Getting The Most From Your Battery
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There are several ways to maximise the performance and life of your battery. The following article lists several types of batteries and how to maximise their performance
Lithium-ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries offer several advantages over Ni-MH and Ni-Cad batteries. Lithium-ion batteries feature lighter weight and higher performance. Lithium-ion batteries are approximately 20-35% lighter and provide up to 10-20% increase in performance when compared to a Ni-MH battery of equivalent mah rating. Lithium-ion batteries do not suffer from the memory effect that other battery types do.
Lithium-ion batteries require an initial conditioning of the battery. For the first 3 or 4 charge cycles, fully charge the battery and allow it to fully discharge before recharging. Lithium-ion batteries along with other battery types can be damaged by overcharging.
Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) Batteries
While still slightly susceptible to memory effect, Ni-MH batteries are much less susceptible to this condition than other, older technology batteries. Conditioning of a Ni-MH battery during its lifecycle will reduce the potential negative impacts of memory effect significantly. This is performed by allowing the battery to be fully discharged before it is recharged. It is recommend that this be done at least once every 4 to 5 charge cycles.
It is important to properly condition a new Ni-MH battery. For the first 3 or 4 charge cycles, fully charge the battery and allow it to be fully discharged before recharging.
Memory Effect is a condition of reduced battery performance (and eventual failure) due to a battery only using those cells that are fully discharged and charged on a regular basis. In other words, if on a regular basis a Ni-Cad or Ni-MH battery is only partially discharged before being recharged, it forgets that it has usable capacity to further discharge all the way down. The result is poor battery performance as well a shortened battery life. This is due to the battery is using less than its full capacity.
Battery Do's & Don'ts
Do:
- Properly condition the battery when it is new.
- Avoid exposing the battery to extreme heat and cold.
- Use the battery, avoid letting your battery sit dormant for long periods of time.
- Keep the battery and the contact terminals clean.
- Charge and re-condition a battery after an extended idle period.
Don't:
- Allow the battery to be exposed to rain or excessive moisture.
- Short-circuit the battery.
- Open and expose the cell contents.
- Throw, drop, or treat the battery roughly.
- Modify the battery casing and/or housing.
Note: Specifications and pricing are subject to change without notice. While every attempt has been made by Campad Electronics in the production of these specifications, possible errors or omissions may still occur. Campad Electronics neither assumes legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any product specifications and pricing supplied.
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