Effect of Temperature Variation on Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd) and Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) Battery Parameters

The ultra-fast charging capability, distinct properties, fine performance and high capacity of nickel cadmium (Ni-Cd) and nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries along with their limited weight and size are very attractive for use in many applications including cordless and portable devices, emergency and standby power, telecommunication equipments, photovoltaic systems, electric vehicle, satellite and space craft and power plant supporting equipments. However, the limitation on their temperature requires a detail thermal analysis of these batteries. Thermal behavior of batteries are effected by their boundary conditions, type and construction, and more importantly by their chemical reaction. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of temperature on thermal behavior of the Ni-Cd and Ni-MH batteries. The governing equation is the transient and non-linear differential energy equation subjected to non linear radiation boundary conditions and source term. To solve the transient and non-linear governing differential energy equation a control volume based finite difference code is utilized. In formulation of the governing differential energy equation, the Ni-Cd and Ni-MH properties (K, C, ρ) are not constant and the chemical characteristic of the Ni-Cd and Ni-MH batteries, source term, vary with location and time. Calculated thermal characteristic of each battery is then compared to experimental results. The result shows that Ni-MH battery is thermally more suitable for space application and satellite.