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Differences
in Batteries
The NiCd battery is here
to stay at least for a while. It was only a few years
ago that the NiCd battery was used on many electronics
such as cellular phones, laptop computers, camcorders,
and other fun toys. Now we have been introduced to the
Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) battery. We know that the NiCd
battery is a rugged and durable battery although it has
a memory. But the Li-Ion battery with its higher
density is much more fragile and requires a built in
protection circuit to maintain safe operation. And not
to mention that the Lithium Ion battery is subject to
aging used or not. They will only last about 2 years
from the date of manufacture and have a shorter life
cycle than NiCd batteries.
The real scary part is
that back in 1991, a recall was made on Li-Ion
batteries when one exploded in a man's face. Technology
has advanced enough that we have now installed safety
circuits into these very popular batteries. Which is
also the reason why the batteries gets very warm to the
touch from long term charging. However, if you are told
that you cannot overcharge a lithium Ion battery, do
not accept this advice. The protection circuit helps
prevent overcharging the battery to such a dangerous
level that it is charged beyond the safe voltage
limits, the battery may heat up, then bulge, and in
some cases vent with flame. Shorting such a battery can
be hazardous.
A major concern comes
from build-up of static electricity or when a faulty charger
manages to destroy the battery's protection circuits
through the battery's contacts. The chances of this
happening are minimal but it is a possible hazard.
Outside of that, one of
the major drawbacks to using a Lithium Ion battery is
with laptop computers. Due to the aging effect you will
have to replace the battery on a consistent basis
although the battery may only be used on an occasional
basis. The life of a Li-Ion battery is not dependent
upon charging cycles rather it is definitely dependent
upon shelf life expiration.
A new battery coming out
is a Lithium Polymer hybrid. The lithium polymer
systems in development are struggling to make a break
into the market and surpass lithium ion battery life.
One of the problems with lithium polymer is the limited
life cycle. However, once it has been refined to make
it a more affordable and acceptable form of energy, it
will be mass-produced since it can be shaped to nearly
any form. One day it may become the soft leather case
for the cellular phones.
[We are not saying that
you should be afraid to own a Lithium Ion battery.
Merely to be aware of the hazards of owning one can
have for you if you fail to follow the correct
operating instructions.]
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NiCd (Nickel
Cadmium) - Usually heavy, are the lowest priced,
have a memory (means need to be discharged every time
before recharging), and do not offer more than 18 hours
of standby. Offer the longest life cycle in general.
NiMh (Nickel
Metal Hydride) - About the same weight as a NiCd,
do not have a memory, cost more, sometimes offer more
standby time than even a Li-Ion battery depending on
the model. The most widely used battery on cellular
phones.
Li-Ion (Lithium
Ion) - Very light. About ¼ the weight of NiCd or
NiMh. Much more efficient in using the power of the
battery. Top notch technology used in these batteries.
These types of batteries can be affected by shelf life
in addition to charging cycles and can be potentially
hazardous in that they can explode. These batteries
should have a circuit chip installed in them to prevent
danger of an explosion. They begin to deteriorate in
function in about 12 months time. Some may last as long
as 18 months before needing replacement.
Li-Ion Polymer -
A battery that is currently limited in its distribution
but appears to be the next big thing in batteries.
Manufacturers are trying to work out a problem with it
having too high a resistance in offering a charge. But
the material itself will allow manufacturers to design
the battery to fit the phone since Lithium Polymer can
be molded to any shape or designed as specified by the
manufacturer. Smaller phones may soon be on the
horizon.
Note: Almost all
new batteries should be discharged the first time they
are purchased before charging, including the NiMh and
Li-Ion batteries. The NiMh and Li-Ion will not need to
be discharged before recharging after that time.
Lithium Ion batteries do have a low threshold that will
incapacitate the battery. If your battery falls below a
certain established voltage, it will disable the
battery. The reason for this is because once the
battery drops below a specific voltage, its chemical
makeup is altered, making the battery a hazard to be
used.
A new development
regarding the efficiency of battery using power: a
company called Enrev is currently working on developing
a software called (B.O.S.) Battery Operating Software
to help increase the longevity and power available per
charging cycle. Manufacturers create batteries with a
larger capacity than stated on the label to take into
account that a small part of the battery will not be
used or charged. With this new software, cellular phone
users will be able to take advantage of the
"hidden capacity" in a cellular phone
battery.
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