We live in a world of portable devices, and they rely upon rechargeable battery packs for their power. Some of the most effective rechargeable power packs include nickel cadmium (NiCad) and nickel metal hydride battery packs. Here are some of the benefits they have to offer.
NiCad
NiCad batteries have a history dating back to the turn of the 20th Century. They have one electrode made from cadmium and other from nickel metal hydroxide. They offered several advantages over traditional lead-acid batteries (the only other rechargeable battery type at that time). NiCad batteries have these benefits:
- Quick charging
- Work well in cold temperatures
- Extended shelf life
- Economical
- Come in many sizes and shapes
Limitations
- Need complete discharging occasionally to avoid memory effect
- Only 1.2 volts per cell
- Toxic ingredients (cadmium)
Nickel Metal Hydride Battery Packs
NiMH batteries first appeared in the 1960s. However, after new hydride material appeared, NiMH became very popular in the 1980s. In fact, they have about 40 percent more capacity than typical NiCad batteries and fewer problems with memory effect. The memory effect can cause some nickel based batteries to lose their ability to completely recharge unless you totally discharge them occasionally.
Many companies are turning to nickel metal hydride battery packs because they offer an eco-friendly choice to NiCad. NiMH batteries don’t have cadmium or any other toxic compounds.
They are easy to store and ship because you don’t have any special controls or regulations on the materials. You can easily recycle NiMH and they perform well in different temperatures and environments. However, there is one drawback. NiMH batteries have a relatively high rate of self-discharge.
Both NiCad and NiMH still have many uses today for battery driven devices. In fact, some manufacturers can create custom NiCad and nickel metal hydride battery packs for your products.
