Nickel–iron battery
Nickel–iron batteries manufactured between 1972 and 1975 under the "Exide" brand originally developed in 1901 by Thomas Edison. | |
| Specific energy | 19–25 Wh/kg |
|---|---|
| Energy density | 30 Wh/L |
| Specific power | 100 W/kg |
| Charge/discharge efficiency | <65% |
| Energy/consumer-price | 1.5 – 6.6 Wh/US$ |
| Self-discharge rate | 20% – 30%/month |
| Time durability | 30 – 50 years |
| Cycle durability | Repeated deep discharge does not reduce life significantly. |
| Nominal cell voltage | 1.2 V |
| Charge temperature interval | min. −40 °C – max.46 °C |
The nickel–iron battery (NiFe battery) is a rechargeable battery having nickel(III) oxide-hydroxide positive plates and iron negative plates, with an electrolyte of potassium hydroxide. The active materials are held in nickel-plated steel tubes or perforated pockets. It is a very robust battery which is tolerant of abuse, (overcharge, overdischarge, and short-circuiting) and can have very long life even if so treated. It is often used in backup situations where it can be continuously charged and can last for more than 20 years. Due to its low specific energy, poor charge retention, and high cost of manufacture, other types of rechargeable batteries have displaced the nickel–iron battery in most applications.