rechargable batteries %power loss

[iocheretyanny]

The main reason I stay away from rechargable batteries is the daily power loss even if you do not use them, compared to Lithium and Alkaline.

Is this still true, or are there rechargable batteries that hold power for really long time?

How much do the different rechargable battery types lose their power? Which is the best for longetivity, and capacity?

Thanks.

 

[Kevin Tan]

Li-ions.

 

[Lynx_Arc]

Depending on how often you use your batteries up even with some loss due to self discharge nimh cells may still provide more power than alkalines. I have had nimh cells sitting for over a month that seem to put out 80% or more useful power, and if you have a fast 1 hour or less charger you can top them off in a few minutes for use. My basic rule is this:
If you don't use the batteries up in a device more than a few times a year.... use alkalines or lithiums. If you are using up batteries in less than a month often, consider nimh or even lithium ion cells.

In high current devices even with only 80% capacity left a nimh can possibly outlast alkalines by 2-3 times as much. I have a digital camera that alkalines die quickly in but 1000mah nimh AA cells (yea, cheap) last several times as long even after sitting a month or two.

 

[Sub_Umbra]

For some low powered applications like some lights and radio transceivers and the like, good Nicads can hold up in a piece of equipment for a few months without recharging.

[ QUOTE ]
Lynx_Arc:
...I have had nimh cells sitting for over a month that seem to put out 80% or more useful power...

[/ QUOTE ]

I've had NiMH Ds that were stored ~80F for three months that performed very well -- better than the expectations I had which were based on what I've read.

 

[DaGeek]

Li-on Is definitely your best bet!!

 

[Lynx_Arc]

the advantage of rechargebles when discharged/self discharged is that the voltage doesn't drop very much compared to used alkalines. This translates into useful capacity even perhaps when sitting for several months in the case of the D cell it, some of those have over 9000mah capacity. Even 1/2 discharged you have 4500mah capacity which is what a nimh C premium cell starts with and perhaps twice as much as most nimh AA cells people buy.