Ni-CD battery technology
Ni-CD, or Nickel-Cadmium, is a battery technology based on nickel and cadmium. Ni-CD or Nickel-Cadmium batteries contain a cathode of nickel and an anode of cadmium. In an electrical system, the cathode is the pole where the electrons go and the anode is the opposite pole. A permeable plastic that is soaked with the conductive liquid potassium hydroxide serves as a separator to separate these poles from each other. Cadmium is a toxic substance and is therefore extremely environmentally unfriendly.
Ni-CD, or Nickel-Cadmium, batteries have a low energy density of 45WH/kg and a relatively high power density of 200W/kg. A Ni-CD battery has a long lifespan compared to other types of rechargeable batteries. If handled correctly, this type of battery can withstand more than 1000 discharge/charge cycles. A Ni-CD battery delivers approximately 1.2 Volts per cell.
The use of the Ni-CD battery
Ni-CD or Nickel-Cadmium batteries are resistant to heavy use, such as use at high temperatures, long loads and deep discharge. The Ni-CD or Nickel-Cadmium battery is therefore often used in heavy applications such as tools, toys and radios.
Charging and discharging the Ni-CD battery
Before first use, a Ni-CD battery must be fully charged. This must be done slowly (not with a quick charger), at least 12 to 24 hours. In this way, all cells are charged to the same level. The battery must then be fully discharged again until the machine no longer functions. You repeat this cycle 3 to 4 times. These times you can use a quick charger if desired. You can discharge by using the machine. In this way, you can continue to use the battery for as long as possible with the most working time per time.
A Ni-CD battery should be fully discharged and recharged every 1 to 2 months, this prevents memory effect. The memory effect means that the Ni-CD batteries gradually lose their maximum energy capacity, when the battery is recharged repeatedly without being completely discharged.
Ni-CD batteries can be fast charged to approx. 70%; this can vary in time from a few minutes with very fast chargers to a whole night with slow chargers. After that the battery accepts the charge with more difficulty and the charger switches to trickle charging to reach 100%.
When a Ni-CD battery is defective, there are ways to restore a nickel-cadmium battery, for example by freezing it. Unfortunately, this recovery is only temporary. The battery will quickly lose its capacity again.
Why choose a Ni-CD battery?
- Resistant to harsh conditions
- Resistant to deep and prolonged discharges
- High power density
- Longest lifespan
- Low production costs
Why not choose a Ni-CD battery?
- Memory effect
- Low energy density
- Maintenance required
- Toxic substances (cadmium)
