Rechargeable nickel-based battery technology has evolved
Electrospell brings you NiZn battery modules that can replace lead-acid batteries in many applications
Nickel cadmium batteries ushered in the era of consumer rechargeable batteries. In recent years concerns over their cadmium content – a toxic heavy metal – have reduced their use worldwide. In certain countries their use has been legally restricted so NiCd technology is not recommended for further use. Nickel metal hydride batteries have proved to be a popular replacement and their use has grown over recent years. While NiMH technology has many attractive features, a better choice is now offered by the latest consumer rechargeable technology – Nickel Zinc.
Compared to other rechargeable battery technologies, NiZn batteries possess the following key characteristics:
● NiZn batteries do not contain metal hydrides which are very hard to recycle. Their only metallic contents are nickel and zinc which can be completely extracted from used batteries and efficiently recycled to make new products. From an environmental point of view, NiZn batteries, containing no mercury, lead, cadmium or metal hydrides are the best energy storage devices invented so far for consumer applications.
● NiZn batteries provide a higher terminal voltage than the 1.2 volts provided by NiCd and NiMH batteries. Their 1.6 volt terminal voltage is higher than even the 1.5 volts provided by primary (non-rechargeable) batteries. The higher terminal voltage leads to two distinct advantages:
Many electronic systems that require voltages in multiples of 1.5 volt can operate with NiZn batteries. Thus these are true replacements for alkaline and other 1.5 volt primary batteries.
Equipment can operate longer with NiZn batteries because they continue to provide voltage above the operating threshold of most electronic systems for a significantly longer time. During operation, the operating voltage of NiMH batteries falls below 1.2 volts, shutting off many systems.
● Due to their low internal resistance, NiZn batteries are ideally suited for high drain applications such as in cameras, for driving motors and powering amplifiers. Their higher terminal voltage coupled with higher current capability makes them a much superior power source when compared to other nickel-based technologies.
● The higher energy density of NiZn batteries results in these batteries being lighter so that large multi-cell batteries constructed with NiZn technology can be smaller and lighter than with other battery technologies. In this respect, NiZn is seriously challenging lead-acid batteries for electric vehicles, power tools and other applications.
● NiZn batteries are completely safe – unlike lithium-based batteries, even when fully charged NiZn batteries pose no danger of explosions or catching fire spontaneously. There are no dangers associated with their storage, use or transport.
● The chemistry of NiZn batteries enables them to operate satisfactorily at both low and high temperatures. These batteries can be relied upon to perform well from -40 °C (-40 °F) to 80 °C ( 176 °F).
KEY BENEFITS
More environmentally friendly than any other rechargeable battery technology – easiest to recycle
More than 30% higher voltage than NiMH batteries
High current and power capability – suitable for use in high drain applications
Wide operating temperature range
VIVAN NiZn rechargeable battery modules from Electrospell have been designed for uses where lead-acid batteries have traditionally been used. Contact Electrospell for further information.