In: Categories » Electronics and communication » Batteries » Advantages and disadvantages of the Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) Battery
|
Alkaline nickel battery technology originated in 1899, when Waldmar Jungner invented the NiCd battery. The materials were expensive compared to other battery types available at the time and its use was limited to special applications. In 1932, the active materials were deposited inside a porous nickel-plated electrode and in 1947, research began on a sealed NiCd battery, which recombined the internal gases generated during charge rather than venting them. These advances led to the modern sealed NiCd battery, which is in use today. The NiCd prefers fast charge to slow charge and pulse charge to DC charge. All other chemistries prefer a shallow discharge and moderate load currents. The NiCd is a strong and silent worker; hard labor poses no problem. In fact, the NiCd is the only battery type that performs best under rigorous working conditions. It does not like to be pampered by sitting in chargers for days and being used only occasionally for brief periods. A periodic full discharge is so important that, if omitted, large crystals will form on the cell plates (also referred to as 'memory') and the NiCd will gradually lose its performance. Among rechargeable batteries, NiCd remains a popular choice for applications such as twoway radios, emergency medical equipment, professional video cameras and power tools. Over 50 percent of all rechargeable batteries for portable equipment are NiCd. However, the introduction of batteries with higher energy densities and less toxic metals is causing a diversion from NiCd to newer technologies. Advantages and Disadvantages of NiCd Batteries Advantages Fast and simple charge — even after prolonged storage. High number of charge/discharge cycles — if properly maintained, the NiCd provides over 1000 charge/discharge cycles. Good load performance — the NiCd allows recharging at low temperatures. Long shelf life – in any state-of-charge. Simple storage and transportation — most airfreight companies accept the NiCd without special conditions. Good low temperature performance. Forgiving if abused — the NiCd is one of the most rugged rechargeable batteries. Economically priced — the NiCd is the lowest cost battery in terms of cost per cycle. Available in a wide range of sizes and performance options — mostNiCd cells are cylindrical. Disadvantages Relatively low energy density — compared with newer systems. Memory effect — the NiCd must periodically be exercised to prevent memory. Environmentally unfriendly — the NiCd contains toxic metals. Some countries are limiting the use of the NiCd battery. Has relatively high self-discharge — needs recharging after storage.
|
legal disclaimer
1) Our website is not responsible for the information contained by this article as well for any and all copyright infringements by authors and writers. E-articles is a free information resource. If you suspect this article for any copyright infringements, please read the Terms of service and contact us to investigate the problem.
2) The E-articles directory team is not responsible for inaccuracies, falsehoods, or any other types of misinformation this tutorial may contain and will not be liable for any loss or damage suffered by a user through the user's reliance on the information gained here. Please read the Terms of service
Useful tools and features
If you like this article (tutorial), please link to it from your web page using the information above. Linking to this page, this is the only way to help us improve our service, the same time providing your visitors with a way to improve their online experience.
related articles
Chargers for NiMH batteries are very similar to those of the NiCd system but the electronics is generally more complex. To begin with, the NiMH produces a very small voltage drop at full charge. This NDV is almost non-existent at charge rates below 0.5C and elevated temperatures. Aging and cell mismatch works further against the already minute voltage delta. The cell mismatch gets worse with age and increased cycle count, which makes the use of the NDV increasingly more difficult. The NDV of a NiMH charger mu...
2. Types of Chargers
There are two distinct varieties of chargers: the personal chargers and the industrial chargers. The personal charger is sold in attractive packaging and is offered with such products as mobile phones, laptops and video cameras. These chargers are economically priced and perform well when used for the application intended. The personal charger offers moderate charge times. In comparison, the industrial charger is designed for employee use and accommodates fleet batteries. These chargers are built for repetit...
3. Advantages and disadvantages of the Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) Battery
Research of the NiMH system started in the 1970s as a means of discovering how to store hydrogen for the nickel hydrogen battery. Today, nickel hydrogen batteries are mainly used for satellite applications. They are bulky, contain high-pressure steel canisters and cost thousands of dollars each. In the early experimental days of the NiMH battery, the metal hydride alloys were unstable in the cell environment and the desired performance characteristics could not be achieved. As a result, the development of th...
4. Advantages and Disadvantages of Supercapacitor
The supercapacitor resembles a regular capacitor with the exception that it offers very high capacitance in a small size. Energy storage is by means of static charge. Applying a voltage differential on the positive and negative plates charges the supercapacitor. This concept is similar to an electrical charge that builds up when walking on a carpet. Touching an object at ground potential releases the energy. The supercapacitor concept has been around for a number of years and has found many niche applications. ...
The Li-ion charger is a voltage-limiting device similar to the lead acid battery charger. The difference lies in a higher voltage per cell, tighter voltage tolerance and the absence of trickle or float charge when full charge is reached. While the lead acid battery offers some flexibility in terms of voltage cut-off, manufacturers of Li-ion cells are very strict on setting the correct voltage. When the Li- ion was first introduced, the graphite system demanded a charge voltage limit of 4.10V/cell. Although higher vol...
6. Advantages and Limitations of the Lithium Polymer Battery
The Li-polymer differentiates itself from other battery systems in the type of electrolyte used. The original design, dating back to the 1970s, uses a dry solid polymer electrolyte only. This electrolyte resembles a plastic-like film that does not conduct electricity but allows an exchange of ions (electrically charged atoms or groups of atoms). The polymer electrolyte replaces the traditional porous separator, which is soaked with electrolyte. The dry polymer design offers simplifications with respect to fabrica...
7. Advantages and disadvantages of the Lead Acid Battery
Invented by the French physician Gaston Planté in 1859, lead acid was the first rechargeable battery for commercial use. Today, the flooded lead acid battery is used in automobiles, forklifts and large uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems. During the mid 1970s, researchers developed a maintenance-free lead acid battery, which could operate in any position. The liquid electrolyte was transformed into moistened separators and the enclosure was sealed. Safety valves were added to allow venting of gas...