Standard batteries

What is a NiMH rechargeable battery?

NiMH is the abbreviation for nickel metal hydride and is a type of rechargeable battery. If you want to power an electrical device, you can use NiMH rechargeable batteries. Originally, ambient temperatures were a major factor in the self-discharge rate of NiMH batteries. The batteries are temperature sensitive and at high ambient temperatures the self-discharge rate increases. At temperatures around freezing point, NiHM batteries have a higher internal resistance, which is due to the mobility of the electrons. Today, NiHM batteries in particular not only offer longevity, but are also characterised by a low self-discharge rate, which is only around 15% per year when stored correctly. A special feature of rechargeable batteries is their voltage, which is 1.2 volts for most batteries. Rechargeable batteries are often used in places where a lot of energy is needed to operate devices. To create a balance between high energy requirements and energy costs, NiHM batteries often find a place where conventional alkaline and nickel-zinc batteries are to be replaced, because these are non-rechargeable. For example, NiHM batteries find their place in:

-LED lights

-Remote controls

-photocameras

-Shavers

-GPS devices

-power tools

-flashlights

What are the different battery standards?

Nickel-metal hydride batteries come in different types to suit your project or device. As with other battery types, NiHM batteries come in the following standards:

-AAA (Micro)

-AA (Mignon)

-mono D

-Baby cells C

-9-volt block

How do you charge batteries properly?

One feature of NiHM batteries is their ability to recharge. However, it is essential to charge the NiHM batteries correctly by using a NiHM charger, otherwise the battery life may be shortened. When properly charged, NiMH batteries have a lifespan of between 500 and 1000 charging cycles.

Which is better - LI Ion, LiPo or NIMH batteries?

It is not possible to give a general answer as to which type of battery is better, because it always depends on the area of application in which devices are to be supplied with power.

Lithium-ion batteries are widely used nowadays and often find their place in small devices due to their compact design. The batteries do not require any maintenance and have no memory effect that could weaken the battery performance. In addition, lithium-ion batteries can store comparatively large amounts of energy. A major disadvantage of the lithium-ion battery is the purchase cost. Compared to NiHM batteries, they are significantly more expensive.

The improved version of the lithium-ion battery (LiPo) is the lithium-polymer battery. In contrast to the lithium-ion battery, the LiPo battery is even more powerful. This type of battery is mainly used in mobile phones and digital cameras, which have a high energy demand. Accordingly, LiPo batteries are very expensive to produce.

NiHM batteries, on the other hand, are relatively cheap to produce. However, they are also less powerful and are often used in smaller devices such as tools, toys or cameras. In contrast to the newer batteries, NiHM batteries have a reduced self-discharge rate when used correctly and can therefore last for a longer period of time without becoming partially discharged.

What to look for when buying?

As with any rechargeable battery you buy, you should check its area of application beforehand in order to select the right type and size of battery. A particularly important aspect when buying NiHM batteries is the ambient temperature in which the batteries will be used. Room temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius are optimal for NiHM batteries. If the temperature is too cold or too hot, the functionality of the batteries may be limited. When buying NiMH batteries, you should also pay attention to the charging cycles specified by the various manufacturers. For a particularly long-lasting battery, you should buy a battery with as many charging cycles as possible.

What should you pay attention to?

When charging NiHM batteries, you should always keep an eye on the charger. Although modern chargers are equipped with an automatic charge stop when the batteries are full, the batteries may still leak. In addition, with NiHM batteries you should make sure that you charge them more often, otherwise there is a risk of deep discharge and the battery can be damaged.

Furthermore, you should not expose the batteries to high temperature fluctuations, as this can also damage the battery.