Hemlocks Rechargeable Batteries

            The Hemlocks has a lot of rechargeable batteries, which basically divide up into two groups...the older ones and the newer ones.

            All hopefully will charge up off of the Hemlocks made electricity.

            First, though, some discussion about the various chargers, again the older one and the newer ones. Generally speaking, I have one or more backups for all categories, and a volt ohm meter (VOM) to check them out, too.

            Now for the batteries. Batteries come in many different sizes (which also means capacities, like how much juice).  The basic sizes we have at the Hemlocks are D size, C size, AA size, and AAA size. These days (2/16/2012) 80% of batteries are either AA or AAA size.  Hence we have plastic adapters to fit AA batteries inside to simulate D size and C size. Obviously, they don't have as much juice, like D and C size will last longer before they need recharging.

            Two more things are worth knowing. First rechargeable batteries have different types of chemicals in them to make them work, like lead-acid, NiCad (Nickel Cadmium), and NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) are among the most popular these days, thought other types are around, too, like Gel batteries, which the Hemlocks electric plant uses. Second is that the newer batteries tend to hold more juice, usually measure in milliamp hours (mAH and other such abbreviations). For example, for the rechargeable batteries from 10 years ago (AA size) generally would hold maybe 1250 mAH, but now the newer ones hold 2,000 mAH. A newer D size may hold as much at 10,000 mAH, by the way, and a C size is around 5,000 mAH.  I am not sure what a AAA battery holes, but surely it is like around 1,000 mAH. And, last, there is a newer "style" of NiMH called "eneloop" which is the newest stuff at the Hemlocks, and once charged, holds a charge longer, and a bigger charge to boot.

            Hence, priority will probably go to using the newer  eneloop batteries, both AA (24 is the inventory) and AAA(8). Now that is an H4 and boss decision how to use them. Just where they are distributed as of 2/11/2012 is not monitored. Hence doing an inventory locator list is a good idea.

            Last, the older ones have a shelf life, which practically means they don't hold a charge like they use to...and the Hemlocks has a lot of older rechargeable batteries. Hence expect them to not work as long before needing recharging.