Rechargeable (Secondary) Batteries - Insights

Many anode/cathode combinations are being evaluated, each having potentially different types of applications. improvements are developing, with the nimh being popular at this point in time.

Storing Power at power grids and residential, commercial & industrial Independent units. Online UPS, INVERTERS, solar and wind power plants, for power backup solutions.

Mixtures of chemistry recipes -- adding nickel, MN02, silicon as substrates to existing designs appears to be most promising.

Realistically, the big 5 battery manufacturers (Panasonic, Sony, Samsung, LG, Sanyo) show the most promise for long term success. There are other innovators, but unproven.

EXIDE , SUKAM , AmTec, also there are companies which make Batt- caps which are a combination of a battery and a capacitor system used in renewable energy industry.

Not easy to answer, as mostly the cell producers are not that innovative. The intelligence comes from the electronic (safety and charging).

Manufactured, designed, supplied, installed and maintained batteries for telecommunications, power generation and distribution, underground lighting, submarines, torpedoes, electric vehicles, forklifts, cars, railways, UPS, solar and all emergency power needs.

I make a portable information display which is remotely operated and runs on batteries. And I am frequently required to re-build power tool batteries, which I normally refuse because of the cost.

I have used the nimh rechargable battery, for a limited time, in the following applications: solar charged animal repellers, cameras,flash lights, two-way radios, and remote controllers.

Since not having used for any non-standard uses, I cannot comment on this issue. The big thing with rechargeables is the huge money and inconvenience saving with rechargeable batteries, especially if you use many batteries for whatever.

Temporary ( 2-3 hrs lighting) supply, temp supply for small project testing purpose.

Can't think of any powered device that I would not consider a standard use.

Be aware of over charging and charging current .. also while charging the battery, the charger circuit should be isolated with the other parts of the circuit. Possibly a charge controller is the best option.

Never leave on a charger for extended periods of time, as this can destroy the battery. (Standard rech batts). Lithium ion batteries can be and should be kept charged to give a longer life.

I have read of fires and explosions with batteries when not handled or charged properly.

One half of the picture is "recharging" the batteries. I spent a great deal of time researching the various chargers out there. I ended up with two chargers, the Tenergy t-9688, a universal charger that accepts aaa,aa,c,d, and 9v. i also bought the Lacrosse bc-9009, which only handles aaa and aa, but this is not only a charger, it is a reconditioner and a tester, a beautiful charger. Both chargers have all the necessary safety controls to prevent overcharge, but the Lacrosse offers many options and a complete readout for analysis and, it's easy to use.

If the charging time is reduced , then it would find many applications in industries, power plants, power grids, to store energy in times of low consumption and discharge in times of high consumption, effectively increasing the capacity of the power plant /grid during peak hours and hence avoiding over loading / load shedding.

Extended temperature usage (low temp and high temp) with no compromise on performance; long cycle life without sacrificing capacity

Use the best charge regime possible to prolong life, maintain highest capacity and avoid fire / explosion! Always fuse properly. Fit reverse charge protection diodes.

Buy quality batteries and for certain buy the right charger, without which you will ruin batteries and have difficulty charging them quickly and properly.

Research, research, research. The internet has a plethora of information to help anyone make a great choice based on their needs or wants.

Buy the higher capacity battery, e.g. 2500 mah aa, or 10000 mah d battery( large flashlight size ). Always store the nimh in the fridge with a full charge and charge them fully just before use. If stored at room temperature, self-discharge will be significant. "MAH" stands for milli-amp hours, the energy storage capacity of the battery as rated by the company and stamped on the side of the battery.

Consider the battery life, charging time, charging current, starting (peak) current it can supply for inductive loads should be high enough, weight of the battery should be a constraint if the battery is being employed for electrical vehicles.

Buy a good charger, not something cheap. Get one that has the capability to discharge batteries completely and fully recharge afterwards, such as a charger with a battery conditioner.

Check the capacity (charge storage); make sure that the battery voltage will work if replacing primary cells with an approximate equivalent secondary.

Consult with an expert. Don't use off-Chinese brand unless that manufacturer is proven. KNOW THE TRANSPORTATION REQUIREMENTS.

Select a battery technology that best suits the intended applications requirements.

Look at all technologies and use simplest which meets specification

Yes only buy well known reliable Brands

Do not rush in to anything.

Shop around for the quality

Confirm the level of cycle

Don't go with Nicads