22 Years' Battery Customization
Mar 22, 2023 Pageview：3670
Rechargeable batteries have set new standards for portable power delivery. Multiple aspects make this technology possible together, and one very important element among all is the charger. The charger must be designed according to the battery technology and charging requirements.
That's why you cannot usually interchange chargers among NiCd and Li-ion battery types, even if their voltage or current ratings are the same.
How to charge a NiCd battery without its charger?
NiCd batteries are not as common as other types of batteries. That's also why chargers for these batteries are not commonly found. So, if you ever encounter a situation where you don't have a charger for the NiCd battery, here are your top options to try.
Individual Battery Cell Charger
Every big battery is made with small batteries acting as individual cells. These are connected in series or parallel to meet the required voltage and current output. So, if you need to charge your NiCd battery and don't have a charger, try using an individual battery cell charger.
These chargers have movable arms that allow you to charge batteries of different sizes. Moreover, they support charging multiple batteries with automatic or manual configuration.
Solar Panel for Charging
If you do not have an individual charger to charge the NiCd battery, you can use a solar panel. The thing about solar panels is that the current and voltage ranges are favorable for these batteries. So, the chances of damaging your battery while you charge it are very less.
However, it is also not the most effective method since it only works under the bright sun. Remember that your household solar panels won't work for charging these batteries under normal configuration.
Always refrain from using Lithium battery chargers.
If you ever get the idea of using your lithium battery charger to charge these batteries, skip that immediately. It is because NiCd and lithium-ion batteries are both differently designed. Their charging voltage and current ranges are also different. Using this charger for NiCd batteries can damage the battery immediately, so you must refrain from even trying that.
What voltage is needed to charge an 18V battery?
The general rule of thumb is that a battery always needs a little higher voltage for charging. For example, if a var battery gives the maximum output between 12 and 13 volts, the charging voltage for that same battery will range between 13 and 14 volts.
This voltage is kept a little higher to achieve the maximum charging capacity of the battery. In the case of an 18-volt battery, the right voltage required to charge it will be around 21 volts. This voltage is more than 18, and it is not too high to damage the battery, which makes it the perfect option.
Is it possible to charge these batteries with 12-volt chargers?
If you wire up an 18-volt battery with a 12-volt charger, it will never reach the full charge capacity since its voltage is way less than the battery. In fact, with such a charger, that battery will not even go over 12 volts, so practically, using that charger with the given battery is inefficient. When charging a battery, we cannot use even the same voltage.
That’s why mobile batteries are rated at 3.7 volts while the chargers output 5 volts.
Is it possible to charge these batteries with 24-volt chargers?
Yes, charging the given battery with a 24 volts charger is possible. However, regarding the safety and efficiency perspective, this is not the ideal charger for that battery. The best voltage for charging your 18-volt battery is 21, and going above that means that you are welcoming:
Heating
Overcharging
Vaporization, etc.
All these problems contribute to a decrease in your battery's performance and lifespan.
How to charge an 18V NiCd battery?
The chargers you will usually find around will be rated 5, 12, or 24 volts because these are the battery ranges we usually use in most electronics. However, when you come across an 18 volts NiCd battery, knowing the right way to charge it is important since you cannot use any regular charger.
Get the right charger for your battery.
The right way to charge that battery is to find a charger that supports it. You need a voltage range of around 21 and the charger stating that it supports NiCd battery charging. It is because this type of charger will maintain a constant current supply and vary the voltage rating according to the charging requirements.
Once you find the perfect charger for the battery, you only need to plug it in and wait for it to get 100% charged. Then you can use it again like a normal battery.
What benefits of correctly charging your NiCd batteries?
Not using the right charger for your NiCd batteries will bring multiple problems for the battery. Meanwhile, if you use the right charger, you will get multiple benefits, including:
The correct charging voltage and current range will ensure that the battery is not being overcharged like a 24-volt charger would do.
Such a charger will ensure no issues like overheating or vaporization.
Using this charger will maintain good performance and lifespan of your battery.
So, with such benefits, it becomes extremely important to only use the supported chargers for your NiCd battery. Damaging these batteries is very easy; all it takes is wiring them to the wrong charger. If you keep using the correct charger specifications for a NiCd battery, it will keep the same performance as stated, and the battery will also serve for years to come.
Conclusion
If you have a NiCd battery that you need to charge without its charger, going for the right options is important. It is because otherwise, you won't either get the right charging percentage or you will damage the battery.
You must always select a charger according to the battery technology, as some batteries need constant current for charging while some need constant voltage. In the case of a NiCd battery, it is a constant current with a variable voltage supply.
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