AA Battery Life vs Current Draw: Is Power Output Lower at Higher Amperes for USB Chargers?

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#1 21673031 20 Dec 2014 20:35

Bee-You T Bee-You T

Anonymous

Post #1
21673031 20 Dec 2014 20:35

I'm shopping for a battery-powered USB charger.

Someone on Amazon says that as current (amperes) increases, battery life decreases exponentially. He says that using a charger with a current of 500mA gets you 30% more total power from the AA batteries than if you used a charger with a current of 1 amp.

Is this true or false?
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#2 21673032 20 Dec 2014 23:29

Richard Gabric Richard Gabric

Anonymous

Post #2
21673032 20 Dec 2014 23:29

You don't say what kind of batteries, but the AA would indicate it is probably NiMH.
The above information is both right and wrong to my mind.
A simple charger could damage a battery if it has higher current capability, but if it goes through the proper sequencing for the battery being charged, then it shouldn't be a problem at all. Charging any battery type is complex if done correctly. A good charger will have an inbuilt charging chip with the correct algorithms built in.
Here is a link which goes through an explanation of the process.
http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/charging_nickel_metal_hydride
Cheers,
Richard
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#3 21673033 23 Dec 2014 20:51

Bee-You T Bee-You T

Anonymous

Post #3
21673033 23 Dec 2014 20:51

Hi, Richard.
Thanks for your reply.
You correctly guessed them: low self-discharge NiMH.
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#4 21673034 10 Jan 2015 03:31

Gary Cole Gary Cole

Anonymous

Post #4
21673034 10 Jan 2015 03:31

I think it depends on the type of battery. Use fuse for safety and dial the current and voltage.
#5 21673035 18 Feb 2015 02:19

vikasbly44 vikasbly44

Anonymous

Post #5
21673035 18 Feb 2015 02:19

YES....According me....The battery life decrease as current increases, the battery cell damage by high voltage current....
#6 21673036 25 Feb 2015 03:26

Frank Bushnell Frank Bushnell

Anonymous

Post #6
21673036 25 Feb 2015 03:26

Charging at above the manufacturer's recommended current can make the battery too hot and cause internal damage, shortening its life . (Or way above can make it explode !)

Generally, if a charging battery is getting much more than warm to the touch, take it off charge and let it cool, and reduce the charging current.

(I also recommend batteryuniversity.com for deeper understanding of charging issues.)
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#7 21673037 08 May 2015 22:03

Bee-You T Bee-You T

Anonymous

Post #7
21673037 08 May 2015 22:03

Hi, Frank. Thank you for your comment.
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Topic summary

The discussion addresses whether higher current draw from AA NiMH batteries in USB chargers reduces total battery life and power output. It is confirmed that battery life decreases as current increases due to internal heating and potential damage, especially if charging current exceeds manufacturer recommendations. Proper charging requires controlled current and voltage with appropriate algorithms to avoid overheating and damage. Using a charger with a current rating significantly above the battery's specification can shorten battery lifespan or cause failure. Low self-discharge NiMH batteries were specifically referenced. Reliable charging involves integrated charging chips and adherence to recommended charging protocols. BatteryUniversity.com is recommended for detailed technical guidance on NiMH battery charging and management.
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AA Battery Life vs Current Draw: Is Power Output Lower at Higher Amperes for USB Chargers?

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Topic summary