| Three main types of rechargeable batteries are | | | | discharging in NiMH batteries is very important. |
| used in newer technology hand held devices. | | | | NiMh batteries need smart chargers which |
| Scientists are constantly trying to develop | | | | prevent them from over-charging. It is also |
| batteries with better technologies that make | | | | important that they are not run flat in a portable |
| them faster, more powerful, and more lightweight. | | | | device, which creates reverse charging, which can |
| In the past, the only type of rechargeable battery | | | | completely damage the battery. Most devices |
| available was a lead-acid battery, which contains | | | | detect safe discharge voltage and shut down |
| liquid and must be kept ventilated in an upright | | | | automatically. In this case, NiMH batteries are |
| position. Though still used in autos and | | | | much more effective in high drainage devices like |
| motorcycles, scientists have developed | | | | digital cameras, while NiCad batteries are more |
| gel-batteries, where the liquid is semi-solid and will | | | | effective in devices with a fast discharge rate |
| not spill. These batteries, most commonly used in | | | | such as power tools. NiMH batteries are also used |
| new had held devices are nickel-cadmium | | | | in hybrid cars. |
| (NiCad),nickel metal-hydride (NiMH), and the | | | | The newest and most powerful of all |
| newest, Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) batteries. | | | | rechargeable battery types is the Lithium Ion |
| Nickel Cadmium, or NiCad batteries are the least | | | | battery. When compared to NiCad and NiMh |
| expensive of the three types, because it has the | | | | batteries, Li-Ion batteries have the highest voltage |
| least power. They are primarily used in portable | | | | density and the lowest self-discharge rate. It is |
| phones, power tools, and other hand held devices. | | | | the smallest and most light-weight of all the |
| They are more practical than lead-acid batteries | | | | batteries, but all the advantages make it much |
| because of their increased power and light weight. | | | | more expensive as well. New Li-Ion batteries are |
| They also have an advantage over alkaline | | | | said to charge 10 times faster than NiMH or NiCad |
| batteries which are not usually rechargeable. NiCad | | | | batteries, and does so in a fraction of the time. |
| are said to be the number one sufferer of the | | | | Li-Ion are extremely susceptible to high |
| "memory effect" which in fact is really a lazy | | | | temperatures which can great shorten their |
| battery effect, where the batterydischarges | | | | lifetime. Extremely high temperatures can also |
| quickly after being fully charged. A NiCad battery | | | | cause a Li-Ion battery to explode. |
| only lasts 1000 full cycles, so eventually they need | | | | Different types of batteries have their |
| to be replaced. | | | | advantages and disadvantages. While some offer |
| NiMh batteries are next of the podium for newer, | | | | more convenience and higher capacity, there are |
| more powerful batteries. Though similar to the | | | | still many limitations facing the development of |
| NiCad batteries, NiMh batteries do not contain | | | | batteries. However, battery technology is |
| toxic cadmium, so they are considered more of | | | | improving everyday to help portable devices last |
| an environmentally-friendly battery. They are also | | | | longer. |
| higher capacity than NiCad and are said not to | | | | Angela Oliver is an author for Battery Web,a |
| suffer from the "memory-effect" quite as much. | | | | retailer and wholesaler of all types of batteries. |
| Following the proper steps for charging and | | | | Visit the site for NiCad,NiMH, and Li-Ion Batteries. |