Show CartLast week we noted that the nickel-cadmium battery was the first rechargeable battery in small format and forms a standard against which other chemistries are commonly compared. Let’s now look at a summary of advantages and limitations of the nickel-cadmium battery.
Advantages
- Fast and simple charge, even after prolonged storage
- High number of charge/discharge cycles – and if properly maintained, nickel-cadmium provides over 1000 charge/discharge cycles
- Good load performance – nickel-cadmium allows recharging at low temperatures
- Long shelf life – five-year storage is possible. Some priming prior to use will be required.
- Simple storage and transportation – most airfreight companies accept nickel-cadmium without special conditions
- Good low temperature performance
- Forgiving if abused – nickel-cadmium is one of the most rugged rechargeable batteries available
- Economically priced – nickel-cadmium is lowest in terms of cost per cycle
- Available in a wide range of sizes and performance options – most nickel-cadmium cells are cylindrical
Limitations
- Relatively low energy density
- Memory effect – nickel-cadmium must periodically be exercised (discharge/charge) to prevent memory
- Relatively high self-discharge – needs recharging after storage
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