Whats the Nicad Battery About And What Is Its Downside?
Whats the Nicad Battery About And What Is Its Downside
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The nickel-cadmium battery, otherwise known as the nicad battery are longer lasting than the lead acid type and are rechargeable. They are used in laptop computes, cell phones, cordless phones and many other applications.
They are made of nickel oxy-hydroxide anode and a cadmium cathode that are laid together and rolled up into a cylinder. There is a fluid between the two layers that acts as a catalyst between the cathode and anode. A chemical reaction takes place that creates the electrical charge.
A downside that you need to be aware of is an overcharge reaction that takes place when charging the battery. When recharging a battery that has a full charge already the oxy-hydroxide will be changed by the extra electricity available into water, free electrons and gas. This excess gas and water is vented out of the battery and over time the fluid between the two layers is lost which reduces the batteries to charge.
The point is, you may benefit from letting the battery fully discharge before recharging it to avoid the loss of its capabilities. This failing is also known as memory effect which means that the battery may think it is fully charged when in effect it may be partially charged. This means when you use it after charging, you do not get its full capacity.
Memory effect will occur because of the formation of cadmium crystals inside the battery. It is these crystals that can reduce the performance of your battery. To avoid the formation of the cadmium crystals you should charge the battery only after it is fully discharged as mentioned above.