Secondary (Rechargeable) Batteries

Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) Batteries
Voltage

1.2V

Available capacity range

16mAh to 15000mAh

Format

Cylindrical, Prismatic

Benefits

Relatively inexpensive

Standard 14-16 hour or fast charging

Large range of available sizes

Good voltage stability during discharge

Typical 500+ cycle life to 80% capacity

Series connection for higher voltages

High temperature cells are available

No memory effect

Contains no restricted metals

Use not restricted by the Battery Directive

 

Disadvantages

Affected by high temperatures, less suited to trickle charge, must be stored in a charged state. Slightly higher self discharge than Ni-Cd 

Typical applications

Communications, medical devices, pumps, portable lighting, telemetry, security devices, medical equipment, military equipment

Nickel Cadmium (Ni-cd) Batteries
Voltage

1.2V

Available capacity range

150mAh to 5500mAh

Format

Cylindrical

Benefits

Inexpensive

Standard 14-16 hour or fast charging

Tolerant to over-charge

Large range of available sizes

Good high drain performance

No maintenance required during storage, charged or discharged

Operation to 70°C

Good voltage stability during discharge

Typical 500+ cycle life to 80% capacity

Series connection for higher voltages

High temperature cells are available

 

Disadvantages

Application restricted by Batteries Directive for new and existing designs www.defra.gov.uk/environment/waste/topics/batteries proposed mid 2007

Memory effect possible if not regularly fully cycled

Parallel connection not recommended

Typical applications

Power tools, emergency lighting, communications, medical devices, pumps, motors, portable lighting

 

 

Sealed Lead-Acid (SLA/VRLA) Batteries
Voltage

2.0V per cell

Available capacity range

0.8Ah to 100+ Ah

Format

ABS cased

Benefits

Low Cost

Large range of capacities/sizes

Tolerant to trickle charging

Rugged construction

Sealed, no free electrolyte

Long float life (10 year typical)

Excellent deep discharge recovery

Series or parallel connection

Disadvantages

Relatively low energy density, heavy, maintenance needed during prolonged storage, not able to fast charge, not suited to high current drain applications

Typical applications

Mobility equipment, security, emergency lighting, medical equipment, UPS systems

Cyclon Batteries
Voltage

2.0V per cell

Available capacity range

2.5Ah to 25Ah

Format

Cylindrical, Monobloc

Benefits

Good high rate performance

Wide range of operating temperatures     (-65°C to +80°C)

Good cycle life

Fast charging without need to limit current

Exceptional float life (15 years at 20°C)

Series or parallel connection

Disadvantages

Heavy, easily damaged if mishandled

Typical applications

Motors, pumps, lighting, security equipment, medical equipment, railways, horticultural equipment, military equipment

Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) Batteries
Voltage

3.6V/3.7V

Available capacity range

3mAh to 13000mAh

Format

Cylindrical, prismatic, button

Benefits

Series or parallel connection

Light weight

High energy density

Low self discharge

Disadvantages

Require protection against over charge/discharge, care to be taken in use, mandatory compliance with shipping regulations, limited size availability

Typical applications

Military equipment, communications, telemetry, medical equipment, PDAs, notebooks, laptops, mobile phones

Lithium Polymer Batteries
Voltage

3.7V

Available capacity range

340mAh to 1250mAh

Format

Soft prismatic pouch

Benefits

Series or parallel connection Slim profile

Lightweight

High energy density

Disadvantages

Require protection against over charge/discharge, expand on full charge, manufacturers limited, availability led by ‘latest technology’ requirements

Typical applications

PDAs, Notebooks, MP3 players, security devices, communications, telematic devices

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