Nimh Rechargeable Batteries-Cost Performance, Storage And Difference

Nimh is among the best rechargeable cells in the market today. This cell has replaced small rechargeable batteries and NiCd.  It is used in electronics, electric vehicles, and high drain devices because of internal resistance.  The battery is known to have at least two times the capacity of Nicd. In addition to that, it has equal energy density like a lithium-ion battery. Let us review the cost performance, storage, and differences of Nimh.

Is it worthwhile to buy NiMH rechargeable batteries?

Several factors support reasons to buy NiMH rechargeable batteries. Here are some of the top advantages:

Eco Friendly

Manufacturing as well as disposing cells need much energy. For this reason, it increases the production of carbon.  Besides that, cells have toxic components like mercury, cobalt, and nickel.  Manufacturers have developed more safe rechargeable cells to prevent toxic substances from the environment. Nimh is among the safe batteries to use. Moreover, it is recommended to take an old battery to a recycling facility instead of disposing of it traditionally.

High Capacity

Nimh has a higher capacity compared to Nicd.  It has a capacity of 2,700mAh. Battery capacity can be increased by proper charging and discharging rates. On the other hand, a reduced capacity affects the age of a cell. You must follow the manufacturer’s specifications to prevent inconveniences.

Relying Battery

The recycled battery is ideal when it comes to protecting Mother Nature. Batteries have toxic elements such as mercury, lead, and cadmium. NiMH is less toxic because it can be recycled.

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Does Not Suffer From The Memory Effect

Memory effect is also referred to as the difference between the depletion of voltage. It is caused by poor storage and overcharging. NiMH cells do not suffer from memory effect but it can start to have voltage depression if it is not properly maintained. Even though the memory effect can barely be noticed, it is important to follow precautions. You can overcome it by discharging completely then recharge fully. Also, ensure you store the cell properly.

Easy Storage

NiMH cells are easy to store. The batteries can be kept at a complete discharge state without causing side effects. However, it is recommended to store it at 40% charge state. Also, you can allow self-discharge. This method minimizes age capacity related issues. Additionally, the cell can be put on storage for 3 to 5 years. Even though the capacity will drop, it is a reversible thing. Above and over that, all batteries should be store at a cool and dry place to prevent accidents.

Easy Transportation

A good battery should be easy to transport.  This helps to prevent damage to components. Nimh is easy to transport seeing that they do not leak materials.

Long-lasting

Technically, NiMH cells can last for two to three years with 500 to 1000cycles. It is more durable, unlike NiCd.  NiMH lasts for long when they are charged and used frequently.  Besides, the life cycle is reduced when you keep the cell at high temperatures.

How do you keep NiMH rechargeable batteries from dying when not in use?

Storage is a key factor in maintaining cells. Battery technologies need good care to reduce hazards and increase the life cycle. Let us ways to keep NiMH rechargeable cells when not in use.

Store At Moderate Temperature

Exposing rechargeable batteries on extreme or low temperatures tend to lower the lifespan. According to Battery University, users should store a cell at a temperature of 15 degrees. This means that electronic devices and batteries must be put in a cool place.  The temperature will allow self-discharge and keep it in good operating condition.

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Put In A Container

Place the battery inside the equipment to prevent contact with other things. You can store it in the original package.

Separate Cells

Do not put old and new batteries on the same package. It can result in damage to the other device.

What is the difference between NiMH rechargeable batteries and li-ion batteries?

Lithium-ion and Nickel Metal Hydride are among the top leading chemistries in the battery technology. Both cells come with differences that can be good or bad. Here are examples of differences.

Materials

NiMH and Li-ion batteries have different types of materials.  They are used to keep power. Lithium-ion is made up of highly reactive lithium and carbon that keeps a lot of energy. On the other hand, Nickel-metal hydride uses hydrogen, nickel, and other metal to store energy.

Durability

Both of the chemistries last for years. However, Nickel-metal hydride has a greater advantage of durability compared to lithium-ion. Lithium-ion has a shorter life span. They are mostly affected by adverse temperatures. This reduces capacity thus lowers durability. Henceforth, you should be extra cautious when it comes to keeping a lithium-based cell. Place it in a cool place with a moderate temperature.  Manufacturers for lithium-ion are working on ways to improve the technology.

Supply Of Power

Both cells are great in holding an amount of power. Nickel Metal Hydride cannot be charged and discharged rapidly like lithium-ion. Moreover, batteries suffer from the memory effect. It occurs when the cell is recharged before it is fully discharged. Memory effect can lower a battery capacity thus affects life span. Lithium-ion does not suffer from high memory effect like Nickel Metal Hydride. Nevertheless, there are ways to prevent the effect. For example, you can fully discharge a cell before recharging.

Weight

Lithium-ion is known to be the lightest weight cell. This is because it is made of lithium which a light metal.  On top of that, it has good electrochemical potential. Small lithium-ion has great specific energy. On the contrary, NiMH is heavier, unlike lithium-ion. Manufacturing a lightweight product helps to improve performance.  Moreover, it reduces the lifting workload.

Cost

Lithium-ion cells are the most expensive cells. They can cost two times of other cells. NiMH is cheap to buy. The price of cells will drop in the coming years because of the production of many vehicles.

Final Thoughts

Nimh batteries are useful in current technology. The cell is great for almost all electronics. Also, they are the perfect alternative for high drain electronics. Nimh batteries should not be left on a working device after the cell has run out of charge. Generally, a device is supposed to switch off after the cell has run out. However, other electronics like toys and flashlights hold some charge. These results to a reverse polarity hence the battery will not charge. You should always remove rechargeable batteries from unused devices.