Existing Design 1

Ni-Cd Battery

Ni-Cd, also known as Ni-Cadmium is a type of secondary battery which is rechargeable,

commonly used in everyday portable appliances. As the name states, the battery consists of nickel
and cadmium, separator and alkaline. A Ni-Cd battery typically consists of Nickel Oxide-
hydroxide which acts as the positive electrode, Metallic Cadmium as the negative electrode and
Potassium Hydroxide Alkaline electrolyte.

Figure 1: Ni-Cd battery structure [1]

Ni-Cd batteries comes in varying capacities and sizes from AAA to D. The common cell
voltage of a Ni-Cd battery is 1.2V. One of the main advantage of a Ni-Cd battery is it can maintain
a steady voltage during discharge, even when it is approaching fully discharge. Most other type of
lead battery loses voltage when approaching fully discharged. Ni-Cd batteries also have low
resistance, this means that it can charge and discharge a lot of power in a short period of time. A
typical Ni-Cd battery can be fully charged in 1-2 hours for about 400-500 times before needing to
be replaced. This type of battery can be used in a large temperature range from -20 to 45
which is suitable to be left out in hot and open areas. Although Ni-Cd batteries are more commonly
used in smaller appliances such as flashlights, remote controls and portable lights, specially made
battery are used for larger applications.
 Figure 2: Sizes of Ni-Cd battery [1]
Disadvantages of Ni-Cd batteries is it has a significantly low energy density which means
that it can store less energy in the same weight battery compared to other rechargeable battery.
Another major concern is the environmental effect. Ni-Cd batteries uses toxic metal cadmium
which is dangerous for environment and requires special disposal stations to safely dispose and to
ensure it gets properly recycled. [1]
Existing Design 2

Lead Acid Battery

Lead acid battery is one the most common type of rechargeable battery and most widely
used. There are 2 types of Lead Acid battery are Starting batteries and Deep Cycle batteries.
Starting batteries are used where short and powerful energy output are needed. These types of
battery have a lot more plates compared to deep cycle batteries. These plates are also much thinner
and have a larger surface place so it provides a higher output current on discharge while deep
discharge cycles can heavily damage these batteries. Deep Cycle batteries are better for long term
usage and it can handle a lot more discharge cycles. Although this battery type is incapable of
producing a quick and high-power output as compared to Starting batteries due to their thicker
plates, but are much better for frequent discharging.

Lead Acid battery consists of a positive plate made from lead oxide paste, a negative plate
made of sponge lead, a separator made from insulating material which is made from various
materials such as glass fiber, rubber and plastic, an electrolyte made from sulfuric acid and water
solution and a casing.

Figure 3: Lead Acid battery structure [1]

Lead Acid batteries normally consists of multiple single cells which have an approximate
voltage of 2.1 volts each. It also comes with different capacities and sizes such as 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12
volts. The storage capacity of the battery depends on the plate size and amount of electrolyte.
The charging temperature range for Lead Acid battery is between -30-40 and its
discharge rate is between -40-50. If the battery is not fully charged, the electrolyte may freeze
at low temperature which is not a problem in a climate such as Malaysia.
 Figure 4: Lead Acid battery sizes [1]
Advantages of Lead Acid batteries are that they are very cheap to manufacture and have
one the lowest cost per watt hour of rechargeable batteries. These types of battery also have a
very high discharge currents and a very low self-discharge rate. While some of the disadvantage
of Lead Acid battery are its large size and heavy weight which makes it unsuitable for small
applications. It also has a short cycle life and needs to be replaced quite often. Lead Acid
batteries also cant be stored in its discharge state since it can form a sulfation if stored in its
fully or close to fully discharged state for a prolonged period. Another drawback is it is not
environmentally friendly since it contains lead. [1]
Existing Design 3

Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are currently the most common rechargeable battery. Lithium-ion
have multiple types which are used for different applications. Some common types are Li-cobalt,
Li-manganese, Li-phosphate and Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (NMC). Each of these
types of Lithium-ion battery has different type of cathode materials, thus each has its own set of
advantages and disadvantages.

Ions travel from the negative electrode to the positive and in reverse when charging in a
Lithium-ion battery. A typical Lithium-ion battery consists of a pure lithium metal oxide as
cathode, porous carbon as the anode, lithium salts mixed with organic solvents as the electrolyte,
and uses thin sheets of microporous plastic usually polypropylene or polyethylene as the
separator.

Figure 5: Lithium-ion battery structure [1]

The nominal cell voltages of Lithium-ion batteries range from 3.2V to 3.8V and come in a
variety of shapes and sizes. Sizes ranges from small, coin shaped and large battery packs. Lithium-
ion are better charged in lower temperatures and charging in higher temperatures may reduce
battery life span. The temperature range for charging is between 0-40 and discharging
temperature range between -20-60 which is suitable in the suggested climate. Lifespans of the
Lithium-ion battery can be increased if the battery does not get fully discharged.

Lithium-ion batteries have a high specific energy which makes it suitable for small devices.
It also has a low self-discharge rate and are practically maintenance free. Since it doesnt contain
any toxic substance, it is safe for the environment. The life cycle for these types of batteries are
exponentially longer than of other similar types. Due to its high energy density, the Lithium-ion
battery sizes can remain small which makes it perfect for small applications.
References

[1] Battery types used in portable and solar lighting. (2016, August 05). Retrieved June 15, 2017,
from http://www.ledwatcher.com/battery-types-used-in-portable-and-solar-
lighting/?doing_wp_cron=1497569133.5586469173431396484375