Summary

Each battery system has a few shortcomings: The lithium family ages and has limited load current; the NiMH has a relative shore service life; the lead acid family is bulky and requires long charge times; and the NiCd has memory. But the NiCd makes up by being the most enduring battery. In addition, it has the lowest cost-to-energy-ratio of all commercial rechargeable batteries.

• To achieve long life, some simple guidelines must be observed. They are:
• Do not leave a nickel-based battery in a charger for more than a day after full charge is reached.
• Apply a monthly full discharge cycle. Running the battery down in the equipment may do this also.
• Do not discharge the battery before each recharge. This would put undue stress on the battery.
• Avoid elevated temperature. A charger should only raise the battery temperature for a short time at full charge, and then the battery should cool off.
• Use quality chargers

This article contains excerpts from the second edition book entitled Batteries in a Portable World — A Handbook on Rechargeable Batteries for Non-Engineers. In the book, Mr. Buchmann evaluates the battery in everyday use and explains their strengths and weaknesses in laymen’s terms. The 300-page book is available from Cadex Electronics Inc. through book@cadex.com, tel. 604-231-7777 or most bookstores. For additional information on battery technology visit www.buchmann.ca.

About the Author
Isidor Buchmann is the founder and CEO of Cadex Electronics Inc., in Richmond (Vancouver) British Columbia, Canada. Mr. Buchmann has a background in radio communications and has studied the behavior of rechargeable batteries in practical, everyday applications for two decades. The author of many articles and books on battery maintenance technology, Mr. Buchmann is a well-known speaker who has delivered technical papers and presentations at seminars and conferences around the world.

About the Company
Cadex Electronics Inc. is a world leader in the design and manufacture of advanced battery analyzers and chargers. Their award-winning products are used to prolong battery life in wireless communications, emergency services, mobile computing, avionics, biomedical, broadcasting and defense. Cadex products are sold in over 100 countries.