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Chemistry Comparison

Let's examine the advantages and limitations of today’s popular battery systems. Batteries are scrutinized not only in terms of energy density but service life, load characteristics, maintenance requirements, self-discharge and operational costs. Since NiCd remains a standard against which other batteries are compared, let’s evaluate alternative chemistries against this classic battery type.

Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) — mature and well understood but relatively low in energy density. The NiCd is used where long life, high discharge rate and economical price are important. Main applications are two-way radios, biomedical equipment, professional video cameras and power tools. The NiCd contains toxic metals and is not environmentally friendly.

Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) — has a higher energy density compared to the NiCd at the expense of reduced cycle life. NiMH contains no toxic metals. Applications include mobile phones and laptop computers.

Lead Acid — most economical for larger power applications where weight is of little concern. The lead acid battery is the preferred choice for hospital equipment, wheelchairs, emergency lighting and UPS systems.

Lithium Ion (Li-ion) — fastest growing battery system. Li-ion is used where high-energy density and light weight is of prime importance. The Li-ion is more expensive than other systems and must follow strict guidelines to assure safety. Applications include notebook computers and cellular phones.

Lithium Ion Polymer (Li-ion polymer) — a potentially lower cost version of the Li-ion. This chemistry is similar to the Li-ion in terms of energy density. It enables very slim geometry and allows simplified packaging. Main applications are mobile phones.

Reusable Alkaline — replaces disposable household batteries; suitable for low-power applications. Its limited cycle life is compensated by low self-discharge, making this battery ideal for portable entertainment devices and flashlights.

Figure 2-1 compares the characteristics of the six most commonly used rechargeable battery systems in terms of energy density, cycle life, exercise requirements and cost. The figures are based on average ratings of commercially available batteries at the time of publication. Exotic batteries with above average ratings are not included.

	NiCd	NiMH	Lead Acid	Li-ion	Li-ion polymer	Reusable Alkaline
Gravimetric Energy Density (Wh/kg)	45-80	60-120	30-50	110-160	100-130	80 (initial)
Internal Resistance (includes peripheral circuits) in mW	100 to 2001 6V pack	200 to 3001 6V pack	<1001 12V pack	150 to 2501 7.2V pack	200 to 3001 7.2V pack	200 to 20001 6V pack
Cycle Life (to 80% of initial capacity)	15002	300 to 5002,3	200 to 3002	500 to 10003	300 to 500	503 (to 50%)
Fast Charge Time	1h typical	2-4h	8-16h	2-4h	2-4h	2-3h
Overcharge Tolerance	moderate	low	high	very low	low	moderate
Self-discharge / Month (room temperature)	20%4	30%4	5%	10%5	~10%5	0.3%
Cell Voltage (nominal)	1.25V6	1.25V6	2V	3.6V	3.6V	1.5V
Load Current -    peak -    best result	20C 1C	5C 0.5C or lower	5C7 0.2C	>2C 1C or lower	>2C 1C or lower	0.5C 0.2C or lower
Operating Temperature (discharge only)	-40 to 60°C	-20 to 60°C	-20 to 60°C	-20 to 60°C	0 to 60°C	0 to 65°C
Maintenance Requirement	30 to 60 days	60 to 90 days	3 to 6 months9	not req.	not req.	not req.
Typical Battery Cost (US$, reference only)	$50 (7.2V)	$60 (7.2V)	$25 (6V)	$100 (7.2V)	$100 (7.2V)	$5 (9V)
Cost per Cycle (US$)11	$0.04	$0.12	$0.10	$0.14	$0.29	$0.10-0.50
Commercial use since	1950	1990	1970	1991	1999	1992

Figure 2-1:       Characteristics of commonly used rechargeable batteries.
The figures are based on average ratings of batteries available commercially at the time of publication; experimental batteries with above average ratings are not included.

1. Internal resistance of a battery pack varies with cell rating, type of protection circuit and number of cells. Protection circuit of Li-ion and Li-polymer adds about 100mW.
2. Cycle life is based on battery receiving regular maintenance. Failing to apply periodic full discharge cycles may reduce the cycle life by a factor of three.
3. Cycle life is based on the depth of discharge. Shallow discharges provide more cycles than deep discharges.
4. The discharge is highest immediately after charge, then tapers off. The NiCd capacity decreases 10% in the first 24h, then declines to about 10% every 30 days thereafter. Self-discharge increases with higher temperature.
5. Internal protection circuits typically consume 3% of the stored energy per month.
6. 1.25V is the open cell voltage. 1.2V is the commonly used value. There is no difference between the cells; it is simply a method of rating.
7. Capable of high current pulses.
8. Applies to discharge only; charge temperature range is more confined.
9. Maintenance may be in the form of ‘equalizing’ or ‘topping’ charge.
10. Cost of battery for commercially available portable devices.
11. Derived from the battery price divided by cycle life. Does not include the cost of electricity and chargers.

Observation: It is interesting to note that NiCd has the shortest charge time, delivers the highest load current and offers the lowest overall cost-per-cycle, but has the most demanding maintenance requirements.