C) The C Rate - Voltcraft Rlg 7008 Bedienungsanleitung

c) The C rate

For a simple definition of statement of the charge or discharge current for NiCd and NiMH
accumulators, there is the so-called "C rate". This is related to the accumulator capacity and is
determined as follows:
C (in Ampere, A) corresponds to the numerical value of the
Example:
Nominal capacity of an accumulator, e.g. 1500mAh = 1,5Ah
If this accumulator is charged at a charging rate of 1/10 C, this corresponds to a charging current
of 150mA (1500mA / 10 = 150mA).
Charging of the same accumulators at 2 C thus corresponds to a charge current of 3A.
To determine the charging time of the discharging accumulator, the charge effect degree has to taken
into consideration. The charging quantity for charging the 1.5Ah accumulator is typically around 1.4
times a great as the nominal capacity, i.e. 1.4 * 1,5Ah = 2,1Ah.
If the selected charging current corresponds to 2C = 3A, the charging time arises of: 2.1Ah / 3A =
0.7h or 42 minutes.
With the Reflex charging station "RLG 7008", the charging times are reduced by
increasing the C-Rate.
Most accumulator manufacturers state 1 C as the customary quick charging rate. The charging
power is accepted thereby as being constant and free of interruption. The Reflex charging process
pulses the charging current however and inserts in fact short discharging currents into the charging
current breaks. Through this it is possible to charge the accumulators with C rates of up to 4 C as
normal charging currents.
Please note:
To be able also to use these high charging rates of up to 4 C, the accumulator (or
accumulator pack) to be charged has to be capable of being charged quickly. For the
maximum possible C rate, please observe the information of the manufacturers about
charging rates and charging currents!
nominal accumulator capacity in Ampere hours (Ah)
C = 1,5A
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