Charge and Discharge Characteristics

Author: E.E. Kimberly

The nickel-iron-alkaline battery should be charged at such a rate as to complete the charge in about 7 hours. The ampere discharge rate is usually given on the basis of a 5-hour discharge time. An accidental excess charge or charge in the reverse direction does not injure the battery. An occasional short-circuit is not harmful.

The maximum voltage per cell when the battery is fully charged is about 1.4 volts on open circuit. The average voltage per cell throughout the discharge period is about 1.2 volts.

Fig. 22-4. Comparison of Performances of Lead-Acid and Nickel-Iron-Alkaline Battery