Ni-Cd BatteryJAMES NELSON

VISHNU BUDAMA

Electrochemistry

Characteristics

Specific Energy 40-60W-h/kg

Specific Power 150W/kg

Charge/discharge efficiency Up to 90%

Self-discharge rate 10% per month

Nominal Voltage 1.2V

Charging Characteristic

Discharge Characteristics

Other Characteristics

Rapid Discharge

Temperature Characteristic

Manufacturing and Construction

Typical construction of a pocket plate NiCd battery with key components explained.

[4]

Typical construction of a jellyroll NiCd batter with key components labelled. [5]

Pocket Plate Design for Industrial Use

• Active material on the positive plate consists of nickel hydroxide [Ni(OH)2]

• Active material on the negative plate is cadmium-hydroxide [Cd(OH)2]

• Sintering process• Separator typically made of

plastic or fiber mat• Electrolyte typically a 30%

solution solution of potassium hydroxide [KOH] in distilled water Typical pocket plate design of a NiCd battery. [7]

SWOT Analysis

Strengths• High number of

charge/discharge cycles• Long shelf life – in any state of

charge• Lowest cost battery – in terms

of cost per cycle• Good load performance• Can be discharged completely• Forgiving if abused – one of the

most rugged rechargeable batteries

Weaknesses • Hazardous material• Memory effect • Relatively high self-

discharge rate • Moderate energy density• Electrolyte level needs to be

maintained yearly

SWOT Analysis

Opportunities

• Battery bank will have a long life if charged and discharged daily.

• Can accommodate the intermediacy of solar PV power without added hardware.

• Cost competitive battery when looking at the lifespan of the system.

• Battery bank is robust and be subjected to harsh conditions

Threats• Potential for human injury if

cells are punctured.• Charge controlled needs to be

implemented with specific controls to negate the memory effect.

• Losses about 10% of charge in a month

• Takes up more space/ heavier when compared to a battery bank of other technology

References [1] J. Escobar, "Nickel-cadmium Batteries: Basic theory and maintenance procedures," Aviation

Pros, 1 May 2002. [Online]. Available: http://www.aviationpros.com/article/10387569/nickel-cadmium-batteries-basic-theory-and-maintenance-procedures. [Accessed 07 October 2015].

[2] Electric Vehicle Disscusion List, "What Is the EVDL," [Online]. Available: http://www.evdl.org/docs/nicad-principles.pdf. [Accessed 07 October 2015].

[3] Cadex Electronics Inc., "What’s the Best Battery?," Battery University, [Online]. Available: http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/whats_the_best_battery. [Accessed 07 October 2015].

[4] Storage Battery SYstems, LLC., "KPL Low Rate," [Online]. Available: http://www.sbsbattery.com/PDFs/Ni-Cad-Single-Cell-KPL-Low.pdf. [Accessed 07 October 2015].

[5] Britannica Online for Kids, "battery: nickel-cadmium battery," [Online]. Available: http://kids.britannica.com/comptons/art-52969/A-cutaway-diagram-shows-a-nickel-cadmium-rechargeable-cell-Its. [Accessed 07 October 2015].

[6] Cadex Electronics Inc, "Memory: Myth or Fact?," Battery University, [Online]. Available: http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/memory_myth_or_fact. [Accessed 07 Octoer 2015].

[7] EuroBat, "Battery Technologies," Kellen Interactive, [Online]. Available: http://www.eurobat.org/battery-technologies. [Accessed 07 October 2015].

Thank You!

Questions?