Nickel Metal (NiMH) Battery Packs

Rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries offer many advantages, especially in high-drain portable device applications. NiMH batteries are a complex mix of nonhazardous chemicals and materials providing storable energy in a convenient package. The internal materials of a NiMH battery efficiently absorb, release, and transport hydrogen to and from its electrodes.

The key to NiMH technology is in the negative electrode's hydrogen-absorbing alloys, which contribute to the high energy density of that electrode, which results in an increase in the volume available for the positive electrode. This is the primary reason for the higher capacity, longer service life, and lack of voltage depression (memory effect) of the NiMH battery over some competing rechargeable battery technologies, such as NiCd.

With continuing research and development, the NiMH chemistry is now available in almost all the standard cell sizes and configurations. These include a wide range of cylindrical cells (AAA, AA, A, C, D, F, and M), prismatic, and button cells. These batteries can also be assembled in a wide range of battery pack configurations to meet the increasing demands for portability in electronic equipment.

Typical Applications of NiMH Batteries

Portable Medical Equipment

Infusion pumps
Portable X-ray systems
Respirators
Defibulators
Surgical tools
Patient monitoring devices
Motorized beds and carts
Muscle stimulators

Handheld Electronics

Handheld printers
Measurement devices
Data collection devices
Gas detection systems
Image capture devices

Safety and Security

Night vision cameras
Surveillance equipment
Thermal imaging devices
Wearable gas detection systems
Respirators
Personal alarms

Military

Ruggedized Portable communications equipment
Ruggedized Computing devices
Power Tools and Appliances
Measuring equipment and Lasers
Construction/Assembly equipment

Communications

Mobile Phones
Mobile Electronic Devices
Mobile industrial Computers