Nickel-Cadmium batteries used in railways must meet stringent technical and operational requirements due to the critical nature of their applications. These requirements ensure optimal performance, safety, and reliability.
Key Technical Requirements
- High Capacity and Energy Density: The batteries must provide sufficient capacity to power railway systems for extended periods.
- Temperature Resistance: Ni-Cd batteries in railways must operate reliably within a wide temperature range (-20°C to 50°C or beyond), accommodating diverse climates.
- Shock and Vibration Tolerance: Given the vibrations and shocks experienced during train operations, these batteries must withstand mechanical stresses without performance degradation.
- Longevity: With a service life exceeding 15–20 years, Ni-Cd batteries offer cost efficiency by reducing replacement needs.
- Low Self-Discharge: Low self-discharge rates ensure the batteries remain functional even after extended periods of inactivity.
Safety Standards
- Overcharge and Over-discharge Protection: Advanced designs prevent damage caused by improper charging or excessive discharge.
- Thermal Management: Systems are integrated to manage heat during charging and discharging cycles.
- Non-Toxic Designs: Although cadmium poses environmental concerns, railway-grade batteries are designed to minimize leakage and facilitate recycling.
