battery ratings used? 1.  Amp-Hour battery rating: This is the common rating of a battery. Amp-hour rating of battery capacity is calculated by multiplying the current (in amperes) by discharge time (in hours). Amp-hour battery rating is commonly when describing sealed lead acid batteries used in UPS systems, emergency lights and wheelchairs. For example: a battery which delivers 2 amperes for 20 hours would have a 40 amp-hour battery rating (2 * 20= 40). 2.  Cold Cranking Amperage battery rating: [...]

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23 Nov

What is the difference between Nickel Cadmium (NiCad) and Nickel Metal Hydride (NIMH) batteries? What is “Memory Effect?”

Both NiCad and NiMH batteries are rechargeable. The main difference between the two is the fact that NIMH batteries offer higher energy densities than NiCads. In other words, pound for pound, NIMH delivers approximately 30% more capacity than its NiCad counterpart. What this translates into is increased runtime from the battery with no additional bulk. NIMH also offers another major advantage: NiCad batteries tend to suffer from what is called a "memory effect". What this means is that when [...]

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23 Nov

What are the advantages of Lithium Ion batteries compared to other rechargeable batteries?

Lithium-ion batteries have several advantages: They have a higher energy density than most other types of rechargeables. This means that for their size or weight they can store more energy than other rechargeable batteries. They also operate at higher voltages than other rechargeables, typically about 3.7 volts for lithium-ion vs. 1.2 volts for NiMH or NiCd. This means a single cell can often be used rather than multiple NiMH or NiCd cells. Lithium-ion batteries also have a lower self [...]

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23 Nov

The Lifespan and Storage of Batteries?

Lifespan The life-span of rechargeable batteries is affected by many parameters. Some of which are within our control, being mainly proper charging. Chargers that overcharge cause excessive heating and internal gassing that can shorten battery life. Chargers that undercharge leave the battery susceptible to cell imbalance and sulfating. Proper discharging is important to minimize voltage depression and maximize the cyclic use of the battery. Operation in elevated temperature environments is stressful on rechargeable batteries and will result in shortened cyclic [...]

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16 Nov

How to Dispose of Batteries

Part1  Disposing of Batteries Properly 1 Know your local laws when it comes to alkaline batteries. Alkaline, or manganese, batteries are used in flashlights, toys, remote controls and smoke alarms. They range in size from AAA to 9 volts. In many areas, you can dispose of them in your household trash. However, in California, it is illegal to dispose of them in the trash; instead, they go with household hazardous waste collection for special recycling. If you choose to recycle them regardless, [...]

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16 Nov

NiMH Vs. Lithium Rechargeable Batteries

Two of the most common rechargeable batteries in use today are nickel-metal hydride batteries (NiMH) and lithium-ion batteries. However, comparing them may not be especially useful to most consumers, as lithium-ion batteries are not available in consumer grade sizes, according to energy guru Michael Bluejay. MISCONCEPTIONS Many people confuse lithium batteries, which are not rechargeable, with lithium-ion batteries, which are rechargeable. No comparison exists for size AA NiMH batteries and lithium batteries. However, a comparison of the sizes of NiMH and [...]

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16 Nov

How Trump could be great for battery storage

Deutsche Bank has described the global battery market as being at an inflection point, with global consumption expected to treble from 70Gwh in 2015 to 210GWh by 2018, and then more than double again to 535GWh by 2025. The report, published on Thursday, said falling costs of technology – and particularly in the case of lithium-ion batteries – were one of the major drivers of the battery boom. As we have witnessed in Australia with the latest Tesla Powerwall rollout, lithium-ion battery [...]

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24 May

What You Need To Know About Lithium Batteries

Electric batteries have come a long way since some unknown Parthian first stuck some iron and copper cylinders into a jar of grape juice (or maybe it was lemon juice… or vinegar?). The things that power our iPhones today, 2,000 years later, work on the same basic principle, though they bear little resemblance to a clay jar. The clay has been replaced by plastic, the grape juice has been replaced by an electrolyte gel, and the iron and copper [...]

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24 May

Five tips for extending lithium-ion battery life

In today's mobile world, battery life is precious. If you don't believe me, go to an airport and watch the road warriors. It can get downright nasty when two spot the only available outlet at the same time. It doesn't take long to learn what helps preserve the current charge on the battery. What's not well known is how to care for the battery itself. That's just as important. Doing so allows the battery to operate efficiently. Here are a [...]

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