Battery Technologies
Lithium-ion, LiFePO4, NiMH and lead-acid batteries — voltages, capacities and charging.
Easy
| Chemistry | Nominal cell V | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Li-ion / LiPo | 3.6–3.7 V (4.2 V full, ~3.0 V empty) | high energy density; needs protection |
| LiFePO4 | 3.2 V | very safe, long cycle life |
| NiMH | 1.2 V | AA/AAA rechargeables |
| Lead-acid | 2.0 V (12 V = 6 cells) | cheap, heavy, UPS and cars |
| Alkaline (primary) | 1.5 V | not rechargeable |
Capacity is in mAh; energy (Wh) = capacity × voltage. A C-rate of 1C means a current that would empty the battery in 1 hour.
Lithium cells charge with CC/CV (constant current, then constant voltage at 4.2 V) using a charger IC like the TP4056, and need protection against over-charge, over-discharge and short circuits. Packs use a BMS to balance cells.
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