Tips to keep your electronic devices always alive!
January 25, 2008
Most electronic products need external battery power to function effectively. This is a main cause for the arrival of different types of battery chargers in the market. Buying a right battery charger for your battery is a challenging task. There are lots of things to be kept in mind to make a right choice. This article will assist you to pick up a right battery charger by providing some essential suggestions you should be aware of.
Nowadays advancement has been made in such a way that you could handle two different battery technologies in one charger. Some chargers have been uniquely made to support two different sizes like AA and AAA sized batteries. Classic chargers have come with the stuff to work with NiCd as well as NiMH batteries. Some NiMH chargers allow charging batteries that function with NiCd technologies as well. But you can use the NiCd charger for charging NiMH batteries.
Keep this point in mind before buying a battery charger. Some electronic or digital devices have come with the ability to support only special format of chargers specially made by the manufacturer. It will not work with batteries working on other technologies or of other brands. It is better to read your product manual completely. Mostly battery chargers have been designed with the capacity to charge approximately 4 to 6 batteries. It is always suggested to keep an extra pair of fully charged battery in hand.
AC outlet is required for charging batteries. Users can simply plug and charge their batteries directly into the outlet. For that reason travellers will be comfortable to use them while on the go. These travel chargers generally work with 100 to 220 volts power outlet. Another benefit of travel chargers is the absence of adapter. There is no need to use an adapter for charging batteries using travel chargers.
If you prefer inexpensive chargers, they may require a power cord for sending electricity to charger. It is vital to make use of an external converter for high speed charging. It is recommended not to use these types of charger which you may get at a low cost but it will not offer convenience at all. You should be ready to face certain risk like over-charging while you buy cheap chargers. You can prefer cost worthy chargers while they offer unique benefits. For example chargers come with ‘charger control’ options have been marketed with a little bit higher cost.
High-end model battery chargers have been designed with an intelligent microprocessor which automatically shuts off charging function when your battery gets fully charged. These chargers have the ability to identify how much charge the batteries had initially before you charge it. Therefore it offers only limited charging.
Paying some additional cost to get features like LED display in battery chargers are also worth. LED display supports you to indicate the charging status with distinct colour indications. The cost of the charger mainly depends up on charging time and some features. Checkout all the features offered and then make a rational purchase!
Selecting Battery Chargers
November 19, 2007
As most of the batteries can be reused by charging them, battery chargers play a vital role in recharging the batteries. Smart chargers are a new type of charging unit that could charge any type of lead acid batteries. The power may differ but the computerised technology in these types of smart chargers will estimate the power of the battery and will charge the batteries according to its power.
The powers of the batteries are to be taken into account as the power of the battery estimates the time of working. In general, a 10 amp battery will get charged with in 6 hours so that it can be used. Even if the power of the battery remains the same, the type of the charger you use will estimate the time of charging.
It is better to know the outcome of the battery and the charger that you use. As the charger differs the time for charging also differs. While charging the batteries of classic cars and bikes time matters, because the power is high, the time for recharging will also be high.
Flooded chargers: This is conventional engine start and traction style battery. The liquid electrolyte in the battery will be free to move. When the water in the compartments of the batteries dries out distilled water can be used. The typical absorption voltage range is 14.2 to 14.5 volts. The typical float range is 13.2 to 13.5 volts.
Sealed Batteries: Sealed batteries are quite similar to flooded batteries. Here the lead acid will be filled in to the compartments and the seller will ensure that the fluid will be more sufficient till the warranty period gets over. The typical absorption voltage range is 14.2 to 14.5 volts. The typical float voltage range is 13.2 to 13.5 volts.
Valve Regulated Lead Acid battery: While charging the valve in this type of battery, it will regulate the flow of hydrogen and oxygen gases. The typical absorption voltage range 14.2 to 14.5 volts. The typical float voltage range is 13.2 to 13.5 volts.
AGM and GEL batteries are more or less the same for the reason that the electrolyte is pending but not technically the same. AGM is considered as wet cell and Gel cell is considered as stiff cell. The typical absorption for the AGM cell will be of 14.4 to 15.0 volts, typical float voltage is 13.2 to 13.8 volts. For Gel cell the typical absorption will be of 14.0 to 14.2 volts and float voltage is 13.5 to 13.8 volts.
Practical Usage of Lithium-Ion Battery
November 14, 2007
Battery is a device which contains and supplies electrical powers to electronic device with the supply of main current. Some batteries can be charged again for usage and is termed as rechargeable batteries. But most of the batteries are use and throw battery. Let us have a perception over the differences between the lithium batteries and lithium-ion batteries.
In practical we find that lithium batteries are not rechargeable whereas lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable. Chemically lithium battery uses pure metallic lithium, but lithium-ion uses the compounds of lithium which are more stable than lithium. Lithium battery must never be recharged whereas lithium-ion is designed to be recharged for number of times.
Advantages of lithium-ion battery:
• It has high energy density to store more energy than other rechargeable batteries.
• It operates at a higher voltage about 3.7 for lithium-ion than NiMH or NiCD batteries.
• Its discharge rate is low which can maintain their charge for long time even for months once it is charged.
• Though lithium-ion batteries are small or lightweight, it has high voltage and holds a charge much longer.
Disadvantages of lithium-ion battery:
• Lithium-ion batteries are more costly as it is more intricate to manufacture.
• As a special circuitry is included, it protects the battery from damage making it expensive.
• Another reason for its cost is due to its manufacturing deficiency.
• You cannot find standard cell size in lithium-ion like other batteries.
• You need to use sophisticated chargers to monitor it charging process carefully.
• Lithium batteries are available with different shapes and size, so it requires charger manufactured to accommodate its size and shape.
Dangers due to improper charging of lithium-ion batteries:
Standard sized lithium-ion is not available to the date. If you charge lithium-ion battery with other charger not designed of lithium-ion, it creates a potentially hazardous condition. It might ignite as it operates at higher voltage of 3.7 V.
Name brand and generic lithium-ion batteries have less difference between them. Manufactures of camera device often make less sale of the camera itself, but gain profit for the accessories provided with camera such as battery and flashes. You cannot get same quality battery from third party batteries than original battery, which are virtually identical.
Method to store Lithium-ion battery:
You know that lithium-ion battery has the ability to store charge for many months, so it is better to store them with a partial or full charge. If you store them for long period with very low charge and its voltage slowly drops allow it to be charged again. If you store the battery for several months, it is better to take it out and recharge after few months. Leave this battery either partially or fully charged.
Exchange of batteries in electronic device
As you know the size, shape and voltage of alkaline and lithium-ion battery differs, they are not interchangeable. But now cameras are designed which can allow the camera to run with CRV3 type lithium-ion or AA size batteries. CRV3 rechargeable batteries under various brands cannot be used with each others chargers. They are manufactured as a set and have different charging requirements. If your digital camera runs with NiMH or NiCD battery you can switch on to lithium-ion battery.
Disposing lithium-ion batteries:
Unless lithium-ion batteries get exploded, never incinerate them. Rechargeable battery sales person also accept them back for recycling.
Know the differences in batteries
November 7, 2007
Batteries are made with distinct technologies to fulfil distinct needs. Batteries can be classified on the basis of usage or capacity or technology or size. Commonly batteries are categorized on the basis of size namely "AA" and "AAA". Distinct technologies are used in these "AA" and "AAA" batteries. AA batteries will be 51 mm in length but AAA batteries are available with the length as 44.5 mm. Nickel Metal Hydride, alkaline, Lithium and Lithium Ion are various technologies frequently used nowadays. Some of the useful information about distinct types and suggestions are given below to choose appropriate batteries for distinct devices.
• AA & AAA Batteries with Alkaline technology
These alkaline batteries will be a best choice if you do not need lot of batteries. If your device is a kind which does not drop frequently, you can prefer alkaline AA and AAA batteries.
• AA & AAA Batteries with Lithium technology
If you are looking for a battery which has to have the stuff to function even in extreme temperatures; it is optimum to go for lithium AA and AAA batteries. The only drawback of these batteries is inability to recharge them. These lithium batteries can last longer than alkaline batteries.
• AA & AAA Batteries with Nickel Metal Hydride
Batteries made with Nickel Metal Hydride technology can be recharged. They are accepted as "eco-friendly" batteries as they decompose within short period. It is important to check the mAh rating to know the capacity. Another unique advantage of these batteries is ULSD feature. ULSD stands for Ultra Low Self Discharge. These batteries have another name as ‘ready-to-use’ batteries.
• AA & AAA Batteries with Nickel Cadmium
These Nickel Cadmium batteries are suitable for devices which drain quickly. Suppose you buy devices for frequent uses or commercial purposes, these Nickel Cadmium batteries are perfect choice which have made with the ability to support even high temperature.
• AA & AAA Batteries with Lithium Ion
These types of batteries need a dedicated charger for charging effectively. They can offer battery capacity up to 3.6 or 3.7 volts for functioning effectively.
• CRV3 Batteries
CRV3 Batteries are a unique type of Lithium-Ion battery which is used mostly in electrical appliances. The size and shape of these RV3 batteries are equal to CR V3 Lithium batteries. You can expect an output from 3.0 to 3.7 volts while charging. Rarely can you find these batteries with NiMH technology.
Reduce the Risk of Injury with Battery Chargers
October 27, 2007
A battery charger is a device which forces electric current into a cell or rechargeable battery. The charge current is depended on battery’s technology and its capacity of charging. Remember that car battery differs from mobile phone battery.
You may be conscious of the fact that generally batteries produce dangerous hydrogen gas, during standard manoeuvre. They can burst out under normal conditions like starting the car, abnormal conditions such as jump starting. If the batteries are short circuited by a tool, it will blast in a parked car or sitting on a table.
It is important to keep in mind to read and follow the instructions and warning by the battery manufacturer before using your battery charger.
When you use the battery charger remember to wear eye protecting equipment. Don’t keep flaming items such as matches, lighters, cigarettes and other ignition sources near the battery. Keep the battery charger away from the gasoline vapours. When you put the batteries in the charger make sure that it has tight contact with charger clip. Plug the charger to an electrical outlet after ensuring that all the connection is perfect.
Before you connect charger, you can add water to cell until the acid covers plates to help purge extra gas from cells. As battery acid expand during charge, do not overfill. There are batteries that have condition indicator to indicate low water. Such batteries should be replaced not charged.
When you charge the battery make sure that the area around battery is well ventilated. Avoid charging the battery in closed area. Do not stay near the battery charger when it is on process. Place the charger as far from battery as DC cables permit.
Do not touch your eye when working with acid corrosion in the battery. If in case the acid comes in contact to your skin or cloth, wash immediately. If it enters your eye then wash your eyes with cold water for few minutes.
Avoid charging the frozen battery which may form gas and crack to spray out the acid. Do not overcharge the battery, if left connected for long period, it results in loss of water and creates hydrogen gas. Try to follow these instructions exactly.
