[Firebug-cvs] firebug/doc/chassis chassis.tex,NONE,1.1

[David M. D. <do...@us...>]

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.