It is also important that they are not run flat in a portable device, which creates reverse charging, which can completely damage the battery.Different types of batteries have their advantages and disadvantages. Though similar to the NiCad batteries, NiMh batteries do not contain toxic cadmium, so they are considered more of an environmentally-friendly battery. Extremely high temperatures can also cause a Li-Ion battery to explode. Though still used in autos and motorcycles, scientists have developed gel-batteries, where the liquid is semi-solid and will not spill. Following the proper steps for charging and discharging in NiMH batteries is very important. They are also higher capacity than NiCad and are said not to suffer from the "memory-effect" quite as much..
These batteries, most commonly used in new had held devices are nickel-cadmium (NiCad), nickel metal-hydride (NiMH), and the newest, Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) batteries. NiMH batteries are also used in hybrid cars. Li-Ion are extremely susceptible to high temperatures which can great shorten their lifetime. NiCad are said to be the number one sufferer of the "memory effect" which in fact is really a lazy battery effect, where the battery discharges quickly after being fully charged.NiMh batteries are next of the podium for newer, more powerful batteries. They are more practical than lead-acid batteries because of their increased power and light weight. In the past, the only type of rechargeable battery available was a lead-acid battery, which contains liquid and must be kept ventilated in an upright position. New Li-Ion batteries are said to charge 10 times faster than NiMH or NiCad batteries, and does so in a fraction of the time.
However, battery technology is improving everyday to help portable devices last longer.Nickel Cadmium, or NiCad batteries are the least expensive of the three types, because it has the least power. They also have an advantage over alkaline batteries which are not usually rechargeable. They are primarily used in portable phones, power tools, and other hand held devices. While some offer more convenience and higher capacity, there are still many limitations facing the development of batteries. The newest and most powerful of all rechargeable battery types is the Lithium Ion battery. A NiCad battery only lasts 1000 full cycles, so eventually they need to be replaced.Three main types of rechargeable batteries are used in newer technology hand held devices.
When compared to NiCad and NiMh batteries, Li-Ion batteries have the highest voltage density and the lowest self-discharge rate. Scientists are constantly trying to develop batteries with better technologies that make them faster, more powerful, and more lightweight. It is the smallest and most light-weight of all the batteries, but all the advantages make it much more expensive as well. Most devices detect safe discharge voltage and shut down automatically. In this case, NiMH batteries are much more effective in high drainage devices like digital cameras, while NiCad batteries Powder Metal Parts Manufacturers are more effective in devices with a fast discharge rate such as power tools. NiMh batteries need smart chargers which prevent them from over-charging