Mitigating the Ni-Cd Batteries Memory Effect: A Case Study of the Turbine Engine Emergency Lube Oil System

This paper addresses the challenges associated with the memory effect in Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries, particularly in critical applications such as turbine engine emergency lube oil systems. These systems are infrequently operated, which limits the regular discharge of the batteries over extended periods, thereby intensifying the memory effect and significantly diminishing their capacity. Initial tests revealed that the batteries delivered only 50% of their nominal capacity as a result of this phenomenon. To address the memory effect, an approach involving periodic charge and discharge systematically cycles was proposed and implemented. The effectiveness of this method was validated through a second autonomy test, during which the batteries successfully regained their nominal capacity. This approach offers a practical and efficient solution for ensuring the reliability and optimal performance of Ni-Cd batteries in emergency systems, where failure could lead to severe consequences, such as engine damage.