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