Nickel Metal Hydride Battery Charger – Lifespan and Charger Rate

There has been a tremendous increase in the number of battery-operated electronic gadgets. This has triggered a surge in the number and types of batteries developed. Hence, consumers are often overwhelmed with these choices.

Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries are among the most popular options. They power a wide range of applications that require rechargeable batteries.

But how much do you know about NiMH batteries? In this guide, we will be talking about their lifespan and chargers. This information is important for making more informed buying decisions.

3.2V 20A Low Temp LiFePO4 Battery Cell -40℃ 3C discharge capacity≥70% Charging temperature：-20~45℃ Discharging temperature: -40~+55℃ pass acupuncture test -40℃ maximum discharge rate：3C

READ MORE

Nickel Metal Hydride Battery Lifespan

Nickel Metal Hydride battery is a type of rechargeable battery that is often used in electronically powered devices. Because it’s rechargeable, users save a lot of money using them.

One of the biggest concerns about these batteries touches their lifespan. As usual, consumers want batteries that can last for as long as possible. No battery can last forever, but some have better performance than others. It’s important to know this when you are making your purchases.

NiMH batteries have a relatively shorter lifespan compared to Nickel Cadmium and lithium-ion. Typically you can get around 700 to 1000 lifecycles from these batteries.

Many users love them because they have a very high capacity. This feature stands in for its short lifespan. Among the best things about this battery is that it doesn’t have a memory effect.

Also, due to their high capacity, the batteries don’t deplete fast compared to other chemistries. It can last for about five years when used under optimum conditions.

Factors That Affect the Lifespan of a NiMH Battery

You can’t increase the lifespan of a battery, but you can get the most from it. You just need to use it under the best conditions. The worse condition will significantly reduce this longevity.

Here are some of the factors to keep an eye on:

Extreme Temperature

Batteries generally have an issue with temperature. Exposing them to extreme cold or heat leads to rapid depletion.

You may be wondering how your batteries go damaged too fast. Check the conditions in which they operate. A cold room temperature will give it maximum lifespan.

Low Temperature High Energy Density Rugged Laptop Polymer Battery Battery specification: 11.1V 7800mAh -40℃ 0.2C discharge capacity ≥80% Dustproof, resistance to dropping, anti - corrosion, anti - electromagnetic interference

READ MORE

Overcharging

Some people think that there is nothing like overcharging. Well, batteries can overcharge. And that is one of the biggest threats to their lifespan.

Overcharging raises a battery’s temperature and internal heat. This takes us back to the first factor above. Ensure your battery is disconnected immediately after a full charge.

Too Much Draining

Over-discharging a NiMH battery is destructive. It’s crucial to observe proper discharging, making sure it’s not completely drained.

Some users have poor charging habits. Try to charge the battery once it dies out and wait until fully charged before you start using. This can extend the number of charge cycles you can get from the battery.

Age

Sometimes the problem is not any of the above. Your battery may just be too old to offer maximum performance. Remember that batteries have a specific lifespan, whether used or on the shelf.

When buying NiMH batteries, always check their date of manufacture. You don’t want a battery that has been on the shelf for too long.

Can You Extend the Lifespan of a NiMH Battery?

NiMHs are an improved version of NiCd batteries. The improvement takes care of the voltage depression effect in NiCd.

With that in mind, you can extend the lifespan of NiMH batteries using these tips:

Always discharge the battery completely before charging. This completes a cycle charge and maximizes its performance.

Never mix NiMHs with other batteries. This can negatively affect the cells, reducing their performance and lifespan. Different cells can damage one another.

Use the correct polarity of the battery at all times. Reverse polarity can damage the cells, making the batteries less useful.

Discharge the batteries when storing them. A discharged condition reduces the chemical reaction in stored batteries. Also, remember to always keep them in cold conditions.

What Is the Best Charge Rate for NiMH Batteries?

The charging rate is another factor to keep in mind when looking at extending the lifespan of a NiMH battery. Many have wondered about the best charging rate for these batteries.

Charging at 1C will take about one hour to get a full charge. And using a 0.5C can take about two hours to get a full charge. A 2C charging rate is not recommended because it puts too much pressure on the battery. But it will only take about ? an hour to achieve a full charge.

You can also charge a NiMH battery for only 15 minutes. This requires a quick charger. But you will pay with reduced life. Physical damage on a battery has no remedy. Quick charging damages the performance of the battery within the cells. This comes from the uneven distribution of the electrolyte.

A 15 minutes charge rate tends to affect the internal parts of the battery. It’s, therefore, best that your find the right charging rate for your battery. You can try running a Break-In function in them periodically.

So what is the best charging rate? While you can charge NiMH batteries at around 0.1C, many consider this too high. It’s more recommended to trickle charge them at a rate of around 0.05C. You should not leave the battery trickle charging for too long, even at this rate. Most batteries get damaged from such actions.

Can I Charge a NiMH Battery With a Lithium-ion Charger?

The manufacturer often recommends using a specific charger when you buy a battery. This is because the type of charger plays a crucial role in the battery's lifespan.

Never use charge a NiMH battery with a charger that is not recommended. Charging any form of battery with the wrong charger is unsuitable. NiMH battery cells get damaged when the wrong charger is used.

NiMH batteries carry a nominal voltage of 1.2 volts. It’s best to trickle charge them. On the other hand, Li-ion batteries require a more complicated charging strategy. It requires up to about 4.2v at full charge.

A lithium battery will end up overcharging the NiMH cells. This will eventually affect its lifespan. You can easily find a NiMH or a smart charger on the market. Go for it to avoid unnecessary issues.