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Active mass
The material in the electrodes that takes part in the charging and discharging reactions.

Anode
Negative electrode of every electrochemical current source while being discharged.

Battery
Term from the French language indicating an accumulation of elements of the same type.

C-rate
States the magnitude of charging and discharging currents independently of the capacity of the different cells.

Current I (A)
As soon as a consumer is connected to the cells, and when the electric circuit is closed, a current will flow. The magnitude of the current will depend on the consumer which is connected and on the internal resistance of the battery. The magnitude of the current is measured in Amps (Amperes).

Capacity C (Ah)
The amount of electric charge which can be stored. It is expressed in ampere hours (Ah) or also milliampere hours (mAh) and indicates how much current can be drawn from the cell for one hour.

Cathode
Designation for the positive electrode of every electrochemical current source while being discharged.

Charging efficiency
Is the ratio between spent and given off power. Charging efficiency is dependent on the type of cell and on the charging conditions, like charging temperature and charging current.

Charging methods (NiCd/NiMH cells)

• Standard charging at 0.1 C charging current: 12-14 hours charging time
• Standard charging at 0.1 C charging current: 12-14 hours charging time
• Accelerated charging at 0.2 to 0.5 charging current: 3-6 hours charging time
• Rapid charging at 0.5 to 2 C: 1-3 hours charging time
• Trickle charging: Low continuous charging current after full charging so as to compensate for self-discharge.

Charging shutdown

• Timer: Timer set to a fixed time, often used for rapid charging
• Absolute temperature shutdown: Shut down of charging after a defined temperature has been attained
• Relative temperature shutdown: Measurement of temperature rise and predefined shutdown as soon as a certain value is attained
• Negative delta V method: Precise voltage measurement of the cell, shutdown after a typical voltage behaviour in the cells is attained after full charging
• Peak sensor: Shut down by way of an absolute voltage measurement as soon as full charging is attained

 
Energy (Wh)
Is the product of voltage and capacity, expressed in watt-hours.

Electrode
Usually a metallic conductor which serves the purpose of conducting electric charge carriers into a liquid, into a gas, into a vacuum or on to the surface of a solid body.

Electrolysis
The decomposition of an ion conducting liquid upon applying a sufficiently high voltage.

Electrolyte
Electrically conducting liquid, usually a base, inorganic acid or salt solution.

Electron
Negatively charged particle.

Ion
Electrically charged particle.

Internal resistance R (Ohm)
Being influenced by ageing, size and temperature of the cell, the internal resistance is responsible for the continuous voltage decrease of the rechargeable battery upon being discharged.

LiIon
Lithium ion cell, see also Chapter “Batteries”.

Li Polymer
Lithium polymer cell, see also Chapter “Batteries”.

LiCoO₂
Lithium cobalt dioxide, active component of the rechargeable lithium ion battery in the positive electrode (graphite is here in the negative electrode).

Memory effect
Effect caused by improper usage such as overcharging and partial discharging of rechargeable NiCd/NiMH batteries. This effect temporarily reduces the capacity of the rechargeable battery. Through several full discharge and charging cycles this effect can be avoided, respectively cancelled.

NiCd
Nickel cadmium cell, see also Chapter “Batteries”.

NiMH
Nickel metal hydride cell, see also Chapter “Batteries”.

NiOOH
Nickel hydroxide, active component of a rechargeable nickel cadmium battery in the positive electrode (cadmium is here in the negative electrode).

Pb
Lead acid cell from latin: “plumbum”, see also Chapter “Batteries”.

 
Primary battery
Battery which can only be discharged once.

Rechargeable battery 
A galvanic battery which, after discharge, may be restored to the fully charged state by the passage of an electrical current through the cell in the opposite direction to that of discharge.

Secondary battery
A rechargeable battery.

Self discharge
An undesired discharge effect caused by electrochemical equalisation processes which increases at higher storage temperatures. Not to be confused with the memory effect.

Series connection
Series connection of cells thereby increasing the voltage.

Separator
Separates the positive and negative elements for the purpose of preventing a short-circuit.

Storing
Rechargeable batteries should be stored in a dry place and at temperatures not exceeding 30°C. NiCd/NiMH rechargeable batteries may be stored either in the charged or the uncharged state. After having stored rechargeable batteries for a longer period of time they should be subjected to approximately five charging cycles (charging and discharging) so as to regain full cell performance.

Voltage V (V)
The voltage results from the difference in potential between the electrodes and is measured in Volt.

Waste disposal
Exhausted batteries, respectively rechargeable batteries must be disposed of in line with the current waste disposal regulations. Collecting, sorting and recycling of batteries is financed by the manufacturers and is free of charge to the consumer. The valuable raw materials are cadmium, nickel-steel as well as components of NiMH and lithium cells are today being reused everywhere. For this refer also to the Chapter “recycling”.