Nickel-Cadmium Nickel-cadmium batteries are found in personal items such as digital cameras, calculators, portable tools and radios.

. This type of battery is extremely durable, given its chemical composition. The cathode is nickelic hydroxide, the anode is metallic cadmium and the electrolyte is potassium hydroxide. The voltage of the battery when under operation is 1.2 volts per cell, with larger battery packs at 14 to 18 volts. This type of battery is rechargeable yet needs to be recharged frequently to retain its optimal power. Advantages

Low internal resistance (less than half the equivalent NiMH cells) High rate charge and discharge rates possible Up to 10C discharge rates for short periods typical Flat discharge characteristic (but falls off rapidly at the end of the cycle) Tolerates deep discharges - can be deep cycled. Wide temperature range (Up to 70C) Typical cycle life is over 500 cycles. Charging process is strongly endothermic-the battery cools during charging. This makes it possible to charge very quickly, as the I2R heating and endothermic chemical reaction counteract each other. Rapid charge typically 2 hours, but can be as low as 10 to 15 minutes. The coulombic efficiency of nickel cadmium is over 80% for a fast charge but can drop to below 50% for slow charging. The sealed nickel-cadmium cell can be stored in the charged or discharged state without damage. It can be restored for service by recharging several charge/discharge cycles. The electrolyte is commonly availalable, low cost potassium hydroxide KOH. Available in a large variety of sizes and capacities. Advantages: 1) They are longer life. The best lead-acid batteries may achieve 20 years whereas the nickel alloys can have a 50 year life. 2) Maintenance is lower due to higher voltage characteristics and their ability to sit partially or totally discharged for extended periods of time without failure. 3) Battery voltage on the nickel alloy batteries does not follow the basically linear pattern of the lead-acid batteries during discharge so much more of the rated amp hour capacity is actually available at the practical level. In addition, the nickel alloy batteries can be repeatedly completely discharged without damage or loss of battery life.

4) The nickel alloy batteries are not easily damaged by severe cold and retain higher discharge potential than the lead-acid in colder temperatures. 5) Nickel alloy batteries have lower internal resistance so matching batteries of differing ages and sizes in a home power system battery bank is much easier than with lead-acid batteries. Disadvantages: 1) The initial cost of purchasing a nickel alloy battery bank is very high compared to lead-acid, even with the reconditioned batteries (which are most prevalent in home power systems). This is the major deterrent to most people. 2) the broad charging voltage range creates some compatibility problems which have to be addressed when matching the nickel alloy batteries to other home power equipment such as inverters or chargers. 3) Their non-linear discharge rate makes the charge state of the nickel alloy batteries more difficult to monitor. 4) The nickel alloy batteries are often not as easily disposed of as lead-acid batteries when their useful life has ended.

Lead Acid

Lead acid batteries are heavy duty batteries used in cars, campers and boats as starter batteries or deep-cycle batteries (for running interior lights and 12 volt appliances). Unlike household batteries, lead acid batteries are manufactured as more than one cell, with alternating negative and positive plates. The chemical make-up is lead oxide and the electrolyte is a sulfuric acid and water solution. The starter battery has a higher number of thin plates as it needs strong, short power bursts, while the deep-cycle battery needs longerterm energy and has thicker plates. Voltage produced by the lead acid battery, such as those found in cars or recreational boats, is typically 12 volts. This type of rechargeable battery has a long shelf life. Advantages

Low cost. Reliable. Over 140 years of development. Robust. Tolerant to abuse. Tolerant to overcharging. Low internal impedance.

Can deliver very high currents. Indefinite shelf life if stored without electrolyte. Can be left on trickle or float charge for prolonged periods. Wide range of sizes and capacities available. Many suppliers world wide. The world's most recycled product. More resistant to corrosion, overcharging, gassing, water usage, and self-discharge, all of which shorten battery life. Larger electrolyte reserve area above the plates. Higher Cold Cranking Amp ratings. Little or No maintenance.
Advantages Inexpensive and simple to manufacture in terms of cost per watt hours, the SLA is the least expensive. Mature, reliable and well-understood technology when used correctly, the SLA is durable and provides dependable service. Low self-discharge the self-discharge rate is among the lowest in rechargeable batterysystems. Low maintenance requirements no memory; no electrolyte to fill. Capable of high discharge rates. Disadvantages Cannot be stored in a discharged condition. Low energy density poor weight-to-energy density limits use to stationary and wheeled applications. Allows only a limited number of full discharge cycles well suited for standby applications that require only occasional deep discharges. Environmentally unfriendly the electrolyte and the lead content can cause environmental damage. Transportation restrictions on flooded lead acid there are environmental concerns regarding spillage in case of an accident.