Universal test-bench for charging/discharging of Ni-Cd and Ni-MH batteries

At present, Ni-Cd secondary batteries are the most used batteries in a large number of applications because of their high performance. Ultrafast charging in less than an hour is a very attractive service for users of such batteries, saving time and reducing the need for spares or larger batteries, but this requires a charge control more complex than conventional methods. In order to study how battery performances are modified as a function of the fast-charge method used, a test-bench for Ni-Cd and Ni-MH batteries has been developed. The proposed test-bench allows the realization of all types of charging/discharging tests although its main task is to perform fast-charge tests. Using a computer, a user-friendly program allows the setting of test parameters as well as microcontroller-based test automation. The system stores data from all cycles of the test: battery temperature; current; voltage; and environment temperature, for later dissemination