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Newsletter Archive

Keeping Charged

March 2006

With our increasing reliance on mobile devices - laptops, PDAs, cell phones and the like - battery life is an important adjunct to a productive day.  

There is no one ideal battery that can satisfy all possible requirements equally. The various battery technologies have been developed to optimize certain parameters for specific uses. It helps to be knowledgeable about the various kinds of batteries on the market so you can choose the optimal battery for each application and take steps to maximize its life. 

Buying the Right Battery

 Alkaline batteries are, and will probably remain, the workhorse of electronic devices because they have a relatively long life, are inexpensive and can be stored for up to five years. They are best for low-drain devices such as pagers and radios and medium-drain devices such as compact disc players and electronic games. Rechargeable alkaline batteries are more cost efficient though and more importantly, are better for the environment since they can be recharged and reused many times before they must be discarded. However, you should note that the capacity is diminished with each recharge and they can only be recharged 12 to 25 times.

Nickel-cadmium batteries (NiCd or NiCad) are increasingly popular because they charge quickly and, if properly maintained, can be recharged over 1,000 times. NiCds keep a near constant voltage throughout their service life. The batteries should be completely discharged before they are recharged or they could develop "memory" problems. This means that the battery remembers the point in its charge cycle where recharging began and may have a sudden drop in voltage at that point when reused.

 Nickel metal hydride batteries (Ni-MH) are often the consumer battery of choice as they offer about twice the capacity than NiCds, with no toxic chemicals. Manufacturers maintain that Ni-MH cells can last up to 40% longer than the same size NiCd batteries and have a life-span of up to 600 cycles. This makes them useful for high-energy devices such as notebook PCs, cellular phones, and camcorders.

 Lithium-ion batteries are small and have a high output voltage. They are used in most PDAs as well as mobile phones and notebook PCs. Lithium batteries are also useful in that they do not have to be fully discharged before they are charged again. Powerful, with quick recovery time, these batteries are also good choices for extremely high-drain devices like cameras where performance is a plus.

 Silver oxide batteries are noted for their high energy density and power density.As the silver electrode is expensive, their use is generally limited to lightweight electronic equipment.

 Maximizing Battery Life and Minimizing Replacements

 Like most, you have likely experienced a dead battery at the worst possible time. The first line of defense is to carry an extra battery or take the battery recharger with you when you are travelling out of town. There are also ways you can maximize battery life and minimize the number of times you need to purchase replacements:

 •  Read the instructions for the device before installing batteries. Be sure to insert the batteries correctly.

•  Use only the type of battery that is recommended by the manufacturer of the device.

•  If you need a replacement battery for a device and have lost your manual, check the manufacturer's website or ask the retailer.

•  Extend the shelf life of your batteries by storing them in a cool, dark place but not in a refrigerator or freezer. Let them come to room temperature before using them.

•  The battery will degrade rapidly if it is exposed to temperatures higher than those recommended by the manufacturer. Store batteries as far away from heat sources as possible.

•  Store batteries in the original packaging as the manufacturer designs it to ensure the maximum shelf life for the batteries. Batteries which have been in storage should be charged overnight before using.

•  Use a marking pen to write the day and year that you purchased it on the battery casing. Also, keep track of the number of times the battery has been recharged. But be careful not to write on or near the battery terminals.

•  For devices requiring several batteries, do not mix batteries from different manufacturers. Small differences between brands can reduce the average useful life of all the batteries.

•  When storing your mobile devices for long periods (e.g., more than a month), remove the batteries. This can prevent possible battery leakage which could damage the device. This also allows you to use the batteries for other devices while they are still fresh.

•  When you purchase a new device, look for one that minimizes battery use. Be wary of unnecessary features that might require additional battery power. Some electronic devices also give you the option to run at a lower power setting so that you can extend battery life.

 Be Kind to the Environment

 All battery components, when discarded, contribute to the pollution of the environment. Batteries contain heavy metals, such as silver, nickel, cadmium, lead, mercury, lithium, manganese and zinc, which can be toxic to plants, animals and humans. Dispose of batteries properly. Many electronic retailers will take batteries for proper disposal or recycling. You can also take them to special battery collection points in your area.

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