The portability and lack of cables that come with cordless vacuums make them convenient, but the reliability and safety of the rechargeable battery that powers them are reasons for concern.
Battery technology is constantly improving, with new chemistries and novel battery designs continually developing. So, what type of batteries are used in a vacuum cleaner? In this post, we look at the most common types of batteries used in vacuum cleaners and see how they compare in terms of performance.
It doesn’t matter how well-equipped your vacuum is; if the battery suddenly stops working, it won’t be capable of performing its job. Therefore, the battery is a must-have spare component for your vac. So, take a look at the following specifications and details before making a purchase.
Types of Vacuum Cleaner Batteries
1. Nickel Cadmium Battery
They do more harm than good to the planet. In comparison to lead-acid batteries, their overall capacity improves with increasing discharge currents over 1C.
When discharging at very high rates (up to 30-50C), NiCd batteries excel. Despite this, the usage of these currents in vacuum cleaners is very uncommon if it ever occurs. In addition, their memory effect makes them more costly and problematic than lead-acid batteries.
2. Lead-Acid Battery
Unless portability is a primary concern, cordless vacuums using lead-acid batteries are hardly seen nowadays. They are chemically similar to automobile batteries but typically employ gel electrolytes.
Since the electrolytes in gel cell batteries are sealed, they can be used in any mode without risk of leakage. They suffer quick capacity loss when subjected to high current discharge but show little to no memory effect. Quite reasonably priced.
Deep-cycle models stand in stark contrast to their starting/cranking counterparts when it comes to lead-acid. For example, vacuum cleaners and automatic washers need deep-cycle, Valve Controlled Lead Acid (VRLA) batteries, such as gel cells or Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) batteries.
These batteries may be used in any configuration without risk of electrolyte spillage, are almost risk-free, and can withstand significant vibration.
It’s important to remember that even these batteries shouldn’t be depleted below 20-25% of their full potential, or they might be permanently destroyed.
3. Lithium-Ion Battery
These batteries are some of the best on the market because of their high capacity-to-weight ratio, lack of memory effect, ability to withstand high discharge currents, and extended lifespan. But, unfortunately, they’re also among the priciest options for powering cordless vacuums.
4. Nickel-Metal Hydride Battery
These batteries are common in handheld vacuums and other cordless products. NiMH batteries, used in most contemporary gadgets, have a minimal self-discharge and can maintain their power for months on end without being used.
Industry experts believe these have no memory effect, but they nevertheless benefit from periodic capacity renewal because of their increased capacity and greater environmental friendliness.
Although their C currents are lower after discharge, lithium-ion batteries have mostly supplanted NiCd and lead-acid batteries in battery-operated vacuum cleaners.
5. Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide Battery
When it comes to portable electronic devices, the lithium-cobalt-oxide (Li-on) battery is by far the most popular option. However, Li-Co-O batteries deteriorate more quickly than others despite their high specific energy.
The typical lifespan of a Li-Co-O battery is quoted at 700 cycles. Even though they don’t hold as much power as lithium-ion batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries live far more. They have an average lifespan of 500 cycles.
Advantages Of Using A Vacuum Cleaner Battery
Saves Energy And Time
Vacuum cleaners are heavy pieces of equipment. They use a lot of power when cleaning hard floors and even more when sucking up dust, dirt, and debris. Since most people have limited electricity available and many vacs run on battery, the benefits of using a battery-powered vacuum over a corded one are obvious.
In addition, these machines don’t use any power once plugged into an outlet. That makes them much more efficient since they don’t waste time charging their batteries while running.
Moreover, you do not have to deal with plugs, so you can save time by not having to unplug, re-insert, and re-connect the vacuum’s power cord each time you change areas.
Safe Work Environment
Cordless vacuums are safe as they don’t pose the risk of electrical shock, which is present when using conventional vacuum cleaners. They are also safer for children who could potentially come into contact with battery or other parts of the vacuum during use.
Less Cabling
Cords that connect vacuums to wall outlets and power sources can get tangled and knotty during use. Batteries do not pose these problems since they aren’t wired or connected to anything. They work independently of each other. Also, they aren’t designed to be connected to power sources.
Connecting a battery charger to a vac’s on/off switch is possible to charge the battery when you turn on the machine. However, there are no cabling issues with a battery-operated vacuum.
Tips for Maximizing The Life Of Vacuum Cleaner’s Battery
Discharging your vacuum cleaner properly is recommended before putting it away for a longer time, at least 30 days. Due to the unique chemical processes involved in each kind of battery, only a charger for that battery type should be used.
No matter what battery you have, you should only use a charger that can maintain peak performance for an extended period. In addition, make sure you check the following:
- The number of recharges should be more than a thousand.
- Runtimes of up to an hour are recommended.
- With a charge duration of up to 30 minutes, it ought to be the fastest charging device of its kind.
Do Rechargeable Vacuum Cleaner Batteries Ever Die?
Yes, rechargeable batteries eventually run out of power.
Even when cared for adequately, rechargeable batteries only have a certain number of charging and discharging cycles before they fail. However, some battery types, such as deep cycle lead-acid (not like regular automobile starting batteries) and nickel-cadmium, may withstand hundreds of charges and discharges before showing signs of wear.
While nickel metal hydride batteries only last up to 500 cycles, certain lithium-ion batteries may still “function effectively” after being charged and discharged a thousand times. However, batteries have a much shorter lifespan and eventually expire without appropriate care and maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to count the number of times a lithium-ion battery is charged?
The 500-charge-cycle lifespan may seem short, but it lasts far longer than expected. This is due to the fact that it consumes the full power of the battery and hence counts as one.
Do vacuums have batteries?
Yes, cordless vacuums run on batteries, which is why they eventually lose suction. But lithium-battery-equipped cordless vacuum cleaners have the potential to run longer and offer more stable suction power.
To sum up, a cordless vacuum cleaner can only be used for as long as its battery remains charged.
What is the use of a battery in a vacuum cleaner?
A battery in a vacuum cleaner is used to provide power to the device so that it can operate on its own without being plugged into an electrical outlet. This makes it much more convenient to use, as you can simply take it with you wherever you need to go and not have to worry about finding an available outlet.
Additionally, a battery-powered vacuum cleaner is often much lighter and easier to manoeuvre than one that needs to be plugged in, making it a good choice for those who have limited space or mobility.
What type of battery does Dyson use?
Dyson uses Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) battery in its products. NiCd batteries are known for their high energy density and long life span, making them ideal for use in cordless vacuums and other portable electronics.
Dyson has also developed its own proprietary battery technology, which it calls “Cyclone” batteries. These are said to offer even higher energy density and longer life spans than NiCd ones.
What is the lifespan of a Dyson battery?
Portable Dyson models often have a battery life of four years or more. So it’s time to get a new battery for your vacuum if you find yourself constantly charging it.
Bottom Line
If you need a vacuum cleaner for your house or for a big facility, one of the finest options is one that runs on batteries. They should be changed as soon as they are entirely drained and no longer function.
Optimal gains, like top-notch performance and extended battery life, are possible with the appropriate care and understanding.
