Posts Tagged: Battery Packs

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10
Apr 11

18650 Battery Dimensions: What to Consider When Buying

For many years, we have been using a lot of rechargeable batteries. Battery packs have gone a long way beginning from its nickel-cadmium roots. This is considered to be the first alkaline battery. This was used heavily for commercial purposes before being replaced by the more advanced nickel metal-hydride rechargeable battery. This was more reliable and lasts longer compared to nickel-cadmium batteries. However, the nickel metal-hydride battery was soon replaced by an even more advanced battery. The lithium-ion rechargeable battery stores even more power and so, lasts longer in-between charges. With more power, it can also juice up more power-hungry devices, but do you know the 18650 Battery Dimensions & Specifications?

A standardized format used in producing li-ion rechargeable batteries is the 18650 format. This is a cylindrical cell measuring 18 X 65mm. The 18650 format battery is the most economical li-ion rechargeable battery format based on cost-to-energy ratio.

Advantages of Li-Ion Rechargeable Batteries
Li-ion batteries are usually chosen for various purposes. These are as follows:

  • It is able to store more power.
  • It can provide power to power-hungry devices.
  • Relatively low maintenance.
  • Built in features for longer lifespan.

The best rated li-ion 18650 batteries can store a lot of power with only a relatively short charge. This allows you to use your appliance for a much longer period. For instance, with just about 2 hours of charge, the best rated li-ion 18650 battery can run for about 8 hours.

The 18650 li-ion battery can provide a stronger power during usage. This means that it can cater to appliances that require more power such as electrical drills. If the battery provides less power, the drill may not operate in its optimum condition since it is not drilling as hard as it should. With a stronger power, the drill is able to turn faster and thus, drill harder.

With best rated li-ion 18650 batteries, you do not need to take care in charging as you do with other types of batteries. This is because it is relatively difficult to overcharge the battery. When it has reached its full capacity, its integrated circuit will stop it from being charged further. On top of that, you do not need to discharge the battery periodically even if you do not use it since there is no memory effect.

As mentioned above, the 18650 li-ion battery contains extra features that help it to have an easier maintenance. This includes the ability to regulate voltage levels when discharging. Other than that, some products also have thermal cut off protection, effectively terminating access to the battery if it overheats. All this adds to a longer lifespan of the best rated li-ion 18650 batteries.

When buying 18650 rechargeable batteries, there are a few points that should be considered. These are:

  • storage and output levels.
  • chargers.

It is very important to take note of a li-ion rechargeable battery’s storage levels. Usually, it is available in the following flavors:

  • 1600mAh
  • 2400mAh
  • 2600mAh
  • 3000mAh
  • 3600mAh

The higher the number, the more storage the battery is capable of. It should also be noted that with a higher storage capability, it will take a longer time for it to be fully charged. In relation to that, the output levels of the battery should also be noted. The normal output level for 18650 li-ion batteries is about 3.7V. A higher number means more power is output to the appliance.

Along with rechargeable batteries, we should also consider the chargers for these batteries. There are many different types of chargers. Some of them can charge only 2 batteries at a time while others can charge up to 4. Some chargers have light indicators while others do not. We should choose one that fits our requirements and budget.

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7
Mar 10

The Best 18650 Battery Cells

However, they are also more costly. The 18650 battery Li-ion battery is the most common battery used in laptop computers. It is made by a number of well-known brands, such as Panasonic, Sanyo, Samsung, Sony and LG, among others. The 18650 battery cell has a lengthier storage life than an Ni-MH battery cell, and, therefore, is preferred for use in laptops and cell phones.

The 18650 – Understanding the Basics

To understand a little bit more about the specifications of the Li-ion or 18650 lithium ion type battery, it’s good to know a little bit about battery jargon. For example, the amp hours, expressed as Ah, references the amount of electrical current or amperage in the battery. Therefore, the battery will last longer with an Ah that is higher.  The mAh (milliamp hours) refers to the amount of energy in a battery or the battery’s capacity. Thus, a battery with a higher mAh number will last longer from charge to charge. For conversion purposes, the mAh measurement is the same as one one-thousandth of an amp; therefore, 2.4 Ah, for example, equals 2,400 mAh. The cell refers to the sole canister of a battery. It’s usually combined with other battery cells to make up battery packs.

That said, and for your reference, the 18650 Li-ion battery cell is usually 3.6 or 3.7 volts. Its capacity is usually 2,400 mAh, and it has a 2.4 Ah maximum charge. As stated, the battery cell is light and weighs a little over an ounce and a half.

Sanyo Battery Cell

With respect to the 18650 batteries on the market, the Sanyo 18650 battery cell is an excellent choice. Highly rated, this Li-ion battery cell enjoys high marks with respect to quality and cost.

Tenergy

Another Li-ion battery cell worth noting is the 18650 Li-ion battery cell from Tenergy. This particular cell is often used in flashlights and notebooks. Buying a six pack of battery cells will run you a little over $30 U.S.

Ultrafire

Ultrafire also produces 18650 Li-ion battery cells. Each battery cell is equipped with a charger, and is suitable for use in all sorts of devices, including flashlights, digital cameras, digital camcorders, cell phones, iPods, notebooks and laptops. One of the most popular choices among consumers is the button top 18650 Li-ion battery cell made by Ultrafire. It’s reasonably priced at around ten bucks U.S. and has the capacity (3,000 mAh) to handle the energy consumed by a number of electronic and digital devices

The LG Brand

LG is another maker of the 18650 Li-ion battery cell. The 3.7 volt rechargeable battery cell’s capacity is 2,600 mAh, and it’s sold online for around $8. This LG battery cell touts a safe design and has less potential for leakage. Typically it is used for such digital devices as cameras, e-books and camcorders.

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7
Mar 10

Chargers for 18650 Batteries

Therefore, the batteries can be used in items with smaller cell designs, such as the items mentioned. Of course, to keep a digital device in tip-top shape, you need an 18650 battery charger. Fortunately, there are a number of chargers available online that are reliable as well as helpful in keeping your 18650 battery packs performing optimally in any electronic equipment you may acquire. Therefore, chargers are a necessity if you own any of the aforementioned electronic devices and you want to keep them functioning.

Battery Capacity

To understand a little bit about battery charging, it’s good to know something about battery capacity. Capacity is the energy that is stored within the battery. If you have a battery with a higher capacity then, you will not have to recharge your battery as often. Therefore, it’s important to be aware of the capacity of the battery you’re buying. The capacity of a battery is designated in amps, or in milliamps in commercial applications. Thus, a battery with a capacity of 2 Ah is equal to 2,000 mAh. Also, the more battery cells you have in a battery, the higher the capacity.

Tenergy Chargers

One of the best known brands of 18650 Li-ion batteries also makes a good charger as well. The Tenergy multifunction charger, as the name suggests, is not only good for recharging your 18650 Li-ion batteries but other lithium type batteries too. Reasonably priced, the Tenergy charger is just under $14 U.S. in price. Simply charge your battery and refer to the LED light to find out when it’s done charging. The LED will display a red light while your battery is in charging mode and will turn green once the charging is complete.

Tenergy also sells a plug-in charger which is good for charging any 18650 battery. It’s a universal plug-in charger; therefore, you can use it about anyplace worldwide. That way, you can travel with your laptop and also your charger, and never have to worry about any downtime. The LED light also lets you know by its green color when the battery charging is complete. If you need a charger that you can use specifically for your 18650 Li-ion batteries, then this is indeed the right charger for you. It retails for around $13 U.S.

The Ultrafire Charger – Model #WF-139

Ultrafire makes a model WF-139 charger for lithium battery models 14500, 17500, 18500 as well as 18650 Li-ion batteries. This quality charger works on all manufacturers’ brands of batteries. It has a 100 to 240 volt power input, which is automatically adjusted when you use the device. Controlled by a microprocessor, the device automatically stops charging the battery as soon as charging is complete. The charger will not charge over any battery that has been discharged.

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