Rechargeable Batteries

ELM4701
Electro-Mechanical Projects 2009-2010
By: Craig Lalumiere
December 15, 2009
Major concerns in selecting a Battery
1. Weight
2. Temperature Limitations
3. Sealed
4. Safety
5. Life Cycle
6. Charge time
7. Environmental concerns
Batteries to investigate
1. Lead-acid (Sealed only)
2. Nickel-cadmium (NiCd)
3. Nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH)
4. Lithium-ion (Li-ion)
Common uses to the batteries
Lead wheelchairs, motorized vehicles, UPS.
NiCd radios, power tools, and medical
devices
NiMH radios, power tools, and medical
devices (
Li-ion laptops, cell phones, video cameras.
Batteries Weight
Compared at 6 volts 1000 mAH
1. Lead 8-10 oz
2. NiCd 4.5-5 oz
3. NiMH 4-4.5oz
4. Li-ion (2x 3.7v at 2-2.5 oz) 4-5oz
Batteries Operating Temperature
1. Lead -20 to 60c (-4to 140F)
2. NiCd -40 to 60c (-40to 140F)
3. NiMH -20 to 60c (-4to 140F)
4. Li-ion -20 to 60c (-4to 140F)
Battery Safety
1. Lead Thermally stable
2. NiCd Thermally stable, Fuse Required
3. NiMH Thermally stable, Fuse Required
4. Li-ion Protection circuit Required stable
till 150c (300 F)*
*(circuit is required for shipping)
Batteries Cycles
Draining the battery to 20% (estimated figures)
1. Lead 250-400
2. NiCd 1300-1600
3. NiMH 350-600
4. Li-ion 400-900
Charge Time
1. Lead 8 to 16 hours
Can handle a trickle charge very well
2. NiCd 1 hour
Can handle a trickle charge moderately well
3. NiMH 2 to 4 hours
Does not handle a trickle charge very well
4. Li-ion 1 hour or less to 3 hours
Can not handle a trickle charge
Environmental concerns
1. Lead Toxic lead and acids
Harmful to the Environment
2. NiCd Highly Toxic
Harmful to the Environment
3. NiMH Relativity low Toxicity
Should be Recycled
4. Li-ion Low Toxicity
Disposed on small quantities
Conclusion
The automated stroller requires a lot of
current and operate in an several different
environments. The stroller must perform at
very low temperatures and function in high
heat. The batteries must also withstand shock
and vibration as the stroller is moving and
being placed in the car.
Conclusion Continued
Nickel-metal-hydride has a longevity problem
though new designs have improved.
Lithium-ion is too delicate and could not
provide the high amperage. Not mention how
expensive the battery is.
Lead-acid is too bulky and lacks persistent
power delivery.
Simply no suitable alternatives to the rugged
and hard-working nickel-cadmium.
Questions ?
References:
www.batteryuniversity.com
Battery Reference Book by T. R. Crompton (Jan 1996)
Energy Storage a nontechnaical Guide by Richard
Baxter (2006)