Today’s electronic products have complex designs and functionalities that require higher levels of energy demands. Panasonic’s batteries, specifically rechargeable Ni-MH batteries (Nickel Metal Hydride), are designed to meet the requirement for compact and light battery solutions, delivering a high level of energy density. Their NiMH batteries offer up to three times the capacity of same size standard Nickle Cadmium batteries, giving users a longer run time between charges. Panasonic offers versatility with their seven types of Ni-MH batteries that tailor to specific applications and electrical characteristics.
1. High Temperature & Long-Life Type
The High Temperature & Long-Life Ni-MH batteries are suited for applications that require extended life. They have and approximate expected life of 6 to 10 years; about twice the lifetime compared to standard Ni-MH batteries.
These batteries come in small size and light weight forms and are also capable of delivering excellent charge characteristics at high temperatures (60°C). They are an appropriate replacement for Nickel-Cadmium batteries.
Suggested applications are emergency lights, vending machines, back-up for base station, ticketing machine, solar window shutter, and medical equipment. Figure 1 shows different High Temperature & Long-Life battery model numbers and their characteristics.
Figure 1: High Temperature & Long-Life Battery Line-up. (Source: Ni-MH Handbook from Panasonic.)
2. High Rate Discharge & High Temperature Type
Panasonic’s High Rate Discharge & High Temperature Ni-MH batteries deliver excellent current discharge characteristics at high temperature (60°C) making them energy efficient; all in small size and light weight forms. These batteries are good for power applications such as back-up for UPS, POS systems, power tools, garden tools, robotic cleaners, and motive power. Figure 2 shows different High Rate Discharge & High Temperature battery model numbers and their characteristics.
Figure 2: High Rate Discharge & High Temperature Line-up. (Source: Ni-MH Handbook from Panasonic.)
3. Button Top Type
The Button Top Ni-MH batteries offer long charge/discharge cycle life, about 1,800 times based on IEC standards (Standard 61951-2 (2017) / 7.5.1.2), all while maintaining excellent temperature characteristics, especially in low temperatures.
A model number to highlight is Panasonic’s BK200AAB. The BK-200AAB comes in an AA size, with a nominal voltage of 1.2V. It has an average discharge capacity of 1,900mAh. It has a high capacity level and low self-discharge, allowing it to still have 90% capacity after being in storage for one year (which also applies to the other Button Top models).
Applications for the Button Top Ni-MH batteries include remote controls, flash lights, toothbrushes, and personal digital assistants. Figure 3 shows different Button Top battery model numbers and their characteristics.
Figure 3: Button Top Line-up. (Source: Ni-MH Handbook from Panasonic.)
4. Standard Type
If you’re looking for batteries that are ideal for less complex and cost sensitive applications, then the Standard Ni-MH batteries from Panasonic are what you’re looking for. The Standard type provides high quality and reliability with good balance in terms of capacity and lifetime.
Two Standard Ni-MH batteries to highlight are Panasonic’s HHR-380A/BK-380A and the HHR-450A/BK-450A. Both cells have a nominal voltage of 1.2V (with different diameters and heights). The HHR-380A/BK-380A has an average discharge capacity of 3800mAh, while the HHR-450A/BK-450A has an average discharge capacity of 4500mAh.
Recommended applications for Standard Ni-MH batteries are medical, communication, navigation, and measurement devices. Figure 4 shows different Standard battery model numbers and their characteristics.
Figure 4: Standard Line-up. (Source: Ni-MH Handbook from Panasonic.)
5. High Rate Discharge & Rapid Charge Type
These Ni-MH batteries are tailored to provide excellent large current discharge and rapid charging characteristics. Excelling in these characteristics make these Ni-MH batteries suitable for power tools, robotic cleaners, and electrical vehicles. Figure 5 shows different High Rate Discharge & Rapid Charge battery model numbers and their characteristics.
Figure 5: High Rate Discharge & Rapid Charge Line-up. (Source: Ni-MH Handbook from Panasonic.)
6. Low Temperature Type
Panasonic also features Low Temperature type Ni-MH batteries. These are specially designed for low temperature discharge down to -30°C, making these batteries ideal to power two-way radios, construction sites signaling, and UPS. The featured Low Temperature type is Panasonic’s BK-250A, which comes in a size A, nominal voltage of 1.2V, nominal capacity of 2450mAh and typical capacity of 2600mAh.
Read the specs for the BK-250A here.
7. Infrastructure Type
These types offer high capacity and outstanding efficiency even at low temperature environments. They are particularly designed for power storage and automated guided vehicles (AGV) and are an alternative to VRLA batteries.
Applications can include UPS, green energy, wind turbine, energy storage, solar window shutter, and floating machine. Figure 6 shows different Infrastructure battery model numbers and their characteristics.
Figure 6: Infrastructure Line-up. (Source: Ni-MH Handbook from Panasonic.)
You can see how Panasonic can cater to your device’s and application’s energy demand and environment with their wide array of Ni-MH batteries types.
Be sure to view Panasonic’s page for more products and also read how Panasonic provides efficient products for your lighting control solutions.