I have developed some devices who's power requirements are best met with battery packs. At the moment, it is impractical to consider custom battery packages as a power supply. I am constructing my own packs using AA size batteries. Due to space constraints, I am unable to use manufactured, multi-battery, battery holders. I hard wire my batteries together in groups of either 4 or 6 batteries. After the batteries are wired and long leads are attached, I use electrical tape to wrap the pack and keep the desired shape. This method eliminates the ability to unload single batteries, as you would from a battery holder, and insert the discharged batteries into an off-the-self battery charger.
I am using Ni-MH (Nickel Metal Hydrite) batteries. The nominal voltage of these Ni-MH cells is considered to be 1.2 volts. The particular ones I am using have a 2800 mAh rating. I have no clue as to a maximum efficiency charging current. The reverse charging voltage can be found quickly by simple means, but the optimum charging current is currently a mystery to me.
I recently read a snippet that stated that the charging characteristics will mirror the battery's power rating. In example, a completely discharged battery with a 2800 mAh rating will reach full charge in approximately 2.8 hours with a charge current of 1 amp. I am reluctant to jump in feet first, and apply a reverse current of 1 amp continuously for even 30 minutes, without at least some general idea as to what to expect as far as reactions like heat production, changes to internal resistance, maximum tolerances of battery to adverse charging reactions, etc. It is my intent to construct battery chargers for my custom battery packs, or better yet find compatible, off-the shelf, chargers. Is anyone here well acquainted with my needed charging requirements, or perhaps could recommend a publication that contains accurate and complete information on this subject ?
I am using Ni-MH (Nickel Metal Hydrite) batteries. The nominal voltage of these Ni-MH cells is considered to be 1.2 volts. The particular ones I am using have a 2800 mAh rating. I have no clue as to a maximum efficiency charging current. The reverse charging voltage can be found quickly by simple means, but the optimum charging current is currently a mystery to me.
I recently read a snippet that stated that the charging characteristics will mirror the battery's power rating. In example, a completely discharged battery with a 2800 mAh rating will reach full charge in approximately 2.8 hours with a charge current of 1 amp. I am reluctant to jump in feet first, and apply a reverse current of 1 amp continuously for even 30 minutes, without at least some general idea as to what to expect as far as reactions like heat production, changes to internal resistance, maximum tolerances of battery to adverse charging reactions, etc. It is my intent to construct battery chargers for my custom battery packs, or better yet find compatible, off-the shelf, chargers. Is anyone here well acquainted with my needed charging requirements, or perhaps could recommend a publication that contains accurate and complete information on this subject ?