| Now Presenting The Brand New Battery: What Are Lithium Polymer Batteries? |
| Written by Phil Zertisky |
| Wednesday, 27 January 2010 08:04 |
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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.
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. The old Nickel Cadmium batteries had a flaw in that they developed a 'memory'. Each time a user charged the batteries they took a little bit smaller charge until they eventually don't take a charge at all. Even if the batteries are fully drained after each charge as recommended there best life expectancy was about six months. So called 'memory' was not a problem with the Lithium Polymer or ion Polymer batteries. This allowed the batteries to last far longer, even years. Mostly these batteries are used in personal electronics. Your cell phone battery might be a slim rectangle with two contacts at one end, in which case it is one of the most common Lithium ion Polymer cells. The batteries are also used for remote control helicopters, cars and airplanes. These come in packs of two or three cells and are favored because they are lighter (about one third the weight of an average NiCad battery) and have a longer life on a single charge that NiCad or NiMH cells (about three times the life between the reduced weight and increased capacity). 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. The batteries are not with out their safety hazards. The primary hazard is that the heat up while charging. For this reason these batteries can not be used with a turbo charged without risk explosion of the battery. Even a trickle charger for multi-cells requires a balancer to ensure that all the cells are charged at the same rate, but these are included in most chargers designed for these batteries to ensure best battery performance. It is advised that Lithium Polymer batteries be supervised while they are charging to ensure that they do not start any fires. Also, it is important that you never run a battery down to zero because it will not charge. 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. About the Author: If you want to learn more about the power performance of a lithium polymer batteries, you could find them all over the net. When you use a lithium polymer battery, you will be happy with the performance. |