3.4 Comparison of traditional battery technologies
3 min read•august 7, 2024
Battery technologies have come a long way, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, and nickel-metal hydride batteries differ in , , and .
Comparing these traditional batteries helps us understand their best uses. We'll look at performance, operating conditions, longevity, safety, cost, and to see how they stack up against each other.
Performance Metrics
Energy and Power Capabilities
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quantifies the amount of energy stored per unit mass in a battery (Wh/kg)
Higher specific energy allows for longer runtime or smaller battery size
Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries have higher specific energy compared to lead-acid and nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries
measures the rate at which a battery can deliver power per unit volume (W/L)
Higher power density enables faster charging and discharging
generally have higher power density than lead-acid batteries
represents the ratio of energy stored during charging to the energy input
Higher charging efficiency reduces energy losses and heat generation during charging
typically have higher charging efficiency compared to lead-acid batteries
Operating Conditions
defines the acceptable temperatures for optimal battery performance
Lead-acid batteries have a narrower operating temperature range compared to NiCd and NiMH batteries
NiCd batteries can operate at lower temperatures (as low as -40°C) than lead-acid batteries
NiMH batteries have a wider operating temperature range than lead-acid batteries (as high as 50°C)
Durability and Maintenance
Longevity and Reliability
represents the number of charge-discharge cycles a battery can undergo before its capacity drops below a specified threshold (usually 80% of initial capacity)
NiCd batteries generally have a longer cycle life compared to lead-acid batteries (up to 1000 cycles)
NiMH batteries have a cycle life between lead-acid and NiCd batteries (around 500-1000 cycles)
vary among battery technologies
Lead-acid batteries require regular maintenance, such as electrolyte level checks and equalization charges
NiCd and NiMH batteries are generally maintenance-free but may require occasional reconditioning
Safety Aspects
include the risk of overheating, gas emission, and electrolyte leakage
Lead-acid batteries can emit hydrogen gas during charging, requiring proper ventilation
NiCd batteries contain toxic cadmium, which requires proper disposal and recycling
NiMH batteries are considered safer than NiCd batteries due to the absence of cadmium
Cost and Environmental Impact
Economic Factors
is a key metric for comparing the economics of different battery technologies
Lead-acid batteries have the lowest cost per kWh among the three technologies
NiCd batteries are more expensive than lead-acid batteries but less expensive than NiMH batteries
NiMH batteries have the highest cost per kWh among the three technologies
Ecological Considerations
Environmental impact includes the effects of battery production, use, and disposal on the ecosystem
Lead-acid batteries contain lead and sulfuric acid, which can cause environmental harm if not properly recycled
NiCd batteries contain toxic cadmium, which can contaminate soil and water if not disposed of correctly
NiMH batteries have a lower environmental impact compared to NiCd batteries due to the absence of cadmium