Choosing a battery
The following steps are general guideline on how to choose a battery in a system (if needed):
- Find the minimum and maximum voltage level.
- Find the maximum current draw and mean current draw.
- Specify how much space is available for the battery.
- Specify the operation time of the system.
- Specify the weight limits of the system.
- Specify if the battery needs to be rechargeable.
From the above points, battery type and specification can be deduced.
Batteries can go boom
The leads of a battery should NEVER be short-circuited together. Depending on the current discharge capabilities of the battery, this could lead to disastarous consequences.
In addition to this, the following rules should also be followed:
- Do not stab batteries.
- Do not drop batteries from high places.
- Do not throw batteries.
- Do not leave batteries unattended while charging (that includes charging overnight!).
- Do not heat up batteries or charge them on a surface where heat can build up (a bed).
- Do not over-discharge batteries past their capacity limit, such as by leaving the battery connected to the system while it continously drains it.
- Do not over-charge batteries while charging, either measure the battery voltage periodically or use a battery charger which automatically stops charging when the desired capacity is reached.
- If batteries show signs of bloating or damage, they should NOT be used. Dispose of them as soon as possible.
- Certain batteries, such as Lithium Polymer batteries, should not be stored while on full-charge as it can damage them.
Although this list tries to be exhaustive, it should be not be used as a rulebook. It is good practice to research how to care and use the battery in your possession safely.