Thursday, January 21, 2010

Use Nimh Batteries

Eveready NiMH Rechargable AA Cell


Since their introduction to the consumer market in 1989, nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries have carved a niche in powering everything from electronic devices to electric vehicles. Older rechargeable dry cell technologies were limited by "memory effect," in which they do not recharge completely without being fully discharged. NiMH cells have no memory effect and can be fully recharged hundreds of times from any state of discharge. However, they do have a few practical limitations. Follow this guideline to learn where to use NiMH batteries to your best advantage and when it's better to use a different battery.


Instructions








1. Use NiMH cells to power any high drain device, such as digital cameras, radios and telephones. Frequency of recharging will not affect the battery's output.


2. Avoid using NiMH batteries in low demand or infrequently used devices that have no built-in charger, such as flashlights, remote controls or smoke detectors. NiMH cells have a self-discharge rate of as much as 1 percent per day, so using a conventional or alkaline battery, or a NiCad rechargeable is a better choice in seldom-used electronics.








3. Check the power requirements of devices using 9 Volt (PP3) batteries before choosing a NiMH to power it. NiMH PP3 batteries may have six, seven or eight cells and vary in voltage from 7.2 to 9.6.


4. Recharge NiMH cells as soon at the first sign they need charging. If the cells are arranged in series and one cell fully discharges before the rest, the other cells can drive the dead one's chemical reaction in reverse and cause irreversible damage.


5. Use a charger designed for NiMH cells or batteries for recharging. These chargers monitor the batteries' voltage and prevent over- and under-charging.


6. Dispose of NiMH batteries in your household trash, and take them to a recycling center. They're considered environmentally friendly, but some components can be reused.

Tags: NiMH cells, NiMH batteries, batteries have, batteries your, cells have, memory effect