Edison Battery 1

[kontiki99]

I read that Edison had a Iron Nickel battery that so rarely needed replacement, the plant went out of business.

Also stories about people finding long abandoned tractors in the woods with a still good battery.

Can any one confirm this?

Do they have any extraordinary performance characteristics?

 

[IRstuff]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead_acid

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nickel-iron_battery

TTFN

 

[kontiki99]

Thanks IR, I should have checked myself.

That Wilkipedia link to modern NiFe battery data makes the same claims too!

Sure is expensive though.

 

[GregLocock]

Um, that must be a differtent article to the one I read. It said that the self discharge rate is a big problem, so no tractors in the woods.

Cheers

Greg Locock

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

 

[IRstuff]

Depends on the definition of "still good."

Based on the Wikipedia article, one could envision that the battery could be topped off, recharged, and back in service, while a lead-acid battery would be permanently damaged.

TTFN

 

[GregLocock]

Fair enough, that's a reasonable interpretation.

Cheers

Greg Locock

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

 

[unclesyd]

I just checked today, there are 4 high lift fork trucks using Edison Batteries still in use. These trucks went in to service in the early 60's based on the inspection records. They will sit idle for long periods and require a top off charge unless they are at the charging station.

At one time we had over 70, now about 30, electric fork trucks using Edison Batteries but all have been converted to lead/acid or something.

 

[kontiki99]

I was referring to the BeUtilityFree brochure. There is a link at the bottom of the Wilki page.



Link