The new NiMH rechargeable hybrid batteries have taken the market by storm. If your digicam or TV remote still runs on regular batteries, then you're definitely lagging behind in the technological world. These new Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries are hybrid batteries with complete charge.
They can save their charge for several months, which is not possible with the regular NiMH ones. This makes them ideal for low-drain appliances like remote controls and for high-drain gadgets like digital cameras.
It is safe to say that the creation of NiMH rechargeable batteries with low self-discharge marks the commencement of a new era in battery-run devices. Although the battery capacity is not enormous, these rechargeable hybrid batteries have the power to retain their charge for quite a long time, extending to even a year. This quality makes them perfect for small gadgets as well as for backup power.
NIMH Rechargeable Versus Nicd And Li-Ion
NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride) cells are similar to Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) cells. The NiMH battery has hydrogen-absorbing alloy for its negative electrode and not cadmium whereas NiCd cells have nickel oxyhydroxide for their positive electrodes.
NiMH batteries have 2-3 times more power than that of NiCd batteries with the same capacity. When you compare NiMH cells to Li-Ion cells, you will notice that both have similar volumetric energy density, but the self-discharge of NiMH batteries is higher.
What Is This Hybrid Battery?
In 2005, the market saw the launch of a new Nickel-Metal Hydride battery that featured amazingly low self-discharge. This extended the shelf life of the battery. Manufacturers of this battery used a new separator, which made it possible for the battery to save a whopping 70-85 per cent of its capacity even after a year. This happened when the battery was stored at 68 degrees Fahrenheit or 20 degrees Celsius.
Manufacturers introduced their new product in the market as "hybrid" or "pre-charged" or "ready-to-use" NiMH rechargeable battery packs. The design is similar to the regular NiMH batteries. They can even be charged with a standard NiMH charger. You can get these hybrid batteries from online stores as well as nearby retail stores. The common sizes are AAA and AA.
Hybrid batteries are the latest fad, especially in the field of energy. The term has got a lot of attention lately because of endeavors to reduce carbon footprints, use energy efficient appliances and save the earth.
Hybrid means anything that is between traditional and the future technology. Hybrid NiMH rechargeable cells mark one step towards future technology, yet exhibit a hint of conventional battery design. This makes the battery green or environment friendly.
There is no need to worry about the cost, as these NiMH batteries are inexpensive. Besides, the performance and voltage are similar to conventional alkaline batteries of the same size. Alkaline batteries are usually 1.5 volts while NiMH batteries are 1.2 volts. During discharge, the alkaline voltage drops in due course and becomes lower than that of NiMH voltage. NiMH rechargeable hybrid batteries are capable of maintaining their voltage. This is one of the qualities that gives these hybrid cells an edge over the traditional ones.
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