Rechargeable Battery Packs
The rechargeable battery pack comes in various configurations such as the rechargeable lithium ion battery pack, lithium polymer rechargeable battery pack, sealed lead
acid rechargeable battery packs,
etc.
That being said, we will look into the various rechargeable battery packs in details from the rechargeable lithium battery to all others. They all have their
unique features and used for different purposes.
1. Rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery Pack
Rechargeable Lithium Ion (Li ion) battery pack continues growing because
of their higher energy density, which is twice more than that of nickel as well
as lead based chemistries, and their low self-discharge rates. Also, the rechargeable lithium ion battery pack
possesses technology that makes them continue being safer and no expensive as
the earlier rechargeable lithium battery types. The rechargeable lithium ion
battery has various applications: Medical devices, Aerospace/military
equipment, electric vehicles, consumer electronics, etc.
2. Lithium Polymer Rechargeable Battery Pack
The lithium polymer rechargeable battery technology is not too different
from Li ion in several ways. The major difference is their packaging, where
aluminum or steel cans are used for making li ion batteries, lithium polymer
cells are in foil-like pouches. This makes packaging more flexible and provides
safer operation as well as lower costs.
The technology behind lithium polymer cell is continuously improving
with manufacturers introducing lighter, smaller and more powerful cells. The
lithium polymer rechargeable battery
pack comes in various and custom-tailored configurations which deliver
higher discharge rates and longer run times. Their applications include Small
consumer electronics (one or two cells), e-readers, tablets, smartphones, etc.
It should be noted that lithium has an inherent volatility, and lithium
polymer has a high energy density which makes the battery and cell require a
battery management circuit that controls and monitors its upper and lower
voltage thresholds when charging and discharging.
3. Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) Rechargeable Battery Pack
The sealed lead acid battery is less expensive and easy to maintain
which makes it of great benefit having various applications. Unlike lithium ion
and lithium polymer, SLA batteries don't need a sophisticated battery
management circuitry and do not need to be regulated for transportation.
They have the lowest energy density suitable for standby and stationary
applications like emergency lighting and uninterrupted power supplies. This has
made SLA cells easy to maintain as they are usually used for medical equipment
and electric wheelchairs that need much power.
4. Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) Rechargeable Battery Packs
This is known to be a part of some of the oldest battery chemistries.
Nickel Cadmium is still a popular and reliable technology despite the
development of newer chemistries for rechargeable
battery packs. They can last for thousands of cycles if properly
maintained.
Their applications include their usage in aircraft and other stationary
applications that are long-term.
5. Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) Rechargeable Battery Packs
The steady increase of the cell performance of nickel metal hydride has
made its chemistry a very popular choice for applications that are lightweight,
small and portable in nature. NiMH batteries, unlike lithium ion and lithium
polymer, don't need sophisticated battery management circuitry for performance
maintenance. Also, their rechargeable packs are not heavily regulated for
transport.
More energy capacity than that of NiCd cells of the same size is
provided of over 30-50%. NiMH cells also are less prone to the "memory
effect" which NiCd usually go through. They are also more economical than
lithium ion and lithium polymer rechargeable
battery packs.