Nickel–Cadmium (Ni-Cd) Battery: A Simple Introduction

This article gives a complete introduction to Nickel–Cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries. It explains how these batteries were invented and what they were used for in the early days.It also describes their uses today and the main parts of a Ni-Cd battery. You will learn how the battery produces electricity and which companies are leading in making them.The article provides tips for using Ni-Cd batteries for a long time and explains what future needs might be. It also covers the advantages and disadvantages of these batteries.Overall, this article explains Ni-Cd batteries clearly and reliably, based on scientific research.

Nickel–Cadmium (Ni-Cd) Battery

How Nickel–Cadmium (Ni-Cd) Battery Was Invented

The Nickel–Cadmium (Ni-Cd) battery was first invented in 1899 by a Swedish scientist named Waldemar Jungner. At that time, only Lead–Acid batteries were widely used. Jungner wanted to create a new battery that could be recharged and used many times. He used Nickel and Cadmium as electrodes and Potassium Hydroxide as the electrolyte. This created a battery with high current output and long life. Later, adding Lithium Hydroxide improved its performance even more. This invention gave an alternative to Lead–Acid batteries and led to a battery technology that was powerful, long-lasting, and rechargeable many times. Because of this, Ni-Cd batteries were quickly used in industries and other applications needing high power at the start of the 20th century.(1,2,3)

Early Uses of Nickel–Cadmium (Ni-Cd) Battery

In the early days, Nickel–Cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries were used in many important fields. They powered telecommunication systems, military equipment, aircraft, medical devices, and small electronic gadgets. Ni-Cd batteries provided continuous power for telephone exchanges and radio communication devices. In the military, they were reliable for high-power radios, transmitters, and field equipment. In aircraft, they supplied emergency power and supported navigation systems. In the medical field, some early devices and handheld instruments ran on Ni-Cd batteries. Small devices like tape recorders and cameras also used them. Because Ni-Cd batteries were lightweight, could provide high current output, and worked reliably even with temperature changes, they quickly became popular across many fields.(4,5,6)

Current Uses of Nickel–Cadmium (Ni-Cd) Battery

Today, Nickel–Cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries are not widely used, but they still play an important role in some special areas. New battery technologies like Lithium-ion and Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) have reduced their use. However, because Ni-Cd batteries are reliable in temperature changes, have long life, and can handle many charge/discharge cycles, they are still used in aircraft for emergency power and flight control systems. In the military, they power communication devices and portable equipment in tough conditions. In the medical field, some portable diagnostic tools and life-support systems use Ni-Cd batteries. In industry, they are used in railway signaling systems, backup power units, and heavy-duty tools. Some older cordless phones, power tools, and emergency lighting systems also still use Ni-Cd batteries. Overall, today Ni-Cd batteries are mainly used in aircraft, military, medical, industrial equipment, and some small electronic devices.(7,8,9)

Main Parts of Nickel–Cadmium (Ni-Cd) Battery

Positive Electrode (Cathode)

The positive electrode consists of Nickel Oxide Hydroxide (NiOOH), which experiences a reduction reaction when the battery discharges.

Negative Electrode (Anode)

The negative electrode is made of Cadmium (Cd). During discharge, it undergoes an oxidation reaction.

Electrolyte

The electrolyte is usually Potassium Hydroxide (KOH). Sometimes Lithium Hydroxide is added to improve the battery’s performance. It allows ions to move between electrodes.

Separator

The separator keeps the positive and negative electrodes from touching each other. It allows ion flow and ensures safety and efficiency.

Battery Case

The battery case protects the electrodes, electrolyte, and separator. It is usually made of steel or plastic.(10,11,12)

How Nickel–Cadmium (Ni-Cd) Battery Produces Electricity

Electrochemical Reactions

Nickel–Cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries produce electricity through electrochemical reactions. When the battery discharges, the cadmium (Cd) at the negative electrode changes to Cadmium Hydroxide (Cd(OH)₂), and the Nickel Oxide Hydroxide (NiOOH) at the positive electrode changes to Nickel Hydroxide (Ni(OH)₂). During these reactions, electrons flow from the negative electrode to the positive electrode through an external circuit, producing electricity.

Discharge Reaction

When the battery is used, the main chemical reaction is:

In this reaction, cadmium is oxidized and Nickel Oxide Hydroxide is reduced. The electrons move through the external circuit, generating electric current.

Charge Reaction

When the battery is recharged, the reactions reverse:

Cadmium Hydroxide turns back into Cadmium, and Nickel Hydroxide turns back into Nickel Oxide Hydroxide. This process allows the battery to store electricity again.

Role of Electrolyte

The Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) electrolyte provides a path for ions to move between electrodes. It helps ion transport and makes the battery work efficiently.(13,14,15)

Top Manufacturers of Nickel–Cadmium (Ni-Cd) Batteries

Nickel–Cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries are produced by several leading companies worldwide. These companies mainly supply batteries for aviation, military, telecommunications, industry, and railway systems.

Alcad Ltd

Alcad Ltd is one of the world’s top Ni-Cd battery manufacturers. It provides batteries with high reliability and long cycle life for industrial applications, railway systems, aviation, and backup power.

HBL Power Systems Limited (India)

HBL Power Systems Limited, based in India, supplies Ni-Cd batteries for defense, aviation, railways, and telecom sectors. The company specializes in customized industrial solutions.

Saft Batteries (France)

Saft Batteries is a major global Ni-Cd battery manufacturer. It provides batteries for aerospace, defense, and railway applications. It is known for environmentally robust designs.

GS Yuasa Corporation (Japan)

Based in Japan, GS Yuasa Corporation supplies Ni-Cd batteries for aviation and industrial applications. The company has a global distribution network.

MEI Telecom

MEI Telecom produces Ni-Cd batteries for telecommunications and industrial backup power. Their batteries are known for high reliability and long service life.

The main companies that make Nickel–Cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries are Alcad Ltd, HBL Power Systems Limited, Saft Batteries, GS Yuasa Corporation, and MEI Telecom. These companies supply Ni-Cd batteries for aviation, military, telecommunications, industry, and railway systems around the world. (16,17,18)

Tips for Long-Term Use of Nickel–Cadmium (Ni-Cd) Batteries

Although Ni-Cd batteries are strong, wrong maintenance can reduce their capacity. Following proper care can keep their cycle life and performance longer.

Use the Right Charger

Always use a charger suitable for Ni-Cd batteries. Overcharging increases battery temperature and reduces capacity. Slow charging (C/10 rate) is safe, while fast charging requires temperature control.

Full Discharge from Time to Time

Ni-Cd batteries can develop a memory effect. If the battery is not fully discharged before recharging, its capacity decreases. To prevent this, perform full discharge cycles periodically.

Temperature Management

Keep Ni-Cd batteries between 10–30°C (50–86°F) for best performance. High heat shortens battery life, and extreme cold reduces performance.

Proper Storage

Store batteries in a cool, dry place. For long-term storage, either fully charge the battery or keep it on trickle charge. Storing in deep discharge can reduce battery life.

Regular Maintenance Checks

Check the battery’s voltage and capacity periodically. Replace the battery immediately if there is electrolyte leakage or physical damage.

To use Ni-Cd batteries for a long time: use the correct charger, do periodic full discharges, keep them in a controlled temperature, store in a cool, dry place, and perform regular maintenance checks.(19,20,21)

Future Needs of Nickel–Cadmium (Ni-Cd) Batteries

The use of Ni-Cd batteries has decreased in recent decades because new battery technologies like Lithium-ion and Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) are lighter, more efficient, and more environmentally friendly. However, Ni-Cd batteries still have future demand in special applications.

Aviation & Aerospace

Ni-Cd batteries perform reliably even with temperature changes, so they will continue to be used in aircraft and space equipment. They remain important for emergency power supply and flight control systems.

Military Applications

Ni-Cd batteries provide long life and strong performance in extreme conditions. They will continue to be needed for communication devices and portable military equipment.

Industrial Applications

Industries such as railway signaling systems, backup power units, and heavy-duty tools still require Ni-Cd batteries as a reliable energy source.

Environmental Challenges

Since cadmium is a toxic heavy metal, environmental regulations will limit Ni-Cd battery use. In the future, these batteries will be restricted to special applications only.

Competition with Alternative Technologies

Lithium-ion batteries have higher energy density, lower weight, and eco-friendly properties, replacing Ni-Cd batteries in most areas. Ni-Cd batteries will continue only in fields that require special reliability and robust performance.

The future demand for Ni-Cd batteries will be mainly in aviation, aerospace, military, and some industrial applications. Environmental rules and the growth of new battery technologies will limit their use to these specialized areas.(22,23,24)

Advantages of Nickel–Cadmium (Ni-Cd) Batteries

Although Ni-Cd batteries are an older technology, they are still used in some special applications because of their unique advantages.

Long Cycle Life

Ni-Cd batteries can withstand thousands of charge/discharge cycles, making them suitable for long-term use.

High Discharge Rate

They provide high current output, which is useful in power tools and aviation systems that need a lot of power.

Wide Temperature Range

Ni-Cd batteries work reliably from -20°C to +60°C, allowing them to function even in extreme conditions.

Robust Design

They are strong and can resist mechanical stress and shocks, making them dependable in aviation, military, and industrial applications.

Fast Charging Capability

Ni-Cd batteries can handle fast charging, which is important for emergency power supplies and other critical uses.

Long Shelf Life

With proper maintenance, Ni-Cd batteries can be stored for many years and still perform well when used.

Reliability

They are a trustworthy energy source for critical applications like aviation, military, and railway signaling.

The main advantages of Ni-Cd batteries are long cycle life, high current output, wide temperature tolerance, robust design, fast charging, long shelf life, and reliability. These features make Ni-Cd batteries still useful in certain special applications despite newer battery technologies.(25,26,27)

Disadvantages of Nickel–Cadmium (Ni-Cd) Batteries

Although Ni-Cd batteries have many advantages, they are not widely used today because of several major drawbacks.

Memory Effect

Ni-Cd batteries suffer from a memory effect. If the battery is not fully discharged before recharging, its capacity decreases, reducing long-term performance.

Environmental Hazard

Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal. Improper handling can harm soil, water, and human health, so many countries have restricted Ni-Cd battery production and use.

Low Energy Density

Ni-Cd batteries store less energy than Lithium-ion or NiMH batteries. This means a battery of the same size holds less power.

High Self-Discharge Rate

Ni-Cd batteries lose charge over time even when not in use, making them less suitable for long-term storage.

Size and Weight

Ni-Cd batteries are heavier and larger than newer battery technologies, which is a disadvantage for portable devices.

High Maintenance

To last long, Ni-Cd batteries require periodic full discharge and proper charging. Without maintenance, their performance declines quickly.

The main disadvantages of Ni-Cd batteries are memory effect, environmental hazard, low energy density, high self-discharge, size and weight, and high maintenance requirements. Because of these issues, Lithium-ion and NiMH batteries have replaced Ni-Cd batteries in most applications today.(28,29,30)

 Conclusion

The Nickel–Cadmium (Ni-Cd) battery was invented in 1899 by Waldemar Jungner as an important alternative to the Lead–Acid battery. In its early days, it was widely used in telecommunication, military, aviation, medical devices, and small electronic gadgets. Today, with the development of Lithium-ion and NiMH batteries, the use of Ni-Cd batteries has decreased. However, they still serve as a reliable energy source in aviation, military, railway systems, and some industrial applications.

The main parts of a Ni-Cd battery are the positive electrode (Nickel Oxide Hydroxide), negative electrode (Cadmium), electrolyte (Potassium Hydroxide), separator, and case. Electricity is produced through oxidation and reduction reactions. During discharge, cadmium is oxidized and nickel is reduced to generate electricity. During charging, these reactions reverse, allowing the battery to store energy again.

Leading companies that produce Ni-Cd batteries include Alcad Ltd, HBL Power Systems, Saft Batteries, and GS Yuasa Corporation. To use Ni-Cd batteries for a long time, it is important to follow proper charging procedures, perform full discharge cycles to avoid the memory effect, maintain controlled temperature, store in a cool and dry place, and conduct regular maintenance checks.

In the future, Ni-Cd batteries will mainly be needed in aviation, aerospace, military, and some industrial applications. Environmental regulations and the growth of new battery technologies will limit their use to these specialized areas.

Ni-Cd batteries have many advantages, including long cycle life, high current output, wide temperature tolerance, robust design, fast charging, long shelf life, and reliability. However, they also have drawbacks, such as memory effect, environmental hazard, low energy density, high self-discharge, heavy weight, and high maintenance requirements. These limitations have led to the widespread adoption of Lithium-ion and NiMH batteries in most general applications.

Overall, Ni-Cd batteries are an important milestone in the history of battery technology. While they remain a reliable energy source in several sectors, environmental challenges and the rise of new technologies mean that in the future, Ni-Cd batteries will be used only in specialized applications.

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