Update of /cvsroot/firebug/firebug/doc/chassis
In directory sc8-pr-cvs1.sourceforge.net:/tmp/cvs-serv8134
Added Files:
chassis.tex
Log Message:
Added paragraph from Kevin.
--- NEW FILE: chassis.tex ---
When considering whether to use the Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd)
or Lithium Ion (Li-ion) batteries, we took into account
several factors, focusing on its ease of use and whether
there would be detrimental effects to the environment
given the proposed usage of these batteries. Since
firefighters will be placing these battery-powered
devices on their helmets, one issue is to have the
batteries be as light as possible. In this case, the
Li-Ion battery chemistry is much lighter than the
Nickel-Cadmium one, providing less of a burden on
firefighters. Now the idea of using rechargeable
batteries was so that firefighters would not have to
frequently open up the device and replace the AA
batteries. However, Ni-Cd batteries have what is
known as the memory effect, where partial
discharges will lead to a decrease in the capacity
of the battery. Thus, to combat the memory effect,
it is recommended that the Ni-Cd batteries be fully
discharged before recharging. If we were to require
firefighters to completely discharge the batteries
first each time, then this idea of using rechargeable
batteries would not be that much more convenient than
having to replace the AAs. Luckily, Li-Ion batteries
do not have this effect, and it is even recommended that
only partial discharges be made before recharging them.
Lastly, another concern was what effects the batteries
could have on the environment if they were burned up.
Again, the Li-Ion batteries prove to be the better choice,
as Ni-Cd batteries are toxic and harmful to the environment.
Li-Ion batteries do not even contain free lithium, thus
making them much safer for this particular use. Given
these considerations, Li-Ion batteries are much more
suitable than Ni-Cd batteries for this project.
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