Used in
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Two-way radios, power tools, medical.
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Similar application as NiCd; higher density.
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Cell phones, laptops, video cameras.
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Motorcycles, cars, wheelchairs, UPS.
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Charging
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Run the battery fully down once per month.
Do not leave battery in charger for more than 2 days because of memory.
Avoid getting battery too hot during charge.
Charge methods:
Constant current, followed by trickle charge when full. Fast-charge preferred over slow charge.
Slow charge = 16h
Rapid charge = 3h
Fast charge = 1h+
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Run the battery fully down every 3 months.
Do not leave battery in charger for more than 2 days because of memory.
Avoid getting battery too hot during charge.
Charge methods:
Constant current, followed by trickle charge when full. Slow charge not recommended. Battery will get warm towards full charge.
Rapid charge = 3h
Fast charge = 1h+
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Charge the battery often. Partial rather than full discharges are preferred.
Do not use if pack gets hot during charge. Check also charger.
Charge methods: Constant voltage to 4.20V/cell (typical). No trickle-charge when full. Li-ion may remain in the charger (no memory). Battery must remain cool. No fast-charge possible.
Rapid charge = 3h
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Charge the battery immediately after use. Lead-acid must always be kept fully charged. Partial rather than full discharges are preferred.
Charge methods:
Constant voltage to 2.40/cell (typical), followed by float held at 2.25V/cell. Battery must remain cool. Fast charge not possible; can remain on float charge.
Slow charge = 14h
Rapid charge = 8h
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Discharging
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Full cycle does not harm NiCd.
NiCd is one of the most hardy and durable chemistries.
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Avoid too many full cycles because of wear. Use 80% depth-of-discharge.
NiMH has higher energy density than NiCd at the expense of shorter cycle life.
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Avoid full cycle because of wear. 80% depth-of-discharge recommended. Re- charge more often.
Avoid full discharge. Low voltage may cut off safety circuit
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Avoid full cycle because of wear. Use 80% depth-of-discharge. Recharge more often or use larger battery.
Low energy density limits lead-acid to wheeled applications.
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Service needs
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Discharge to 1V/cell every 1-2 months to prevent memory.
Do not discharge before each charge.
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Discharge to 1V/cell every 3 months to prevent memory.
Do not discharge before each charge.
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No maintenance needed. Loses capacity due to aging whether used or not.
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Apply topping charge every 6 months. Occasional discharge/ charge may improve performance.
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Storage
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Best to store at 40% charge in a cool place. 5 years and longer storage possible. Prime battery if stored longer than 6 months.
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Store at 40% charge in a cool place. Prime battery if stored longer than 6 months.
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Store at 40% charge in a cool place.
Do not store at full charge and at warm temperatures because of accelerated aging.
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Store always at a full state-of-charge.
Do not store below 2.10V/cell; apply topping charge very 6 months.
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Disposal
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Do not dispose; contains toxic metals; must be recycled.
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Should be recycled. Low volume household NiMH may be disposed.
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Should be recycled. Low volume household Li-ion may be disposed.
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Do not dispose; must be recycled.
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