Reference number: CH000351

Issues and information on NICAD batteries.

Issue:

Issues and information on NICAD batteries.

Additional information:

NICAD Batteries are a well known and understood; the NICAD is used where long life, high discharge rate and economical price are important.

Battery manufacturers recommend to slow charge a new NICAD battery for 24 hours before use. This initial trickle charge helps to redistribute the electrolyte to remedy dry spots on the separator that may appear when the electrolyte gravitates to the bottom of the cell during long storage. A slow charge also helps to bring all the individual cells within a battery pack up to an equal charge level because each cell may have self-discharged to different capacity levels during storage

Distinct advantages of today's NICAD batteries are:

Delivers high current output; relatively tolerant of overcharging; withstands up to 500 charging cycles.

Negative attributes of today's NICAD batteries are:

Mature technology with little tolerant of overcharging; withstands room for improvement; cadmium is environmentally troublesome; noticeable memory effect.

Solutions:

Below is a listing of issues and solutions to those issues relating to the NICAD batteries.

Main battery does not charge

See document CH000353 for additional information to why the main battery may not charge.

Battery does not charge to 100%

See document CH000354 for additional information to why the main battery may not charge to 100%.