NiCad Battery Packs

If you need advice about NiCad Battery Packs we can help. Call PMBL now on 0870 770 5311 or email: solutions@pmbl.co.uk

NiCad Battery Packs became a possibility, when, in 1899, Waldmar Junger invented the Nickel Cadmium Ni-Cd battery. The materials used in NiCad Battery Packs were expensive compared to other battery types available at the time and its use was limited to special applications.
 
By 1932, the active materials used in NiCad Battery Packs were deposited inside a porous nickel-plated electrode and by 1947, research began on a sealed NiCad Battery Pack, which recombined the internal gases generated during charge rather than venting them. These advances led to the modern sealed NiCad Battery Packs we use today.

The NiCad Battery Pack prefers fast charge to slow charge and pulse charge to DC charge. All other chemistries prefer a shallow discharge and moderate load currents. The NiCad Battery Pack is a strong and silent worker; and is well suited to hard labour. In fact, the NiCad Battery is the only battery pack type that actually 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 NiCad Battery Pack will gradually lose its performance.

Among rechargeable batteries, Ni-Cd remains a popular choice for applications such as two-way radios, emergency medical equipment, professional video cameras and power tools. Over 50 percent of all rechargeable batteries for portable equipment are Ni-Cd. However, the introduction of batteries with higher energy densities and less toxic metals is causing a diversion from Ni-Cd to newer technologies.

PMBL can manufacture your Ni-Cd batteries with cells from GP, Saft, Sanyo, Emmerich and many more.

Advantages and Limitations of NiCad Battery Packs

Advantages

• Fast and simple charge - even after prolonged storage.
• High number of charge/discharge cycles - if properly maintained, NiCad Battery Packs provide over 1000 charge/discharge cycles.
• Good load performance - the NiCad Battery Packs allow recharging at low temperatures.
• Long shelf life - in any state-of-charge.
• Simple storage and transportation - most airfreight companies accept the Ni-Cad without special conditions.
• Good low temperature performance.
• Forgiving if abused - the NiCad is one of the most rugged rechargeable batteries.
• Economically priced - the NiCad is the lowest cost battery in terms of cost per cycle.
• Available in a wide range of sizes and performance options - most NiCad Battery Pack Cells are cylindrical.

Limitations

• Relatively low energy density - compared with newer systems.
• Memory effect - the NiCad must periodically be exercised to prevent memory.
• Environmentally unfriendly - the Ni-Cd contains toxic metals.
• Some countries are limiting the use of the Ni-Cd battery.
• Has relatively high self-discharge - needs recharging after storage.

 

If you need advice about NiCad Battery Packs we can help.
Call PMBL now on 0870 770 5311 or Email: solutions@pmbl.co.uk