Understanding Memory Effect
The term ‘memory effect’ may sound like a problem of the nervous system to many but regular used of rechargeable batteries may know what we are referring to. It is a common problem that afflicts nickel-cadmium and the nickel–metal hydride rechargeable batteries. Only the most advanced cell chemistry– the Lithium Ion and the Lithium-Ion polymer cells are completely free of memory effect.
The worst hit of all rechargeable batteries is of course, the nickel cadmium battery. The Nickel Metal Hydride or Ni-MH rechargeable batteries hold up much better to the memory effect and this counts as one of its biggest advantages when compared to the NiCad batteries. That coupled with the fact that the Ni-MH battery is non toxic unlike the NiCad which is an environmental risk with Cadmium toxicity makes Ni-MH more popular. But for now, let’s examine and understand what the term ‘Memory effect’ means.
