| - | Nickel-cadmium
(NiCd) | Nickel-metal-hydride
(NiMH) | Lithium-ion
(Li-ion) | Lead-acid
(Sealed or flooded) |
| Used
in | Two-way
radios, power tools, medical. | Similar
application as NiCd; higher density. | Cell
phones, laptops, video cameras. | Motorcycles,
cars, wheelchairs, UPS. |
| Charging | Do
run the battery fully down once per month; try to use up all energy before charging.
Do not leave battery in charger for more than 2 days because of memory.
Avoid getting battery too hot during charge.
Charge methods: Constant
current, followed by trickle charge when full. Fast-charge preferred over slow
charge.
Slow charge = 16h
Rapid charge = 3h
Fast charge = 1h+ | Do
run the battery fully down once every 3 months. Over-cycling is not advised.
Do not leave battery in charger for more than 2 days because of memory.
Avoid getting battery too hot during charge.
Charge methods:
Constant current, followed by trickle charge when full. Slow charge not recommended.
Battery will get warm towards full charge.
Rapid charge = 3h
Fast
charge = 1h+ | Do
charge the battery often. The battery lasts longer with partial rather than full
discharges.
Do not use if pack gets hot during charge. Check also charger.
Charge methods: Constant voltage to 4.20V/cell (typical). No trickle-charge
when full. Li-ion may remain in the charger (no memory). Battery must remain cool.
No fast-charge possible.
Rapid charge = 3h | Do
charge the battery immediately after use. Lead-acid must always be kept in a charged
condition. The battery lasts longer with partial rather than full discharges.
Over-cycling is not advised.
Charge methods: Constant voltage to 2.40/cell
(typical), followed by float held at 2.25V/cell.
Battery must remain cool.
Fast charge not possible; can remain on float charge.
Slow charge =
14h
Rapid charge = 10h |
| Discharging | Full
cycle does not harm NiCd.
NiCd is one of the most hardy and durable chemistries.
| Avoid
too many full cycles because of wear. Use 80% depth-of-discharge.
NiMH
has higher energy density than NiCd at the expense of shorter cycle life. | Avoid
full cycle because of wear. 80% depth-of-discharge recommended. Re- charge more
often. Avoid full discharge. Low voltage may cut off safety circuit | Avoid
full cycle because of wear. Use 80% depth-of-discharge. Recharge more often or
use larger battery.
Low energy density limits lead-acid to wheeled applications |
| Service
needs | Discharge
to 1V/cell every 1 to 2 months to prevent memory.
Do not discharge before
each charge. | Discharge
to 1V/cell every 3 months to prevent memory.
Do not discharge before each
charge | No
maintenance needed. Loses capacity due to aging whether used or not. | Apply
topping charge every 6 months. Occasional discharge/ charge may improve performance.
|
| Storage | Best
to store at 40% charge in a cool place. Open terminal voltage cannot determine
state-of-charge. 5 years and longer storage possible. Prime battery if stored
longer than 6 months. | Store
at 40% charge in a cool place. Open terminal voltage cannot determine state-of-charge.
Prime battery if stored longer than 6 months. | Store
at 40% charge in a cool place (40% state-of-charge reads 3.75-3.80V/cell at open
terminal.
Do not store at full charge and at warm temperatures because of
accelerated aging. | Store
always at a full state-of-charge. Do not store below 2.10V/cell; apply topping
charge very 6 months. |
| Disposal | Do
not dispose; contains toxic metals; must be recycled. | Should
be recycled. Low volume household NiMH may be disposed. | Should
be recycled. Low volume household Li-ion may be disposed | Do
not dispose; must be recycled. |