Searching for info on NIFE cells

 This morning I have got about 20 NIFE LCP 1.2 V cells probably used in
military equipment.The size of these cells is approx. 19.5 cm high, 6
cm width 13 cm deep. I assume that these cell are about 15 years old.
Visually they look like new. Cap might be about 45 amp hours? Does
anyone have some additional information on these cells? I like to
exchange the electrolyte in it. Which electrolyte has been used in
these batteries? In how far is the content toxic or dangerous? Can I
combine these cells to a 12 V battery?

Your comments are very much appreciated!

With best regards,

Fred

 
fredje110@hotmail.com wrote:

Did the same thing myself with some NiCds. Look closer on the
batteries. There WILL be a product number of some sort on them,
somewhere. Run that through AltaVista or Google, and something will
come up.

DJ

Found this on NiFe batteries, though, at WindSun
(http://www.windsun.com/Batteries/Battery_types.htm ):

NiFe (Nickel Iron)

Energy storage density = 55 watts per kilogram
Alkaline-type electric cells using potassium hydroxide as the
electrolyte and anodes of steel wool substrate with active iron
material and cathodes of nickel plated steel wool substrate with active
nickel material. This is the original "Edison Cell". Very long life.

..."Our experience with customers using alkaline batteries in stand
alone AE systems suggests that they may have as many drawbacks as
advantages when compared to lead-acid type batteries. We suggest that
potential alkaline users evaluate the economics and performance claims
carefully to determine the suitability of any battery being
considered..."
Christopher Freitas Trace Engineering

[NOTE: Chris run OutBack Powersystems now... DJ]

Downsides:

   1. Low efficiency - may be as low as 50%, typically 60-65%.
   2. very high rate of self-discharge
   3. high gassing/water consumption
   4. high internal resistance means you can get large voltage drops
across series cells.
   5. high specific weight/volume

This also means that the output voltage varies with load and charge
much more than other batteries. If you are using an inverter, the
inverter needs to be designed with these voltage swings in mind. You
may not be able to use NiFe's if your system depends on a stable
voltage, for example if you are running certain common DC appliances
such as a refrigerator directly off the batteries. Also when using
NiFe's to power DC lighting, you will notice the light intensity
fluctuates. One could always use a voltage regulator to feed those
appliances that need it, but that would decrease the efficiency even
more.

Currently, it appears that the only source for new NiFe batteries is
from Hungary, and we have heard mixed reports on them. In short, we do
not recommend them unless they are nearly free. The high losses in
charging and discharging will add an extra 25-40% to the size of the
solar panels you will need for the same energy usage.
In short, despite some hype about long life and thousands of cycles, we
feel that overall these batteries are a poor choice for nearly all
solar applications.