08 Feb 10 Innovation Brings The Brand New Battery Supercharge: 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.

Solution: the battery which does not develop a 'memory', ensuring a much better lifespan for the batteries. The main usage for these batteries is personal electronics. Take a look at your mobile phone battery. It is probably a slim rectangle with two tab-like contacts at one end, which is the most common Lithium ion Polymer cell.

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.

The battery is not totally safe however. With its tendency to accumulate heat while charging these batteries do represent a fire hazard and should not be left alone while charging. The batteries cannot be used with a turbo charger because they will explode. The multi-cell batteries require a balancer on even a trickle charger, often included in the charger, to be sure that they are at best performance. Another risk with Lithium ion Polymer batteries is that if they are run all the way to the zero mark the battery will not charge again.

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.

If you are careful and follow the safety guideline of the batteries the can last you indefinitely, they are lighter and longer lasting that Nickel Cadmium or Nickel Metal Hybrid batteries. The more environmentally friendly, lighter and more durable than lead acid batteries. Whether you are flying remote control planes, building a custom motorcycle or texting your best friend the Lithium ion Polymer battery has changed the way we use battery powered electronics.

If you want to find out more about the energy performance of a lithium polymer batteries, you could find them all over the Internet. When you use a lithium polymer battery, you will be happy with the performance.

Tags: batteries, electronics, lithium batteries, lithium polymer, Product Reviews