NiMH accumulator with low self-discharge

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A NiMH accumulator with low self-discharge ( English low self-discharge NiMH battery or short LSD-NiMH ) is a variant of nickel-metal hydride accumulators (NiMH), which is characterized by a considerably reduced self-discharge compared to conventional types . The high level of self-discharge previously made it largely impractical to use in devices that are supposed to be in standby for a long time (e.g. remote controls or flashlights). A workaround was the trickle charge , the batteries were kept permanently by low power in the charged state. This could take place both in chargers and in some consumers directly. NiMH accumulators with low self-discharge are available in the most common designs, Mignon (AA) , Micro (AAA) , Baby (C) , Mono (D) and 9 volt block (1604D or PP3).

history

1st generation Eneloop (Sanyo HR-3UTG)

The pioneer was the Japanese company Sanyo with the battery type introduced in November 2005 under the brand name Eneloop , which was improved in 2009 (2nd generation; recognizable by the A at the end of the type designation, e.g. HR-3UTGA instead of HR-3UTG and HR-4UTGA instead of HR-4UTG and the additionally printed symbol of a crown). In October 2012 the 3rd generation came on the market, recognizable by the B at the end of the type designation, e.g. B. HR-3UTGB (AA size) or HR-4UTGB (AAA size) and an additional line under the printed crown. Sanyo advertised with up to 1800 charging cycles (instead of 1500 for the 2nd generation) and further optimized (reduced) self-discharge.

Sanyo was bought by Panasonic at the end of 2009 , so that the Eneloop batteries have been offered by Panasonic and its subsidiary Sanyo ever since. However, there are now numerous similar products from other manufacturers on the market. In 2010 Sanyo brought out the Eneloop lite with a significantly higher number of cycles (3000) but lower capacity, which can withstand constant (over) charging better than others and is therefore suitable for cordless telephones . In 2011, Sanyo introduced a special feature, the Eneloop plus , which contains a PTC ( thermistor ) as a protective element but is only produced in AA size (model HR-3UPT). In the same year the Eneloop XX (only called Eneloop pro in Japan ) appeared with a higher capacity (2500 mAh) compared to the standard series, but which has significantly fewer charging cycles (500) and a higher self-discharge. The third generation of the Eneloop XX has been available in Germany since February 2013, which has a slightly lower self-discharge than the second generation and thus still has 85% of the charge after one year. In addition to the AA variant (model HR-3UWXB with 2550 mAh), an AAA variant with 950 mAh (min. 900 mAh) is now also available (model HR-4UWXB). Meanwhile (2014) Panasonic produces three Eneloop types of size AA and AAA for different applications (e.g. cycle stability). From this 4th generation onwards, Panasonic has completely changed the type designation. This is structured according to the following scheme:BK-[x][y]CC[z]

  • [x] is a natural number and stands for the size, possible values ​​are:
  • [y] is a letter and stands for the capacity class, which also represents the type of application intended by the developer, possible values ​​are:
    • M= Medium (application type universal , standard type)
    • H= High (application type pro )
    • L= Lite (application type Lite ).
  • [z] is a letter, possible values ​​are:
    • if no letter is given: made in Japan, only for japan. market
    • A: produced in Japan for North America. and Chinese market
    • E: produced in Japan, for the europ. and Russian market
    • E*: Made in China, for South America., Southeast Asia., Australia. and new Zealand. market

particularities

The special thing about these batteries is their very low self-discharge. The charge level of batteries usually begins immediately after the end of charging by the self-discharge to decrease, and therefore electronically controlled chargers then with low power, often in the form of short pulses, a trickle charge to perform. With conventional ( i.e. not LSD) batteries fresh from the factory, the charge loss is already around 10 percent in the first 24 to 48 hours and then between 15 and 50 percent per month. The self-discharge of used batteries can be more than 50 percent per week, even if the batteries otherwise still have their nominal capacity . On the other hand, LSD NiMH batteries lose only about 15 percent in the first month and then only about 15 percent of their charge per year (at an ambient temperature of 20 ° C). This is achieved by a new superlattice alloys ( superlattice alloy ) as an hydrogen-binding material for the cathode of NiMH batteries and a modified nickel alloy for the anode . Both reduce chemical decomposition and thus prevent self-discharge. The disadvantage is the lower capacity. While conventional NiMH batteries are available in AA format (Mignon) up to around 3000 mAh, LSD NiMH batteries of the same size only have around 2000–2200 mAh. It was not until 2009 that the German Ansmann AG with maxE Plus and in September 2010 by Sanyo with Eneloop XX (e.g. HR-3UWX-4BP) introduced LSD NiMH batteries with a capacity of 2500 mAh (according to the manufacturer) of conventional NiMH batteries, but with a significantly lower number of cycles (only 500) and a slightly higher self-discharge than with "normal" (standard) LSD batteries.

Long-term tests and user reports confirmed the low self-discharge. The now large number of imitation products confirms the success of the LSD variant of the NiMH battery.

LSD NiMH batteries are already (pre) charged when you buy them and can therefore be used immediately, which is not recommended when using individual battery cells in a set composed by the user because of the mostly (somewhat) unequal initial charge levels. This restriction does not apply to the set made up by the manufacturer (welded cells). For recharging, simple chargers intended for NiCd / NiMH batteries (usually with a low charge current) can be used without special electronics, although a higher number of recharge cycles can be achieved with intelligent, processor-controlled chargers, as u. a. the full battery detection and thus the charging end time is carried out individually for the battery used, which can prevent overcharging that could damage the battery.

The voltage curve during discharge of LSD NiMH batteries has been optimized for use in digital devices according to the manufacturer's instructions. This means that their (voltage) discharge curve is flatter and thus the necessary operating voltage is still available even at a low charge level and high inrush current, since LSD NiMH batteries usually have a lower internal resistance than conventional NiMH batteries. This explains why a lower voltage drop than z. B. occurs with alkaline batteries.

The disadvantage of the lower capacity - even compared to nominally higher capacity batteries - is not so significant, since the devices only switch off much later than with conventional batteries. In other words: A larger part of the capacity ( I × t in Ah) of the accumulator can be used energetically ( U × I × t in Wh). The discharge curve, which differs from that of conventional batteries, can, however, mean that the charge status indicators - for example in the case of digital cameras - may show that the remaining charge is too high. NiMH batteries are not suitable for operation at temperatures below 0 ° C, which is why the low temperature resistance of LSD NiMH batteries is worth mentioning using the example of the Eneloop (already the 1st generation from Sanyo), which was presented in the context of their then The product was launched in Australia in an ice bar.

NiMH batteries with low self-discharge

In the meantime, other providers have pre-charged and low self-discharging NiMH batteries in their range:

  • AccuCell AccuCell ready2use NiMH battery
  • AccuPower AccuLoop
  • Activ Energy 1 ( Aldi - trademark ) Ready to use, can be used immediately
  • Agfaphoto Direct Energy
  • Amazon Basics Pre-charged Ni-MH batteries
  • Ansmann maxE
  • Apple Battery Charger Kit (Labeled Eneloops)
  • Camelion AlwaysReady
  • CAP standby
  • Compit accu battery
  • Conrad energy (trademark) Endurance
  • Duracell ActiveCharge , Pre-Charged , StayCharged
  • Energizer NiMH, 1000x rechargeable
  • Fujitsu (Kraftmax) Hybrix / Hybrix Black
  • GP (original manufacturer) ReCyko +
  • Hahnel Synergy
  • Hama Ready for power (Ready4Power)
  • IKEA LADDA battery, rechargeable
  • Kodak Pre-Charged
  • Maha Powerex Imedion
  • Minwa Electronics eneReady
  • Nexcell EnergyON
  • Panasonic (original manufacturer since 4th generation) Eneloop , Infinium , Rechargeable Evolta , Stay Charged
  • Philips MultiLife Ready to use
  • Powergee Evolution Open & Use (Pre-Charged Rechargeable)
  • Rayovac Hybrid
  • Rubin ( Rossmann brand) Ready to use
  • Sanyo (original manufacturer up to the 3rd generation) Eneloop
  • Sony Cycle Energy Blue
  • Suppo Enekeep
  • Swissbatteries Accubattery
  • tecxus Ready to use
  • Tensai Ready to use
  • Titanium Enduro
  • tka Aeonium Powercell
  • Topcraft 2 ( Aldi brand) Low self-discharge
  • Tronic ( Lidl brand) Ready to use
  • UNiROSS HYBRIO
  • Vapextech Instant
  • Varta Ready to use , also pre-charged on packaging
  • Xavax Battery Like
  • XCell Innovate
  • Yuasa (original manufacturer) Enitime

1 current designation, 2 previous designation

Extensive comparison of the capacities of various accumulators and batteries for those interested in technology here.

These designations are not always independent developments, but mostly goods from an ( OEM ) manufacturer that are sold under their own brand names . Apart from Sanyo (Panasonic), who have not yet licensed their own technology, GP and Yuasa have developed a similar technology. All other providers are currently (as of 2007) batteries from one of these two manufacturers.

Eneloop comparison table

Mignon cells (AA) model Presented Max cycles Min. Capacity (mAh) Type. Capacity (mAh) Charge level after 1 day Charge level after 1 year Charge level after 2 years Charge level after 3 years Charge level after 5 years
Ordinary NiMH battery Sanyo 2700 HR-3UG unknown 1000 2500 2700 ≈80% ≈50% 0% 0% 0%
Eneloop 1st generation HR-3UTG Nov 2005 1000 1900 2000 n / A ≈80% n / A n / A n / A
Eneloop 2nd generation HR-3UTGA Oct 2009 1500 1900 2000 n / A ≈85% ≈80% ≈75% n / A
Eneloop 3rd generation HR-3UTGB Nov 2011 1800 1900 2000 n / A 90% > 80% 80% 65-70%
Panasonic Eneloop 4th generation BK-3MCCE Apr. 2013 2100 1900 2000 n / A 90% > 80% 80% 70%
(for 75% produced since May 2015 and up to 70% after up to 10 years)
Other AA eneloops model Presented Max cycles Min. Capacity (mAh) Type. Capacity (mAh) Charge level after 1 day Charge level after 1 year Charge level after 2 years Charge level after 3 years Charge level after 5 years
Sanyo Eneloop plus with PTC ( thermistor ) otherwise like 3rd generation HR-3UPT Nov 2011 1800 1900 2000 n / A unknown n / A n / A 65-70%
Sanyo Eneloop lite 2nd generation HR-3UQ June 2010 2000 950 1000 n / A 85% 80% 75% n / A
Panasonic Eneloop lite 4th generation BK-3LCCE Apr. 2013 3000 950 1000 n / A 90% > 80% 80% 70%
(for 75% produced since May 2015 and up to 70% after up to 10 years)
Sanyo Eneloop XX 1st generation HR-3UWX July 2011 500 2400 2500 n / A 75% n / A n / A n / A
Sanyo Eneloop XX 2nd generation HR-3UWXA May 2012 500 2400 2500 n / A 75% n / A n / A n / A
Sanyo Eneloop XX 3rd generation HR-3UWXB Oct. 2012 500 2450 2550 n / A 85% n / A n / A n / A
Panasonic Eneloop XX 3rd generation BK-3HCCE Apr. 2013 500 2450 2550 n / A 85% n / A n / A n / A
Panasonic Eneloop XX 4th generation BK-3HCDE Oct. 2015 500 2500 2550 n / A 85% n / A n / A n / A
Micro cells (AAA) model Presented Max cycles Min. Capacity (mAh) Type. Capacity (mAh) Charge level after 1 day Charge level after 1 year Charge level after 2 years Charge level after 3 years Charge level after 5 years
Ordinary NiMH battery Sanyo 1000 HR-4U unknown unknown 930 1000 ≈80% ≈50% 0% 0% 0%
Sanyo Eneloop 1st generation HR-4UTG Nov 2005 1000 750 800 n / A ≈80% n / A n / A n / A
Sanyo Eneloop 2nd generation HR-4UTGA May 2010 1500 750 800 n / A ≈85% ≈80% ≈75% n / A
Sanyo Eneloop 3rd generation HR-4UTGB Nov 2011 1800 750 800 n / A 90% > 80% 80% 65-70%
Panasonic Eneloop 4th generation BK-4MCCE Apr. 2013 2100 750 800 n / A 90% > 80% 80% 70%
(for 75% produced since May 2015 and up to 70% after up to 10 years)
Sanyo Eneloop lite 2nd generation HR-4UQ June 2010 2000 500 600 n / A 85% 80% 75% n / A
Panasonic Eneloop lite 4th generation BK-4LCCE Apr. 2013 3000 500 600 n / A 90% > 80% 80% 70%
(for 75% produced since May 2015 and up to 70% after up to 10 years)
Sanyo Eneloop XX 3rd generation HR-4UWXB Oct. 2012 500 900 950 n / A 85% n / A n / A n / A
Panasonic Eneloop XX 3rd generation BK-4HCCE Apr. 2013 500 900 950 n / A 85% n / A n / A n / A
Panasonic Eneloop Pro 4th generation BK-4HCDE Oct. 2015 500 930 950 n / A 85% n / A n / A n / A
Baby cells (C) model Presented Max cycles Min. Capacity (mAh) Type. Capacity (mAh) Charge level after 1 day Charge level after 1 year Charge level after 2 years Charge level after 3 years Charge level after 5 years
Sanyo Eneloop 1st generation HR-2UTG 2007 1000 3000 3200 n / A unknown n / A n / A n / A
Panasonic Eneloop 4th generation BK-2MGC Apr. 2013 1000 3000 3200 n / A 85% n / A n / A 70%
(for 75% produced since May 2015 and up to 70% after up to 10 years)
Mono cells (D) model Presented Max cycles Min. Capacity (mAh) Type. Capacity (mAh) Charge level after 1 day Charge level after 1 year Charge level after 2 years Charge level after 3 years Charge level after 5 years
Sanyo Eneloop 1st generation HR-1UTG 2007 1800? 5700 6000 n / A unknown n / A n / A n / A
Panasonic Eneloop 4th generation BK-1MGC Apr. 2013 1000 5700 6000 n / A 85% n / A n / A 70%
(for 75% produced since May 2015 and up to 70% after up to 10 years)

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Frequently asked questions about the eneloop batteries. Panasonic, archived from the original on July 14, 2014 ; accessed on November 23, 2014 .
  2. ↑ Jürgen Rink: Full load. Nickel metal hydride batteries with reduced self-discharge. In: c't magazine. No. 22, 2007, p. 170 ff.
  3. ↑ Jürgen Rink: Perseverance. Long-term test of NiMH batteries with reduced self-discharge. In: c't magazine. No. 15, 2009, p. 152 ff.
  4. ↑ Dry-cell vs. eneloop - The eneloop advantage. Panasonic, accessed January 25, 2019 .
  5. ↑ Sanyo eneloop: Temperature dependence of LSD-NiMH batteries. (PDF) (No longer available online.) Marc Poncioni, December 2009, archived from the original on September 3, 2014 ; Retrieved November 24, 2014 . Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. @1@ 2Template: Webachiv / IABot / www.slowflyer.ch
  6. ↑ The structure of the new AccuCell batteries. (PDF) AccuCell Germany, September 14, 2001, accessed December 7, 2017 .
  7. ↑ Comprehensive capacity comparison of AA and AAA alkaline / lithium batteries and NiMH batteries with selectable currents. Retrieved November 24, 2014 .
  8. ↑ Jürgen Rink: Energy reserve: Nickel metal hydride batteries with reduced self-discharge. (No longer available online.) Heise mobil, November 26, 2007, formerly in the original ; Retrieved November 24, 2014 .  ( Page no longer available , search in web archives )  Info: The link was automatically marked as defective. Please check the link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.@1@ 2Template: Toter Link / heise.de  
  9. ^ Incredibly Long Storage Life. (No longer available online.) Archived from the original on August 29, 2015 ; Retrieved on August 13, 2015 (English, edited, incorrect information in "Regular Rechargeable", correct: only 50% after 1 year). Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. @1@ 2Template: Webachiv / IABot / panasonic.net
  10. ↑ Sanyo eneloop HR-3UTGA data sheet ( English , PDF) Retrieved on November 23, 2014.
  11. ↑ Sanyo eneloop HR-3UTGB data sheet ( English , PDF) Retrieved on November 23, 2014.
  12. ↑ Panasonic eneloop BK-3MCCE data sheet ( English , PDF) Retrieved on November 23, 2014.
  13. ↑ a b c d e f Panasonic eneloop maintains 70% of their charge for up to 10 years. Retrieved August 13, 2015 .
  14. ↑ Sanyo eneloop lite HR-3UQ data sheet ( English , PDF) Retrieved on December 23, 2012.
  15. ↑ Panasonic eneloop BK-3LCCE data sheet ( English , PDF) Retrieved on November 23, 2014.
  16. ↑ Sanyo's eneloop Series Expands with New-Type Batteries (PDF) Archived from the original on February 11, 2014. Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. Retrieved November 23, 2014. @1@ 2Template: Webachiv / IABot / www.panasonic.net
  17. ↑ a b Panasonic eneloop BK-3HCCE data sheet ( English , PDF) Retrieved on November 23, 2014.
  18. ↑ Sanyo eneloop HR-4UTGB data sheet ( English , PDF) Retrieved on November 23, 2014.
  19. ↑ Panasonic eneloop BK-4MCCE data sheet ( English , PDF) Retrieved on November 23, 2014.
  20. ↑ Sanyo eneloop lite HR-4UQ data sheet ( English , PDF) Retrieved on November 23, 2014.
  21. ↑ Panasonic eneloop BK-4LCCE data sheet ( English , PDF) Retrieved on November 23, 2014.
  22. ↑ Sanyo eneloop HR-4UWXB data sheet ( English , PDF) Retrieved on November 23, 2014.
  23. ↑ Panasonic eneloop BK-4HCCE data sheet ( English , PDF) Retrieved on November 23, 2014.