NiCad, Lithium, and NiMH Batteries

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