#Best rechargeable batteries professional#

Cycle life is based on battery receiving regular maintenance.Protection circuit of Li‑ion and Li-polymer adds about 100mΩ. Internal resistance of a battery pack varies with cell rating, type of protection circuit and number of cells.

The figures are based on average ratings of commercially available batteries at the time of publication.įigure 1: Characteristics of commonly used rechargeable batteries Main applications are mobile phones.įigure 1 compares the characteristics of the six most commonly used rechargeable battery systems in terms of energy density, cycle life, exercise requirements and cost. Lithium Ion Polymer (Li‑ion polymer) - offers the attributes of the Li-ion in ultra-slim geometry and simplified packaging. Applications include notebook computers and cellular phones. The technology is fragile and a protection circuit is required to assure safety. Li‑ion is used where high-energy density and lightweight is of prime importance. Lithium Ion (Li‑ion) - fastest growing battery system. The lead acid battery is the preferred choice for hospital equipment, wheelchairs, emergency lighting and UPS systems. Lead Acid - most economical for larger power applications where weight is of little concern. Applications include mobile phones and laptop computers. Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) - has a higher energy density compared to the NiCd at the expense of reduced cycle life. The NiCd contains toxic metals and is environmentally unfriendly.

#Best rechargeable batteries professional#

Main applications are two-way radios, biomedical equipment, professional video cameras and power tools. The NiCd is used where long life, high discharge rate and economical price are important. Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) - mature and well understood but relatively low in energy density. Since NiCd remains a standard against which other batteries are compared, we evaluate alternative chemistries against this classic battery type. We scrutinize the batteries not only in terms of energy density but also longevity, load characteristics, maintenance requirements, self-discharge and operational costs. The so-called miracle battery that merely live in controlled environments is excluded. In this article we look at the advantages and limitations of the commercial battery. Unfortunately, these super-high capacity Li‑ion batteries are deemed unsafe in the hands of the public and the high price puts them out of reach of the commercial market. Li‑ion packs are being produced for defense applications that far exceed the energy density of the commercial equivalent. The energy density of these cells is a modest 70Wh/kg.Ĭompromises also exist on lithium-based batteries. High durability NiMH batteries, which endure 1000 discharges, are commonly packaged in bulky cylindrical cells.

Still, the cycle count of this battery is moderate to low. In comparison, a cylindrical NiMH offers energy densities of 80Wh/kg and higher. Such a pack provides an energy density of about 60Wh/kg and the cycle count is around 300. A prismatic Nickel-Metal Hydride battery for a mobile phone, for example, is made for slim geometry. The inscription of NiMH on a battery pack does not automatically guarantee high energy density. Emphasis is placed on small size, high energy density and low price. The mobile phone industry is an example of clever adaptation.

A third battery may provide all the desirable attributes, but the price would be too high for commercial use.īattery manufacturers are well aware of customer needs and have responded by offering packs that best suit the specific applications. Another battery may be built for long life, but the size is big and bulky. While one battery type may be designed for small size and long runtime, this pack will not last and wear out prematurely. Are they real? Perhaps - but not in one and the same battery. We often get puzzled by announcements of new batteries that are said to offer very high energy densities, deliver 1000 charge/discharge cycle and are paper-thin.