{"id":1079,"date":"2023-08-30T07:18:27","date_gmt":"2023-08-30T07:18:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rcdedication.com\/?p=1079"},"modified":"2023-08-31T07:03:29","modified_gmt":"2023-08-31T07:03:29","slug":"brushless-motor-with-a-nimh-battery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rcdedication.com\/brushless-motor-with-a-nimh-battery\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Run a Brushless Motor With a NiMH Battery?"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you want to know if you can run a brushless motor with NiMH battery keep reading. Also, learn if you can use this motor without an ESC and if you can replace a brushed motor with a brushless one.<\/p>\n

Can You Run a Brushless Motor With a NiMH Battery?<\/h2>\n

Yes. Brushless motors are a popular choice for many applications due to their efficiency, power, and longevity. They are commonly powered by Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries, which are known for their high energy density and discharge rates.<\/p>\n

However, Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries can also be used to power brushless motors, with some considerations.<\/p>\n

NiMH batteries have been around for a long time and are well-regarded for their reliability, ease of use, and relatively low cost.<\/p>\n

They are also less volatile than LiPo batteries, which can be a significant advantage for some applications. However, NiMH batteries generally have a lower energy density and discharge rate than LiPos, which can be a limiting factor for high-performance applications.<\/p>\n\n

Facts about NiMH batteries and brushless motors:<\/h2>\n

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Here are some interesting facts about NiMH batteries and brushless motors:<\/p>\n

Voltage:<\/h3>\n

Brushless motors are designed to operate within a specific voltage range. NiMH batteries typically have a nominal voltage of 1.2 volts per cell. It is crucial to select a battery pack with an appropriate voltage for your motor.<\/p>\n

For example, a brushless motor designed to operate at 11.1 volts (3S LiPo) will also work with a 9.6-volt (8-cell NiMH) battery, although performance may be slightly reduced.<\/p>\n

Current:<\/h3>\n

The current draw of a brushless motor can be quite high, especially under heavy load. NiMH batteries generally have a lower discharge rate (C-rating) than LiPo batteries, which means they may not be able to deliver the current required by some high-performance brushless motors.<\/p>\n

However, for many applications, the discharge rate of a NiMH battery<\/a> will be sufficient. It’s always a good idea to check the manufacturer’s specifications for both the motor and the battery to ensure compatibility.<\/p>\n

Capacity:<\/h3>\n

The capacity of a battery (measured in milliampere-hours, mAh) determines how long it can provide power at a given current draw.<\/p>\n

NiMH batteries typically have a lower energy density than LiPo batteries, which means they will be larger and heavier for a given capacity. This may be a consideration for applications where weight and size are critical, such as in radio-controlled aircraft.<\/p>\n

Heat:<\/h3>\n

NiMH batteries tend to heat up during use, especially under high current draw. It is essential to monitor the battery temperature during use and allow it to cool down if necessary.<\/p>\n

Charging:<\/h3>\n

NiMH batteries require a different charging protocol than LiPo batteries. It is crucial to use a charger specifically designed for NiMH batteries to ensure safe and efficient charging.<\/p>\n

Can I Run a Brushless Motor Without an ESC?<\/h2>\n

Yes. Technically, it is possible to run a brushless motor without an ESC by providing a three-phase AC current directly to the motor. However, this approach has several significant drawbacks:<\/p>\n