Introduction:
Nickel Metal Hydride batteries can be found in many wireless devices at your home. You can find them in your electric toothbrush, razor, and many other household devices. You might not realize they are there, such as in your car’s eCall or emergency lights. They are an alternative to alkaline that is more common and sustainable. Nickel Cadmium was a common metal used before NiMH batteries. However, it was replaced when the health hazards of cadmium became apparent. NiMH batteries are the most widely used rechargeable batteries due to their outstanding chemical properties nowadays. If you want complete information about the NiMH battery, then you have come to the right place.
What is a NiMH battery?
NiMH batteries are a type of rechargeable battery. NiMH batteries were first created in 1989. They are extremely affordable and work similarly to uncharged alkaline batteries. They are less likely than alkaline batteries to explode or leak, and they have a lower but still compatible cell voltage. The NiMH battery’s insides are rolled into a coil. The positive electrode uses nickel hydroxide. The negative electrode is made of a hydrogen-absorbing alloy and not cadmium. NiMH batteries have a two- to three-fold higher capacity and a higher energy density than NiCd batteries. NiMH battery packs are often made up of multiple cells connected in series. This is completely safe with rechargeable NiMH batteries. Each individual cell is rated for at least 1.2V. This means NiMH battery packs can be rated at multiples of this voltage. For example, 1.2, 2.4, 3.6, 4.8, 6.0, 7.2 and 8.4v NiMH battery packs.
Advantages and disadvantages of NiMH batteries
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Advantages
NiMH batteries have many benefits, making them so popular as rechargeable solutions. They are non-flammable so they can be shipped more easily than lithium-ion batteries. Because of its safe construction, you don’t need electronics for safety monitoring. Modern NiMH batteries have no memory effect. And they have an extensive temperature range and the possibility of charging at negative temperatures. Compared to standard NiCd batteries, NiMH batteries have a 30% higher capacity. These batteries have the potential to achieve higher energy densities. And they contain fewer toxic metals, making them environmentally friendly. Another significant aspect of NiMH batteries is that they are highly recyclable. This makes recycling profitable.
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Disadvantages
These batteries are more costly than an average alkaline battery. They are more likely to abruptly cut power when they run low on the battery than slowing down. They are also quickly self-discharge. A NiMH battery that has been left in a drawer for more than a few months will eventually lose its energy and require recharging. Some NiMH batteries rechargeable are designed so that they can only be charged using the charger supplied by the manufacturer. NiMH batteries are made up of a large number of precious metals like cobalt and nickel. This makes it relatively expensive to produce battery raw materials.
NiMH battery VS Lithium-ion battery
Both NiMH and lithium-ion batteries are used in the battery industry. Although NiMH batteries are less expensive than lithium-ion batteries, they will be more affordable in the future. Lithium-ion batteries are lighter than NiMH batteries and can be used in hybrid cars to overcome inertia. However, Lithium-ion batteries can be charged and discharged faster than NiMH batteries. NiMH batteries also suffer from “memory effects”, but the “memory effect” of Lithium-ion batteries is less than that of NiMH batteries. Both NiMH batteries and Lithium-ion batteries have proven to be highly durable. They can be used on many devices for extended periods. However, NiMH batteries are more resistant to high temperatures than lithium-ion batteries. Although some lithium-ion batteries cannot withstand very hot temperatures, research is underway to improve their thermal tolerance and durability. When you need to have batteries that can withstand extreme temperatures and are affordable, NiMH batteries work better. In situations where you require compact, fast charging and quick discharging, lithium-ion batteries will be better.
Which applications are suitable for NiMH batteries?
NiMH batteries can be perfectly used for high-drain, short-term usage. NiMH batteries are used in consumer applications such as digital cameras, personal cosmetics equipment, and communication equipment. A Rechargeable NiMH battery is a good option if you constantly purchase alkaline batteries to power your applications.
How to charge NiMH batteries?
A standard NiMH battery will typically last 2000 charges/discharge cycles. However, your mileage may vary. Each battery is different. The number of cycles a battery can survive depends on its use. A rechargeable battery can last 2000 cycles or more, so that’s quite a lot!
You will need a special NiMH battery charger to charge your NiMH battery. An incorrect charging method can make your battery inoperable. Avoid charging NiMH batteries for more than 20 hours. This can cause damage. This means you should stop charging your NiMH battery once it is fully charged. Although there are several ways to tell when your battery is fully charged, it is best to let your charger do it. The newer battery chargers can detect subtle changes in the voltage/temperature of the battery and will notify you when the cell is fully charged.
Trickle Charging can be the most secure way to charge your battery. You should ensure you charge at a low rate, so your total charge time is below 20 hours. Next, take out your battery. The process will allow you to charge your battery at a rate that doesn’t cause it to overcharge but will keep it charged.
How to store NiMH batteries?
The most popular rechargeable battery in electronics is the NiMH battery. It is possible to search for the best NiMH batteries. Even though we may be able to buy the best NiMH Batteries, we can’t use them all. It’s all because we don’t properly maintain our batteries.
1. First, you must recharge your NiMH battery immediately after it is purchased.
It would help if you recharged your NiMH battery immediately after it is purchased because they contain a minimal charge. It’s not used for long after it leaves the factory. These batteries should be charged 3-4 times after purchase to get the best performance. Some batteries may have problems after the first charge. Overheated batteries and long charging times could be some of the issues. These hazards might not concern you. Your battery will be at its best after several charging-discharging cycles.
2. The memory effect is another crucial point to remember.
This is when a battery is charged repeatedly before it is fully discharged. This allows the memorization of the cycle to charge a battery in the future. It also reduces the battery’s capacity. It would be best to learn how to check the NiMH battery condition. Otherwise, you won’t be able to tell if you need a new battery or if the current one is fine. The memory effect of NiMH batteries is very low. This is a positive point. You can extend the life of your battery by charging it every time you use it.
3. Remember to store them in a dry, cool area when you aren’t using the battery.
They are often left on without being used. This means that the batteries are left idle. We don’t usually have dedicated containers for our batteries to place correctly. They end up being scattered in dusty places and surrounded by debris. The battery gets dirty and is more susceptible to moisture. Moisture is the main problem that can affect the battery’s performance. Take them out of your device when you aren’t using the battery. Store them in a dry, cool area to keep them fresh and healthy. If the battery isn’t used within a month, it will go into “sleep mode.” This will significantly decrease the lifecycle of the NiMH battery. You can use another method to prolong the life of a NiMH battery. This ensures that your battery has at least 80% of its charge. All batteries tend to self-discharging. This trend is significant in NiMH batteries at around 10-15%.
The best NiMH battery manufacturer – SHENZHEN EPT BATTERY CO., LTD
- As China’s best battery manufacturer, EPT wrote and revised the NiMH battery standard for China and was involved in forming countries for the lithium battery industry.
- Top 5 Rechargeable Battery Manufacturers, Top 3 NiMH battery manufacturers in China, and Top 500 certified factories around the globe.
- To ensure that the product is free from defects, 36 quality inspection procedures are performed on all products.
- Customer first. We provide one-on-one professional guidance services.
- All products come with a 1-year warranty, lifetime guidance, and global product liability coverage up to $2 million.
- 800,000 NiMH and 600,000 Li-ion batteries, and 300,000 battery packs are manufactured daily in Shenzhen, Meizhou, and Yancheng (three production bases).
Conclusion:
This article has all the information you need about NiMH batteries. Every battery is different, and the quality of each battery will vary depending on the manufacturer. Before charging your battery pack for the first time, make sure you read the product information. You also need to take care of your NiMH batteries. We appreciate you taking the time to read about NiMH batteries. Let us know if you found this article helpful or if you have any suggestions! And don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for all your NiMH battery purchasing needs.