When multiple batteries are required to power a device or a piece of equipment, enclosing the batteries in soft packs or hard cases make battery management and charging a lot easier. It also helps to cut down the electronic components in the device as there is only one connection required for the battery pack instead of multiple connections for the individual batteries.
In many different types of devices and applications, nickel metal hydride battery packs are the best choice. Understanding when to use this option in batteries and when to consider another battery option such as nickel cadmium or lithium ion will be critical in the design and development phase of the process.
A Brief History
While the nickel cadmium battery was invented in the year 1899, the nickel metal hydride battery (NiMH) didn’t come into focus for research until 1967. Even then it was relatively unstable and was overshadowed by the nickel hydrogen battery.
Then, with different types of alloys with hydride, the stability issue was resolved. The resulting commercially available NiMH batteries offered almost 40% higher energy capacity than the previously widely used nickel cadmium options.
The Benefits
The use of nickel metal hydride battery packs in different consumer types of electronics as well as in specific applications and devices in different industries continues to grow. They are considered a lower cost rechargeable battery that is readily available in different sizes.
The use of nickel metal hydride battery packs in devices also does away the issue with battery memory if charged before fully discharged. These batteries are considered a good option when there is a wide temperature range where the batteries will be used.
The NiMH batteries are also considered more environmentally friendly as they contain low levels of toxins. The nickel can also be easily recycled, adding to the “green” value in this choice.
