Absorption

Hydrogen retention by the hydrogen-absorbing Misch metal alloys of batteries’ negative electrodes.

Acid battery

The battery in which acid is used as electrolyte, e.g., lead-acid battery in which sulfuric acid is the electrolyte.

Active material

Electrode material which produces electrical energy during discharge from chemical energy stored during charge

Alkaline storage battery

A battery which employs alkaline aqueous solution for its electrolyte. The Nickel-cadmium battery as designed.

Ambient temperature

The average temperature of the battery's surrounding medium, typically air.

Ampere hours (Ah)

Unit expressing the capacity of a battery or cell. Ampere Hours are the product of a battery's or cell's discharge rate and discharge time. Usually measure in mAh (milli-Amps x hours).

Anode

Electrode where oxidation takes place during electro-chemical reaction. Negative electrode is the anode during discharge; positive electrode is the anode during charge.

Assembled battery

Any battery composed of multiple cells.

Battery (Battery pack)

two or more electrically connected cells in a series/parallel arrangement, designed to create the desired voltage/capacity. "Battery" is the common term for a single cell.

Button cell

A battery cell with overall height less than its diameter. Button cells are manufactured with circular disc electrodes that are separated with a separator sheet

C

C designates the nominal capacity of the battery. The charge-discharge current is specified in terms of a multiple of C. For example, the 0.1 current for N-1300SC is equal to 1300 X 0.1 = 130mA.

C-rate

Unit by which charge and discharge times are scaled. The capacity of NiCd batteries is commonly rated at 1C, meaning that a 10000mAh battery would be discharged at 10000mA for one hour.

Cadmium chemical symbol: Cd

This metallic element is the chemically-active material of the Nickel-cadmium battery's negative electrode. When the battery is charged, the negative electrode surface consists of cadmium. As the battery discharges, the cadmium progressively changes into cadmium hydroxide (CdOH2).

Cadmium hydroxide

Active material used at the negative electrode of the nickel-cadmium cell.

Cadmium salt

A chemical compound in which the hydrogen atom as been replaced by the cadmium atom: (e.g.: 2HNO3 + Cd(OH)2 -> Cd(NO3)2 + 2H2O cadmium nitrate).

Capacity

The electric energy content of a battery expressed in ampere hours. The energy is referenced to the discharge at a constant current for a measured period of time until a specified cut-off voltage is reached.

Cathode

Electrode where reduction takes place during electro-chemical reaction. Positive electrode is the cathode during discharge; negative electrode is the cathode during charge.

Capacity

Maximum amount of electrical current that can be withdrawn from a battery cell under specified conditions. Capacity is the product of discharge rate and discharge time (mAhr = mA x hrs); measured in milli-amp hours (mAh).

Capacity offset

A correction factor applied to the rating of a battery if discharged under different C-rates from the one rated.

Cell

A cell is the basic electro-chemical unit which stores electrical energy or releases stored electrical energy

Cell-mismatch

Cells within a battery pack that contain different capacity and voltage levels.

Cell reversal

The discharging of a cell to a state of reversed polarity. Usually requires three or more cells for this to occur

Change in temperature (ΔT)

Charge termination based on difference between ambient temperature and cell temperature

Change in temperature/change in time (dT/dt)

Charge termination based on change in temperature over time. This termination is meant to detect rapid temperature increases created just before a battery or cell reaches its full charge. Normal dT/dt is 1°C/minute.

Charge

The process of replenishing or replacing the electrical charge in a rechargeable cell or battery.

Charge acceptance

A cell's ability to store energy. Can be affected by temperature, charge rate, and state of charge.

Charge efficiency

Ratio of a cell's output during discharge to its input during charge. Ratio can be expressed in efficiency of capacity, nominal voltage, or power.

Charge rate

Current applied to a cell to restore its capacity. Charge rate is usually expressed in terms of the cell's C rate.

Charge retention

Residual capacity after a period of storage of a fully charged battery.

Charge, state of

The capacity remaining in a cell or battery.

Chemical cells

The type of cells which convert energy obtained by chemical reactions into electrical current. Most of the popularly used cells belong to this group.

Constant current charge

A charge during which the current is maintained at a constant value. Sealed nickel-cadmium batteries are normally charged at a constant.

Constant voltage charge

A charge during which the voltage across the battery terminals is maintained at a constant value. This method is not normally used for sealed nickel-cadmium cells or batteries.

Coulomb

A unit to measure the in-going charge and out-going discharge current of a battery. A coulomb is equal to the electricity transferred by a current of one ampere in one second. (The maximum energy a molecular weight of a chemical system can deliver is one Faraday of energy or 96,500 coulombs which is the equivalent of 26.8Ah of capacity).

Current-limiting chargers

A charger that keeps the charge current constant during the charge process but allows the voltage to fluctuate (typically used on NiCd and NiMH chargers).

Cut-off voltage

The specified voltage at which a discharge of a cell or battery is considered finished (final voltage).

Cycle

Battery sequence of a discharge followed by a recharge, or a charge followed by a discharge.

Cycle life

Number of cycles a cell can operate through, under specified conditions, before becoming nonfunctional.

Cycle use

A method of battery use involving repeated charging and discharging.

Cylindrical cell

Cell with a circular cross-section and height greater than its diameter. Manufactured by winding electrodes spirally with a separator between them.

Deep cycling

Application in which the cell or battery is successively and repeatedly charged, then completely and fully discharged.

Deep discharge

Discharge of at least 80% of the rated capacity of a cell or battery.

Depth of discharge

Capacity removed from a battery as compared to its actual capacity. It is expressed in percentage

Delta V

Detecting the voltage drop which indicates a cell is fully charged. See "negative Delta V (-ΔV)".

Depression

See "memory effect".

Depth of discharge (DOD)

The ratio of a cell's or battery's electricity, usually expressed in terms of capacity, removed on discharge to its rated capacity.

Discharge

An operation during which a battery delivers current to an external circuit by the conversion of chemical energy into electrical energy.

Discharge capacity

Capacity that can be discharged from a battery. The unit as Ah, (ampere-hour).

Discharge rate

Rate at which electrical current is removed from a cell or battery, usually measured in milli-amperes (mA) or multiples of the C Rate

Discharge voltage

Voltage a battery's or cell's terminals during discharge.

Duty cycle

Operating regime for a battery or cell, including charge and discharge rates, charge termination, depth of discharge, and time in rest mode.

Electrode

Matrices of a battery or cell which provide the sites for the electro-chemical process to take place

Electrolyte

Medium which provides the ion transport mechanism between a battery's or cell's electrodes. Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) is the electrolyte in NiMH batteries, for example.

Electrolyte retention capability

The degree to which a separator retains electrolyte.

End voltage

The voltage that indicates the end limit of discharge. This voltage is almost equivalent to capacity in practical use.

Endothermic

Heat absorption caused by a chemical reaction.

Energy

Overall amount of power a battery or cell can deliver over time. Product of the battery's or cell's voltage, discharge rate, and discharge time. Usually expressed in milli-Watt hours (mWhr) or mWhr = V x mA x hrs.

Energy density

Ratio of a battery's or cell's energy to its weight or volume. Also called Power Density. See also "gravimetric energy density" and "volumetric energy density".

Exercise

Commonly understood as one or more discharge cycles to one volt per cell with subsequent recharge. Used to maintain NiCd & NiMH batteries.

Exothermic

Release of heat caused by a chemical reaction

Fast charge

Rate of charging a cell or battery to full charge capacity in 2 1/2 hours or less.

Final voltage

The specified voltage at which a discharge of a battery is considered finished.

Float charge

Similar to trickle charge. Compensates for the self-discharge on a SLA battery.

Foam

Matrix that stores active material in a battery's or cell's positive electrode.

Gas permeability

The degree of mobility of gas through porous film, fabric or other plate-separating material.

Gas recombination on negative electrode

The method to suppress hydrogen generation by recombining oxygen gas on the negative electrode, and making the negative electrode chemically discharged when oxygen gas is generated at the positive electrode at the end of charging.

Gravimetric energy density

Ratio of a battery's or cell's energy to its weight. Also called power density. Usually expressed in Watt-Hours per kilogram (Wh/kg).

High rate discharge

Discharge at a comparatively high current rate in comparison with cell capacity.

Hour rate

The hour rate is associated with both discharging and charging the battery, and is expressed in terms of discharge time at its nominal capacity rating. "H-hou" represents the length of time it takes to discharge a battery, and "i" represents the rate of discharge.

IEC

International Electro-technical Commission, a non-profit, non-governmental international standards organization. Prepares and publishes international standards for all electrical, electronic, and related technologies.

ION

An atom or a group of atoms charged either positively or negatively.

Impedance

Used in terms of the battery's internal resistance.

Intelligent battery

Battery with internal circuit enabling some communication between the battery and user. Some batteries feature a capacity indicator only, others offer an external bus to interface with the equipment the battery powers and the intelligent charger.

Intercalated

Reaction where lithium ions are reversibly removed or inserted into a hose without a significant structural change taking place

Internal resistance

Opposition or resistance of a battery or cell to an alternating current, usually 1000Hz. Internal resistance is the ohmic component of a battery's or cell's resistance to the flow of electrical current within the battery or cell.

Internal pressure

Pressure within a sealed battery or cell caused by oxygen or hydrogen evolution

Interstitial

A space between closely set things, or between the parts which compose a body. A narrow chink; a crack, crevice, or hole

IR-DROP

A drop in cell voltage or voltage of inter-cell conductor due to cell internal resistance.

Leakage

The escape of electrolyte to the outer surface of the battery.

Lithium cobaltite (LiCoO2)

Dark blue, water-insoluble powder. Exhibits both the fluxing properties of lithium oxide and the adherence-promoting properties of cobalt oxide. Intercalates lithium ions in battery and cell applications.

Lithium ion

Advanced chemistry/technology for primary and secondary batteries. Offers increased performance and twice the energy density of nickel-based batteries. There are several major varieties of lithium ion battery technology, each of which has unique properties. Lithium ion secondary batteries can charge to full capacity in as little as 3 hours.

Lithium iron phosphate

A variety of lithium ion chemistry/technology that offers high discharge rate capability, long cycle life, and long calendar life.

Lithium polymer

A variation of lithium ion battery which differs only construction—chemistry is the same. Lithium polymer allows for very flexible packaging, lower cost, and safer operation.

Lithium primary battery

Have the highest specific energy (energy by weight) and energy density (energy by volume) of all primary battery types. Have open circuit voltages (OCVs) between 2.7 and 3.6V. Their relatively high internal impedance limits them mostly to low drain applications.

Load current

The discharge current provided by a battery, or drawn by a battery powered device.

Low-voltage cutoff

A special sensor which ends discharge at a specified voltage level.

Low-voltage disconnect

Voltage-sensing device to automatically disconnect a battery or cell from a load at predetermined voltage. Low-voltage disconnects prevent cell reversal during discharge.

Maintenance charge (float charge)

Method for maintaining the charge of a battery or cell by continuously charging it at a rate sufficient to balance its self-discharge

Manganese dioxide lithium

Generally equivalent to poly batteries and cells in construction, energy density, safety and OCV, though with roughly half the service life. Well-suited to applications with high continuous- or pulse-current requirements due to their lower internal impedance. Available in standard cylindrical and coin styles.

Matching

Grouping individual cells within 2% of capacity to prevent cell reversal.

Matched cells

Cells carefully selected by the factory to display within 5% of the same capacity at the time of manufacturer.

Memory

Reversible capacity loss found on NiCd and to a lesser extend on NiMH batteries. The modern definition of memory commonly refers to a change in crystalline formation from the desirable small size to a large size.

Memory effect (Voltage depression)

Phenomenon in which repeated cycling to less than full discharge result in depression in discharge voltage and loss of capacity of the cell Metal Hydride (MH): negative electrode of a battery or cell. Composed of hydrogen-storing Misch metal alloys.

Migration

Movement of charged ions under the influence of a potential gradient.

Misch metal (M)

Matrix of the negative electrode of a battery or cell. Composed of hydrogen-storing alloys.

Mobility of ions

Velocity of ions moving in electrolyte between electrodes of opposite polarity.

Negative delta V (–ΔV)

Charge termination based on detecting a decrease in voltage which indicates a cell or battery is charged. Designed to terminate charge as over-charge starts.

Negative electrode

Electrode in a battery or cell acting as the anode during discharge. Composed of hydrogen-storing alloys. Also called the minus electrode.

Nickel hydroxide

Active material used at the positive electrode of the Nickel-cadmium cell.

Nickel metal hydride (NiMH)

Battery or cell system comprised of a Nickel (Ni) positive electrode and a metal hydride (MH) electrode.

Nickel tab

Mechanical connector used to electrically connect cells in a battery pack

Nominal capacity

The standard capacity designated by a battery manufacturer to identify a particular cell model.

Nominal voltage

Average working voltage of a battery or cell. Calculated by multiplying the power (mWh) by the capacity (mAh). (Cell voltages of 1.20 and 1.25 volts are used for NiCd and NiMH batteries.

Open circuit voltage (OCV)

Potential difference between the electrodes of a battery or cell, measured at the terminals in a no-load condition.

Operating voltage

Voltage between the two terminals of the battery without any load.

Over-charge

Forcing of current into a battery or cell after all of its active material has been converted into stored energy.

Over-discharge

Discharging a battery or cell after all of its stored energy has been released.

Overvoltage

The difference between the actual potential of electro-chemical reaction and the theoretical value at which the reaction becomes balanced.

Oxygen recombination

Process in which oxygen generated at the positive electrode of a battery or cell during over-charge reacts with hydrogen at its negative electrode, producing water.

PBE - Plastic bonded electrodes

PBE utilizes a manufacturing technique that produces a high-energy density negative electrode that allows higher capacity for a given cell size and a greatly reduced self discharge.

Parallel

Interconnecting cells, or batteries with like terminals, are connected to increase the capacity of the resulting battery pack. This resulting battery pack’s capacity is equal to the sum of capacities of the parallel-connected batteries or cells.

Peak voltage detection (PVD)

Automatic charge termination based on the battery or cell being charged reaching peak voltage. Designed to terminate charge just as over-charge begins.

Permanent charge

The charging current which can be continuously maintained, regardless of the state of charge of the cell.

Polarity reversal

Reversing of polarity of the terminals of a small-capacity cell in a multi-cell battery due to overdischarge.

Polarizations

Obstacles to current flow within NiMH cells.

Porosity

The term expressing the porous degree of a sintered plate. The equation for its calculation is: Porosity = (V1/V2) x 100. V1 is the volume of pores and V2 is the total volume of the plate including pores.

Positive electrode

Electrode of a battery or cell acting as the cathode during discharge. Composed of nickel base (Ni) or nickel hydroxide.

Positive temperature coefficient device (PTC) or thermostat

Safety device used in battery packs. At a predetermined temperature threshold, internal resistance goes from a low-resistance state to a high-resistance one to provide over-current and over-temperature protection.

Potassium hydroxide (KOH)

Electrolyte providing ion transport mechanism between the electrodes of NiMH cells.

Potential

Energy of an electrical charge, measured by its power to perform work; electro-motive force. Potential energy per unit charge is voltage.

Potential of oxygen evolution

Oxygen gas evolves due to the electrolysis of water in the battery being charged when it reaches a certain potential. This is called the potential of oxygen evolution.

Power

Time rate of energy transfer, measured in Watts (W). Product the voltage (V) across a battery or cell and the current (A) through the battery or cell. W = V x A.

Primary battery

A battery or cell that is not rechargeable and that is disposed of once it has delivered all of its electrical energy.

Prismatic cell

Cell in a slim, rectangular configuration. Manufactured with rectangular electrodes interspaced by separator sheets.

Pulse discharge

A high-rate discharge, usually of 1 second or less.

Quantity of charge

The amount of electric energy supplied to a battery. Its unit is Ah, (ampere-hour).

Quick charge

A method of charge an Nickel-cadmium battery for a short time at a high current level.

Rapid charge

Rate of charging a battery or cell to full charge capacity in 2 1/2 to 6 hours.

Rated capacity

Amount of milli-amperes (mA) a battery or cell can deliver under specified conditions. Rated capacity is measured at C/5 discharge rate to 1 volt @ 25°C after being charged at C/10 for 16 hours.

Rated capability

Maximum charge/discharge rate of a battery or cell. Expressed in a multiple of the C rate.

Rechargeable battery or cell

See "secondary batteries".

Recombination

The action by which oxygen gas produced on overcharge is recombined chemically to avoid venting of a sealed cell and loss of water from the electrolyte. See "oxygen recombination".

Recondition

One or more deep discharge cycles below 1.0 volt/cell ata very low, controlled current. Recondition helps to revert large crystals to small desirable sizes, often restoring the battery to its full capacity.

Recycling

Reclamation of materials without endangering human health and the environment. Nickel-cadmium cells are fully recyclable.

Resealable safety vent

Resealable vent built into cylindrical and prismatic cells which prevents the build up of high internal pressures.

Residual capacity

The capacity remaining in a battery after field use, prior to charge.

Reversal charge

The Nickel-cadmium cell is reverse-charged when connected to a charger in the wrong way, and current is forced to flow from the negative to positive electrodes, contrary to the direction of flow during normal charge. Here polarity is reversed, but all electric energy is consumed to generate gas.

Reverse load charge

Charge method that intersperses discharge pulses between charge pulses to promote the recombination of gases generated during fast charge. Reverse Load charge also helps to reduce memory.

SLA

Sealed led acid. An inexpensive secondary battery using lead

Safety vent

A safety mechanism that is activated when the internal gas pressure rises above a normal level. There are two types: Automatically resealable, and unsealable.

Sealed cells

A cell which remains closed and does not release either gas or liquid when operated within the limits of charge and temperature specified by the manufacturer. The cell cannot receive addition to the electrolyte.

Secondary batteries (rechargeable)

A battery or cell in which passing electrical current through it in the opposite direction of its discharge can reverse the electro-chemical process, recharging the battery or cell. Commonly called rechargeable batteries.

Self-discharge

Loss of energy or capacity in a battery or cell due to internal chemical reactions.

Separator

Ion permeable, electrically non-conductive material which electrically separates the positive and negative electrodes of a battery or cell.

Series

Interconnecting cells, or batteries with like un-terminals, are connected to increase the voltage of the resulting battery pack. This resulting battery pack’s voltage is equal to the sum of voltages of the connected batteries or cells in the series.

Shelf life

Under specified conditions, the duration for which a battery or cell can be stored and still retain its performance.

Sintered electrode

Sintered electrodes were originally developed by Saft and utilized nickel powder to form a highly porous metal sponge. The pores of this material are impregnated with the active material, yielding high discharge performance and very long life.

Sintered plaque

A thin nickel-plated grid on which nickel powder has been coated.

Sintered plate

The plaque on which active materials have been imbedded for charge and discharge reactions.

Slow charge

Typically an over-night charge lasting about 14 hours at a charge current of 0.1C. Battery does not require instant removal when fully charged.

Soft cell

A cell whose voltage rises above its defined boundaries during charging. This voltage rise may be caused by high cell impedance as a result of prolonged battery storage, very cold battery temperature or lack of electrolyte.

Stand-by use

The use of cells or batteries in which they are constantly charged so as to be always ready for use.

Standard charge

C/10 charge at 25°C for 16 hours. Sometimes called an overnight charge.

State of charge

The available capacity of a cell or battery at any given time. Expressed as a percentage of C or its rated capacity.

State of charge (SOC)

Ratio of electricity, usually expressed in capacity, remaining in a battery or cell on discharge compared to its rated capacity.

Storage life

The length of time a cell or battery can be stored on open circuit without permanent deterioration of its performance. Nickel-cadmium cells or batteries can be stored at any state of charge including a fully discharged state.

Storage life

See "shelf life".

Sulfation

Growth of lead sulfate crystals in SLA batteries which inhibits current flow. Sulfation is caused by storage at low state of charge.

Sulfur dioxide lithium

Used almost exclusively in military/aerospace applications. These cells have somewhat lower energy density than manganese dioxide lithium or poly lithium cells. Service life and energy density are generally less than half that of thionyl chloride lithium cells. Require emergency vent structures for safety reasons.

Tab

The mechanical lug used to connect cells together to form a battery or to connect it to equipment.

Temperature cut-off (TCO)

Secondary charge termination at a specified temperature; used in timed, rapid, and fast charge systems.

Thermal fuse

A one-time, non-resettable fuse used to protect against over-current Thermal runaway — A critical condition arising during constant voltage charging in which the current and the temperature of the battery produce a cumulative mutually-reinforcing effect which further increases them and can lead to the destruction of the battery.

Thermal runaway

A critical condition arising during constant voltage charging in which the current and the temperature of the battery produce a cumulative mutually-reinforcing effect which further increases them and can lead to the destruction of the battery.

Thermostat

Circuit protection device used to prevent over-current and over-temperature. A thermostat will go from a low-resistance state to an open circuit at a predetermined temperature.

Thermistor

Temperature sensing device, used to measure the temperature of a battery pack or cell. Typically a Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) device. Exhibits a predictable and precise decrease in resistance with an increase in temperature.

Three-phase zone

The area where 3 phases (gas, liquid, and solid) contact with each other, Reactions of substances composing these 3 phases take place easily.

Thionyl chloride lithium

Offer extremely long service life (15 to 20 years) and low self-discharge rates. Ideal for applications with low continuous-current or moderate pulse-current requirements, and applications where physical access is limited. Highest energy density of all lithium types. Manufactured in welded, hermetically sealed cases in cylindrical, coin, and wafer types.

Time charge

A charging method, terminated after a predetermined amount of time, designed to charge a battery or cell within 6 to 16 hours.

Top-off charge

Charge step designed to fully charge a battery or cell when a rapid or fast charge termination that does not reach 100% SOC is used. Most commonly used after a dT/dt termination.

Transport

Movement of ions within a cell. Cations carry net-positive charges; anions carry net-negative charges.

Trickle charge

See "maintenance charge".

Voltage cutoff

Electronics board which disconnect the load from a battery pack.

Voltage delay

During open circuit storage, some battery systems develop a passivation film on the surface of the active material. On the initial discharge, these batteries may momentarily demonstrate a lower than normal voltage until this film is removed by the discharge.

Voltage limit

A voltage value a battery is not permitted to rise above on charge and/or fall below on discharge.

Voltage-limiting charger

A charger that limits the maximum voltage to a battery but allows the current to drop while maintaining the voltage limit. A voltage limiting charge normally also includes current limiting. (Typically used on SLA and Li-ion chargers).

Volumetric energy density

Ratio of a cell's energy to its total volume. Usually expressed in Watt-hours per liter (Wh/l). Also called "power density".

Watt hours (Wh)

Amount of electric energy that can be withdrawn from a battery or cell under specified conditions. This energy is measured in milli-Watt-hours (mWh). Product of the discharge voltage, discharge rate, and discharge time.