01/27, 2010
Finding The New Battery Battery: Lithium Polymer Batteries
Lithium Polymer batteries were the next step from the Nickel Cadmium (NiCad) and Nickel Metal Hybrid (NiMH) batteries. While these batteries had served their purpose the developments in personal electronics created a need for lighter, longer lasting batteries. In 2002 the first of the Lithium ion Polymer batteries arrived. Though it is a secondary market for these batteries remote control and motorcycle hobbyists also jumped at the chance for a lighter, more advanced battery.
A problem experienced with Nickel Cadmium batteries was that they would develop what is called ‘memory’. This means that each time the user charges the battery it holds a little less charge. Even in users fully drained the battery each time as recommended the NiCad batteries only lasted about 6 months in most applications.
The Lithium Polymer ion Polymer batteries will not develop a memory at all, thus extending their expected life span to years. The primary application is in electronics like cell phones and laptops, and the most common Lithium ion Polymer cells are a slim rectangle with two tab-like contacts at one end.
Remote control hobbyists use a different type of the battery that is made up of two or possibly three cells. Hobbyists favor these batteries because they weight one third what and old Nickel Cadmium or Nickel Metal Hybrid battery. This lesser mass combined with a superior capacity gave the batter nearly three time the life.
Custom motorcycle enthusiasts have also seen the benefits of the battery. The smaller batteries leave more room on the frame of the bike for other things. The Lithium ion Polymer batteries for motorcycles also weight only a quarter of what a tradition auto lead acid battery weighs. The batteries are also less environmentally toxic when they finally do have to be disposed of. The battery’s advanced charge capabilities allow it to hold charge through many attempts to start the motorcycle.
When using a battery you must be very aware of the safety hazards to get the best use of your battery. The batteries build up heat while they are charging and should never filled with a turbo charger or left unattended during charging. If using a trickle charger the batteries require a balancer, which is often built into the charger, to ensure that all cells charge equally and that the battery is at its best performance.
It is vital that a damaged battery is never used because there is a risk of explosion. Keeping the battery protected and away from any kind of corrosive or water will help to maintain the life and safety of the battery.
Properly cared for, a Lithium ion Polymer battery will last for years. Lighter and holding more charge that its earlier counter parts, the Nickel Cadmium and Nickel Metal Hybrid batteries and more environmentally friendly the lead acid auto batteries, Lithium ion batteries have changed the way we use our personal electronics, motorcycles and radio control models.
If you want to learn more about the energy performance of a lithium polymer batteries, you should find them all over the Internet. When you use a lithium polymer battery, you will be delighted with the performance.