Nickel-metal hydride batteries from Panasonic for solar-powered applications

Solar-powered applications require rechargeable batteries that will function reliably even under harsh ambient conditions. Nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries from Panasonic provide reliable energy even at high temperatures and extended periods without sunlight; in addition to a long life, they also have a low self-discharge rate.

The U series from Panasonic comprises Ni-MH batteries that are especially suitable for use in solar-powered applications: The five models BK60AAAHU, BK120AAHU, BK1100FHU, BK220SCHU and BK310CHU have capacities from 550 - 12,000 mAh and can be used in a broad temperature range from -20 to as high as 85°C. Even at a temperature of 75°C the new Ni-MH batteries from Panasonic consistently demonstrate excellent charge characteristics. In addition, they have a low self-discharge rate. Compared to standard battery types, the life has been nearly doubled to 6-10 years. The batteries are IEC62133-certified and contain no hazardous substances such as cadmium or lead – this means they are safe, environmentally friendly and are not subject to IATA restrictions during transport.

A current example for the use of Panasonic nickel-metal hydride batteries is in GPS buoys for locating sharks off the coast of Australia. Under normal conditions the GPS buoys are powered by solar cells, and excess energy is stored in the Ni-MH batteries.