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NI-MH Handbook English Industrial Batteries SAFETY, LONG-LIFE AND POWER! PANASONIC BATTERIES PANASONIC INDUSTRIAL EUROPE Panasonic Corporation, foun­­­ded in Osaka 1918, is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of quality electronic and electrical equipment. Its subsidiary, Panasonic Industrial Europe GmbH (PIE) deals with a wide diversified range of in­dus­trial products for all European countries. This company was formed in 1998 to strengthen Panasonic’s Pan-European industry operation, and today is active in such different business fields as Automotive, Audio/Video & Communication, Appliance and Industry & Devices to satisfy its customer’s needs. Panasonic quality – certified by authorised companies. We are able to offer you a wide range of individual power Panasonic Energy Company (PEC) started its battery produc- When it comes to production our facilities employ leading solu­tions for portable and stationary applications. Our prod­uct tion in 1931. Today PEC is the most diversified global battery edge manufacturing processes meeting the highest quality range includes high reliability batteries such as Lithium-Ion, manu­facturer with a network of 16 manufacturing companies standards. Our factories are certified to ISO standards. This Lithium, Nickel-Metal-Hy­dride, Valve-Regu­l ated-Lead-Acid in 14 countries. More than 12,600 employees are dedicated means that each factory has its own quality and environ­ (VRLA), Alkaline and Zinc-Carbon. Based on this battery to the research & development and in the production of new mental management. The ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 series are range we can power your busi­ness in virtually all applications. batteries for a new world. the minimum benchmarks that ensure our excellent product reliability. PIE Organisation Divisions Factory Solutions Furthermore the majority of our factories is also certified to Automotive OHSAS 18001 (Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series), an international standard for assessing a management system for occupational safety. This confirms that our Audio/Video & Communication PMG (Product Marketing Group) factories have been proactive in putting the occupational health and safety of its staff at the centre of the com­pany‘s dealings. In addition our VRLA batteries are for example approved to German VdS standard and U.S. UL standard. Industry & Devices 2 Appliance 3 ‘eco ideas’ Strategy Panasonic leads the way … with ‘eco ideas’ Pursuing coexistence with the global environment in its business vision, Panasonic places reduction of the environmental impact in all its business activities as one of the important themes in its mid-term management plan. In its ‘eco ideas’ Strategy, which focuses in particular on rapid implementation of measures to prevent global warming and global promotion of environmental sustainability management, Panasonic is advancing three key initiatives: ‘eco ideas’ for Manufacturing, ‘eco ideas’ for Products, and ‘eco ideas’ for Everybody, Everywhere. ‘eco ideas’ for Manufacturing Our plans Our plans We will produce energy-efficient pro­ We will encourage the spread of environ­ our manufacturing sites. ducts. mental activities throughout the world. Our goals Our goals In each of our factories a CO2 emissions In March 2010 at least 20 products with Intensive commitment on the part of the of 10% reduction till 2010. the ‘Superior Green Products‘ classifi- company owners, international coopera- cation should be available. tions and involvement of the employees. Our measures Our factories are evaluated with regard to 4 Our plans ‘eco ideas’ for Everybody, Everywhere We will reduce CO2 emissions across all Our goals The Panasonic ‘eco ideas’ House ‘eco ideas’ for Products Our measures Our measures CO2 emission, waste disposal, recycling The developers at Panasonic carry out Not only do we sponsor the work of the measures as well as chemical and water an environmental impact assessment WWF for the Arctic, Panasonic has also consumption within the scope of the for all our products. Products that meet launched a couple of other environmen- ‘Clean Factory’ program and they are set the highest environmental requirements tal initiatives such as the ECO RELAY ini­ performance targets according to these in the branch with regard to conservation tiative in which hundreds of colleagues indicators. of energy and energy efficiency are the world over take part voluntarily for classified as a ‘Superior Green Product’ several days in environmental campaigns. Example We are approaching a global turning The concept of this ‘eco ideas’ House corner and it would not be an ex­ag­ can be described as follows: The Wakayama Plant of the Energy Com­ geration to call it the ‘Environmental 1. Virtually zero CO2 emissions in an pany is strengthening its management Industrial Revolution’. Based on this entire house envisaged in three to structure to cut CO 2 emissions from the rec­­­og­­­nition, Panasonic has built an five years into the future main production bases for Lithium-Ion We have dispensed with the use of Panasonic arranged a battery collection and awarded the Panasonic logo ‘eco ideas’. Example Example With the support of the GRS Batterien (German Battery Recycling Association) ‘eco ideas’ House on the premise of our 2. Synergy of technology and nature batteries, which are a core component of highly toxic Lithium Thionyl Chloride in day with the aim of collecting as many of showroom, Panasonic Center Tokyo in Aforementioned concepts shows that Panasonic’s energy business. As a result, the production of our Lithium batteries. these spent energy sources as possible April 2009 in order to help create a Panasonic is not only aware of it´s en­vi­­­- it has succeeded in roughly halving CO2 This is quite rightly classified as highly and giving out information about the carbon-free society and reduce CO2 ron­mental responsibility moreover emissions per production unit, as well as toxic and should never under any cir- recycling loop of batteries from which emissions from a household sector. this Panasonic takes action. sharply curbing an increase in CO2 emis­ cumstances be released into the envi- valuable raw materials such as Zinc, sions even as production has expanded. ronment. Manganese and Iron can be recovered. 5 Index Chapter 1 Page Precautions for designing devices with Ni-MH batteries In order to take full advantage of the properties of Ni-MH Trickle charging (continuous charging) batteries and also to prevent problems due to improper use, Trickle charging cannot be used with Ni-MH batteries, except Charging 7 please note the following points during the use and design of specific high temperature batteries (please contact Panasonic Discharging 7 battery operated products. to get more information). However, after applying a refresh Storage 8 Service life of batteries 8 Design of products which use batteries 8–9 Prohibited items regarding the battery handling 9 – 10 Charging temperature Other precautions 10 Charge batteries within an ambient temperature range of Ni-MH battery transportation situation 10 0°C to 40°C. Ambient temperature during charging affects Note: ‘CmA’ Final point to keep in mind 10 charging efficiency. As charging efficiency is best within a During charging and discharging, ‘CmA’ is a value indicating 11 temperature range of 10°C to 30°C, whenever possible place current and expressed as a multiple of nominal capacity. 2 Product safety data sheet 3 Ni-MH batteries 4 Precautions for Designing Devices with Ni-MH Batteries charge using a rapid charge, use a trickle charge of 0.033CmA Charging to 0.05CmA. Also, to avoid overcharging with trickle charge, which could damage the cell characteristics, a timer measuring the total charge time should be used. the charger (battery pack) in a location within this tempera- Substitute ‘C’ with the battery’s nominal capacity when calcu- Overview 12 ture range. lating. For example, for a 1500mAh battery of 0.033CmA, this Construction 12 At temperatures below 0°C the gas absorption reaction is value is equal to 1/30 x 1500, or roughly 50mA. Applications 12 not adequate, causing gas pressure inside the battery to rise, Structure of Ni-MH batteries 13 which can activate the safety vent and lead to leakage of The principle of electrochemical reaction involved in Ni-MH batteries 13 – 14 alkaline gas and deterioration in battery performance. Features 14 Charging efficiency drops at temperatures above 40°C. This Discharge temperature Five main characteristics 14 – 16 can disrupt full charging and lead to deterioration in perform- Discharge batteries within an ambient temperature range of ance and battery leakage. -10°C to +45°C. Charge methods for Ni-MH batteries Charge methods 17 – 18 Ni-MH high-temperature series recommended charge for back-up power applications 18 1 Discharging Discharge current level (i. e. the current at which a battery is Parallel charging of batteries discharged) affects discharging efficiency. Discharging effi- 5 Battery selection 19 Sufficient care must be taken during the design of the ciency is good within a current rangeof 0.1CmA to 2CmA. 6 Specification table 20 charger when charging batteries connected in parallel. Discharge capacity drops at temperatures below -10°C or 7 Individual data sheets 21 – 44 Consult Panasonic when parallel charging is required. above +45°C. Such decreases in discharge capacity can lead 8 Battery packs 45 9 Glossary of terms for Ni-MH batteries 46 – 47 to deterioration in battery performance. Reverse charging Never attempt reverse charging. Charging with polarity Overdischarge (deep discharge) reversed can cause a reversal in battery polarity causing gas Since overdischarging (deep discharge) damages the battery pressure inside the battery to rise, which can activate the safety characteristics, do not forget to turn off the switch when vent, lead to alkaline electrolyte leakage, rapid deterioration discharging, and do not leave the battery connected to the in battery performance, battery swelling or battery rupture. equipment for long periods of time. Also, avoid shipping the battery installed in the equipment. Overcharging Avoid overcharging. Repeated overcharging can lead to High-current discharging deterioration in battery performance. (‘Overcharging’ means As high-current discharging can lead to heat generation and charging a battery when it is already fully charged.) decreased discharging efficiency, consult Panasonic before attempting continuous discharging or pulse discharging at Rapid charging currents larger than 2CmA. To charge batteries rapidly, use the specified charger (or charging method recommended by Panasonic) and follow the correct procedures. 6 7 1 Precautions for Designing Devices with Ni-MH Batteries Precautions for Designing Devices with Ni-MH Batteries Storage Service life with long-term use Temperature related the position of batteries in products Short-circuiting Because batteries are chemical products involving internal Excessively high temperatures (i.e. higher than 45°C) can Never attempt to short-circuit a battery. Doing so can damage Storage temperature and humidity (short-term) chemical reactions, performance deteriorates not only with cause alkaline electrolyte to leak from the battery, thus the product and generate heat that can cause burns. Store batteries in a dry location with low humidity, no corro- use but also during prolonged storage. damaging the product and shorten battery life by causing sive gases, and at a temperature range of -20°C to +45°C. Normally, a battery will last 2 years (or 500 cycles) if used deterioration in the separator or other battery parts. Install Throwing batteries into a fire or water Storing batteries in a location where humidity is extremely under proper conditions and not overcharged or overdis- batteries far from heat-generating parts of the product. The Disposing of a battery in fire can cause the battery to rupture. high or where temperatures fall below -20°C or rise above charged. However, failure to satisfy conditions concerning best battery position is in a battery compartment that is Also avoid placing batteries in water, as this causes batteries +45°C can lead to the rusting of metallic parts and battery charging, discharging, temperature and other factors during composed of an alkaline-resistant material which isolates to cease to function. leakage due to expansion or contraction in parts composed actual use can lead to shortened life (or cycle life) damage to the batteries from the product’s circuitry. This prevents of organic materials. products and deterioration in performance due to leakage and damage that may be caused by a slight leakage of alkaline Soldering shortened service life. electrolyte from the battery. Never solder anything directly to a battery. This can destroy Long-term storage (1 year, -20°C to +35°C) Because long-term storage can accelerate battery self- the safety features of the battery by damaging the safety vent Design of Products Which Use Batteries discharge and lead to the deactivation of reactants, locations Discharge end voltage inside the cap. The discharge end voltage is determined by the formula given where the temperature ranges between +10°C and +30°C are Connecting batteries and products below. Please set the end voltage of each battery at 1.1 volts Inserting the batteries with their polarities reversed suitable for long-term storage. Never solder a lead wire and other connecting materials or less. Never insert a battery with the positive and negative poles When charging for the first time after long-term storage, directly to the battery, as doing so will damage the battery’s deactivation of reactants may lead to increased battery voltage internal safety vent, separator, and other parts made of Number of batteries arranged serially and decreased battery capacity. Restore such batteries to organic materials. To connect a battery to a product, spot- 1 to 6 (Number of batteries x 1.0) V Overcharging at high currents and reverse charging original performance by repeating several cycles of charging weld a tab made of nickel or nickel-plated steel to the 7 to 12 (Number of batteries - 1) x 1.2) V Never reverse charge or overcharge with high currents (i.e. and discharging. battery’s terminal strip, then solder a lead wire to the tab. When storing batteries for more than 1 year, charge at least Perform soldering in as short a time as possible. Overdischarge (deep discharge) prevention increased gas pressure, thus causing batteries to swell or once a year to prevent leakage and deterioration in perform- Use caution in applying pressure to the terminals in cases Overdischarging (deep discharging) or reverse charging rupture. ance due to selfdischarging. where the battery pack can be separated from the equip- damages the battery characteristics. In order to prevent Charging with an unspecified charger or specified charger ment. damage associated with forgetting to turn off the switch or that has been modified can cause batteries to swell or leaving the battery in the equipment for extended periods, rupture. Be sure to indicate this safety warning clearly in all Service Life of Batteries reversed as this can cause the battery to swell or rupture. higher than rated). Doing so causes rapid gas generation and Material for terminals in products using the batteries preventative options should be incorporated in the equip- operating instructions as a handling restriction for ensuring Cycle life Because small amounts of alkaline electrolyte can leak from ment. At the same time, it is recommended that leakage safety. Batteries used under proper conditions of charging and the battery seal during extended use or when the safety vent current is minimized. Also, the battery should not be shipped discharging can be used 500 cycles or more. Significantly is activated during improper use, a highly alkaline-resistant inside the equipment. reduced service time in spite of proper charging means that material should be used for a product’s contact terminals in the life of the battery has been exceeded. order to avoid problems due to corrosion. Also, at the end of service life, an increase in internal resistance, or an internal short-circuit failure may occur. Chargers and charging circuits should therefore be designed to ensure safety in the event of heat generated upon battery failure at the end of service life. 1 High alkaline-resistant metals Nickel, stainless steel, nickel-plated steel, etc. compartment) Prohibited Items Regarding the Battery Handling Always avoid designing airtight battery compartments. In some cases, gases (oxygen, hydrogen) may be given off, and there is a danger of the batteries bursting or rupturing in the Low alkaline-resistant metals Tin, aluminum, zinc, copper, brass, etc. Installation in equipment (with an airtight battery Panasonic assumes no responsibility for problems resulting presence of a source of ignition (sparks generated by a motor from batteries handled in the following manner. switch, etc.). Disassembly Use of batteries for other purposes Never disassemble a battery, as the electrolyte inside is Do not use a battery in an appliance or purpose for which it strong alkaline and can damage skin and clothes. was not intended. Differences in specifications can damage (Note that stainless steel generally results in higher contact resistance.) the battery or appliance. 8 9 1 Precautions for Designing Devices with Ni-MH Batteries Short-circuiting of battery packs PRODUCT SAFETY DATA SHEET 2 Final Point to keep in Mind Special caution is required to prevent short circuits. Care must be taken during the design of the battery pack shape to In order to ensure safe battery use and to prolong the battery ensure batteries cannot be inserted in reverse. Also, caution performance, please consult Panasonic regarding charge must be given to certain structures or product terminal and discharge conditions for use and product design prior to shapes which can make short-circuiting more likely. the release of a battery-operated product. PRODUCT SAFETY DATA SHEET*1 Manufacturer Name of Company: Panasonic Corporation Energy Company Address: 1-1, Matsushita-cho, Moriguchi, Osaka 570-8511 Japan Document number: PMH-PSDS-100129E Issued: Jan, 29 th , 2010 Avoid using old and new batteries together. Also avoid Name of product: Nickel-Metal-Hydride Storage Battery using these batteries with ordinary dry-cell batteries, (Model Name) The models described as HHR-***** Using old and new batteries together Ni-Cd batteries or with another manufacturer’s batteries. Differences in various characteristic values, etc., can cause damage to batteries or the product. Other Precautions Batteries should always be charged prior to use. Be sure to charge correctly. Ni-MH battery transportation situation*1 Substance identification Substance: Nickel-Metal-Hydride Storage Battery CAS No.: Not Specified. UN Class: Classified as UN3028, but they are exempted from Dangerous Goods pursuant to UN Special Provision as below. Not restricted, as per Special Provision A123 [Special Provision 304] (UN Recommendations on the TRANSPORT OF DANGEROUS GOODS Model Regulations Volume 1. 15th revised edition) Battery, dry, containing corrosive electrolyte which will not flow out of the battery if the battery case is cracked are not subject to these Regulations provided the batteries are securely packed and protected against short-circuits. Examples of such batteries are: Alkali-Manganese, Zinc-Carbon, Nickel-Metal-Hy­dride and Nickel-Cadmium batteries. Ecological information Transport by sea Heavy metal quantity for cell: Hg < 0.5ppm Measurement Analysis: Atomic Absorption Spectrometer Ni-MH batteries are classified as no dangerous goods under Cd < 5.0ppm Measurement Analysis: Atomic Absorption Spectrometer Pb < 40ppm Measurement Analysis: Atomic Absorption Spectrometer IMDG-Code 34-08 (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code), vaild until 31.12.2011. From 01.01.2012 new UN 3496 takes place under IMDG-Code 1. During the transportation of a large amount of batteries by ship, trailer or railway, do not leave them in the places of high temperatures and do not allow them to be exposed to dew condensation. 35-10 with Special Provision 963. Ni-MH batteries are then 2. Avoid transportation with the possibility of the collapse of cargo piles and the packing damage. classified as dangerous goods in class 9. Batteries shall be 3. Protect the terminals of batteries and prevent them from short circuit so as not to cause dangerous heat securely packed and protected from short circuit. When loaded in a cargo transport unit with 100kg gross mass or more, special stowage is requested away from heat source. Furthermore an information on the IMO (International Maritime Organization) document is required. generation. Regulatory information - IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations 51th Edition Effective 1 January – 31 December 2010 - ICAO Technical Instructions for the safe transport of dangerous goods by air - IATA (A123) for air shipment and IMDG (Special Provision) for sea shipment under UN3028 Transport by air Others As of today there are no fixed regulations for the worldwide References transportation of Ni-MH batteries by air. - Ni-Cd, Ni-MH Panasonic Catalogue and technical handbook. Transport by road As of today there are no fixed regulations for the worldwide transportation of Ni-MH batteries by road. 10 Transport information *1 The aforementioned information is subject to change without any notice. - MSDS of Nickel hydro oxide and potassium hydro oxide and sodium hydro oxide from supplier. - Recommendations on the TRANSPORT OF DANGEROUS GOODS Model Regulations Volume 1. 15th revised edition. - I ATA Dangerous Goods Regulations 51th Edition Effective 1 January – 31 December 2010 - Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (Approved and published by decision of the Council of ICAO) 2003-2004 Edition *1 The aforementioned PSDS is only an extract. Please contact Panasonic to get the complete version. 11 3 Ni-MH Batteries Ni-MH Batteries 3 Structure of Ni-MH Batteries 1 2 1 Positive pole 2 Top plate 3 Gasket 4 Safety vent 5 Collector 6 Separator 7 Cathode (nickel hydroxide) 8 Negative pole (cell can) 9 Anode (hydrogen – absorbing alloy) 10 Insulation plate 11 Exhaust gas hole 12 Tube 11 11 3 10 4 5 12 6 9 7 8 10 Overview The Principle of Electrochemical Reaction Involved in Ni-MH Batteries Ni-MH batteries employ nickel hydroxide for the positive More and more electric products with sophisticated func- existing Panasonic Ni-MH cells to the negative plate alloy and tions require extremely compact and light battery solutions separator fiber density. A different electrolyte composition Hydrogen-absorbing alloys in a hydrogen-absorbing alloy for the negative electrode, delivering a high level of energy density. To meet these was achieved to improve performance. Superior long-life Hydrogen-absorbing alloys have a comparatively short and an aqueous solution consisting mainly of potassium needs Panasonic Ni-MH batteries have been developed and char­acteristics can be achieved when combined with appro- history which dates back about 20 years to the discovery of hydroxide for the electrolyte. Their charge and discharge manufactured with nickel hydroxide for the positive electrode priate intermittent charge control circuitry. The intermittent NiFe, MgNi and LaNi5 alloys. They are capable of absorbing reactions are shown below. and hydrogen-absorbing alloys, capable of absorbing and charge consumes 1/30 the electricity compared to trickle hydrogen equivalent to about a thousand times of their own releasing hydrogen at high-density levels, for the negative charge and more than doubles the expected life of the volume, generating metal hydrides and also of releasing the electrode. The Ni-MH battery technology is nowadays the Ni-Cd Ni-MH cells compared to Ni-Cd cells that have been trickle hydrogen that they absorbed. These hydrogen-absorbing (nickel cadmium) successor technology for rechargeable and charged. alloys combine metal (A) whose hydrides generate heat th portable devices. All of our Ni-MH batteries are cadmiumfree, in order not to be harmful to human beings and our applications endothermically to produce the suitable binding energy so that hydrogen can be absorbed and released at or around Panasonic Ni-MH batteries can either be used for standard Construction electrode similar to Ni-Cd batteries. The hydrogen is stored exothermically with metal (B) whose hydrides generate heat environment. Positive electrode: Ni(OH)2 + OH- Negative electrode: M + H2O + e- normal temperature and pressure levels. Depending on applications with a moderate ambient temperature or for how metals A and B are combined, the alloys are classified applications which requires high temperature resistance. into the following types: AB (TiFe, etc.), AB2 (ZnMn2, etc.), Ni-MH batteries consist of a positive plate containing nickel AB5 (LaNi5, etc.) and A 2B (Mg2Ni, etc.). From the perspective Overall reaction: Ni(OH)2 + M Charge Discharge Charge Discharge Charge Discharge NiOOH + H2O + eMHab + OH- NiOOH + MHab (M: hydrogen-absorbing alloy; Hab: absorbed hydrogen) hydroxide as its principal active material, a negative plate Standard ambient temperature of charge and discharge efficiency and durability, the field mainly composed of hydrogen-absorbing alloys, a separator E-Bikes, Pedelecs, Scooters, Golf-Trollies, Powertools, Grape- of candidate metals suited for use as electrodes in storage made of fine fibers, an alkaline electrolyte, a metal case and a Cutters, Multimeters, Voting Machine, Barcode Readers, batteries is now being narrowed down to AB5 type alloys in sealing plate provided with a self-resealing safety vent. Their Hand­held Scanners, Labelprinters, Vacuum Cleaners, Muscle which rare-earth metals, especially metals in the lanthanum As can be seen by the overall reaction given above, the chief basic structure is identical to that of Ni-Cd batteries. With Electro-Stimulations, Toothbrushes, etc. group, and nickel serve as the host metals; and to AB2 type characteristics of the principle behind a Ni-MH battery is that alloys in which the titanium and nickel serve as the host hydrogen moves from the positive to the negative electrode cylindrical Ni-MH batteries, the positive and negative plates 12 Principle of electrochemical reaction involved in batteries are divided by the separator, wound into a coil, inserted into High temperature resistance (for back-up use) metals. Panasonic is now focusing its attention on AB5 during charge and reverse during discharge, with the elec- the case, and sealed by the sealing plate through an electrically Combined Solar Applications, Portable Medical Devices, POS type alloys which feature high capacity, excellent charge trolyte taking no part in the reaction; which means that there insulated gasket, see page 13. Terminals, Emergency Light for buildings and trains, Elevator and discharge efficiency, and excellent cycle life. It has is no accompanying increase or decrease in the electrolyte. Panasonic expands the line of Ni-MH cells that are superior Safety Systems, etc. developed, and is now employing its own MmNi5 alloy which A model of this battery’s charge and discharge mechanism to standard Ni-MH products in applications with low-rate uses Mm (misch metal – an alloy consisting of a mixture of is shown in the figure on the following page. These are the charge at high temperatures. Improvements were made in rare-earth elements) for metal A. useful reactions taking place at the respective boundary 13 3 Ni-MH Batteries Ni-MH Batteries 3 faces of the positive and negative electrodes, and to assist Cycle life equivalent to 500 charge and discharge cycles charge methods for details on how to charge the batteries, same as for Ni-Cd batteries. The discharge voltage and one in understanding the principle, the figure shows how the Like Ni-Cd batteries, Ni-MH batteries can be repeatedly see page 17–18. discharge efficiency decrease in proportion as the current reactions proceed by the transfer of protons (H+). charged and discharged for about 500 cycles. (example: IEC The hydrogen-absorbing alloy negative electrode success- charge and discharge conditions) rises or the temperature drops. As with Ni-Cd batteries, Charge characteristics fully reduces the gaseous oxygen given off from the positive repeated charge and discharge of these batteries under high discharge cut-off voltage conditions (more than 1.1V electrode during overcharge by sufficiently increasing the Rapid charge in approx. 1 hour per cell) causes a drop in the discharge voltage (which capacity of the negative electrode which is the same method Ni-MH batteries can be rapidly charged in about an hour is sometimes accompanied by a simultaneous drop in employed by Ni-Cd batteries. using a specially designed charger. capacity). The discharge characteristics can be restored by By keeping the battery’s internal pressure constant in this manner, it is possible to seal the battery. charge and discharge to a discharge end voltage of down to Excellent discharge characteristics 1.0V per cell. Since the internal resistance of Ni-MH batteries is low, Schematic discharge of Ni-MH battery Discharge characteristics continuous high-rate discharge up to 3CmA is possible. Charge temperature characteristics at 1C charge Discharge temperature characteristics at 1C discharge Features Five Main Characteristics Similarity with Ni-Cd batteries These batteries have similar discharge characteristics to As with Ni-Cd batteries, Ni-MH batteries have five main those of Ni-Cd batteries. characteristics: charge, discharge, storage life, cycle life and Charge temperature characteristics at various charge rates safety. Double the energy density of conventional batteries Ni-MH batteries have approximately double the capacity 1. Charge characteristics compared with Panasonic’s standard Ni-Cd batteries. The charge characteristics of Ni-MH batteries are affected by current, time and temperature. The battery voltage rises when the charge current is increased or when the temperature is low. The charge efficiency differs depending on the current, time, temperature and other factors. Ni-MH batteries should be charged at a temperature ranging from 0°C to 40°C using a constant current of 1C or less. The charge efficiency is particularly good at a temperature of 10°C to 14 30°C. Repeated charge at high or low temperatures causes 2. Discharge characteristics the battery performance to deteriorate. Furthermore, repeated The discharge characteristics of Ni-MH batteries are overcharge should be avoided since it will downgrade the affected by current, temperature, etc., and the discharge battery performance. Refer to the section on recommended voltage characteristics are flat at 1.2V, which is almost the 15 3 Ni-MH Batteries Discharge temperature characteristics Charge Methods for Ni-MH Batteries Cycle life characteristics Charge Methods 4 6. dT/dt value: Approx. 1 to 2°C/min. When a rise in the battery temperature per unit time is detected by a thermistor Charge is the process of restoring a discharged battery to or other type of temperature sensor during rapid charge, and its original capacity. In order for a battery to be usable for a the prescribed temperature rise is sensed, rapid charge is long period of time, it must be charged via the proper charge stopped and the charge method is switched over to trickle method. Various methods are used to charge recharge- charge. able cells, but Panasonic recommends the charge methods described below to charge its Ni-MH batteries. 7. Temperature cut-off (TCO): 55°C (for A and AA size), 50°C (for AAA size), 60°C (for L-A, LfatA and SC size). The cycle 1. Rapid charge current: 1CmA (rapid charge temperature life and other characteristics of batteries are impaired if the range: 0°C to 40°C). In order to exercise proper control batteries are allowed to become too hot during charge. In to stop rapid charge, it is recommended that batteries be order to safeguard against this, rapid charge is stopped and 3. Storage characteristics 5. Safety charged at over 0.5CmA but less than 1CmA. Charging the charge method is switched over to trickle charge when These characteristics include self-discharge characteristics When the internal pressure of these batteries rises due to batteries at a current in excess of 1CmA may cause the safety the battery temperature has reached the prescribed level. and restoration characteristics after long-term storage. overcharge, short-circuiting, reverse charge or other abuse vent to be activated by a rise in the internal pressure of the When batteries are left standing, their capacity generally or misuse, the self-resealing safety vent is activated to batteries, thereby resulting in electrolyte leakage. When the 8. Initial delay timer: to 10 min. This prevents the - ∆V detec- drops due to self-discharge, but this is restored by charge. prevent battery damage. temperature of the batteries is detected by a thermistor or tion circuit from being activated for a specific period of time other type of sensor, and their temperature is under 0°C or after rapid charge has commenced. However, the dT/dt over 40°C at the commencement of the charge, then trickle detection circuit is allowed to be activated during this time. charge, rather than rapid charge, must be performed. Rapid As with Ni-Cd batteries, the charge voltage of Ni-MH batteries charge is stopped when any one of the values among the may show signs of swinging (pseudo - ∆V) when they have been types of control described in (4), (5), (6), and (11) reaches the kept standing for a long time or when they have discharged prescribed level. excessively, etc. The initial delay timer is needed to prevent Self discharge characteristics charge from stopping (to prevent malfunctioning) due to this 2. Allowing a high current: to flow to excessively discharged or pseudo - ∆V. deep-discharged batteries during charge may make it impos- Self-discharge is affected by the temperature at which the sible to sufficiently restore the capacity of the batteries. To 9. Trickle current: 0.033 to 0.05CmA. When the trickle charge excessively discharged or deep-discharged batteries, current is set higher, the temperature rise of the batteries is first allow a trickle current to flow, and then proceed with the increased, causing the battery characteristics to deteriorate. rapid charge current once the battery voltage has risen. 10. Rapid charge transfer timer: 60 min. batteries are left standing and the length of time during which they are left standing. It increases in proportion 3. Rapid charge start voltage: Approx. 0.8V/cell rapid charge as the temperature or the shelf-standing time increases. transition voltage restoration current: 0.2 ~ 0.3CmA 11. Rapid charge timer: 90 min. (at 1C charge) 4. Upper battery voltage limit control: Approx. 1.8V/cell. 12. Total timer: 10 to 20 hours. The overcharging of Ni-MH The charge method is switched over to trickle if the battery batteries, even by trickle charging, causes a deterioration in 4. Cycle life characteristics voltage reaches approximately 1.8V/cell due to trouble or the characteristics of the batteries. To prevent overcharging by The cycle life of these batteries is governed by the conditions malfunctioning of some kind. trickle charging or any other charging method, the provision of Panasonic’s Ni-MH batteries have excellent self-discharge characteristics. a timer to regulate the total charging time is recommended. under which they are charged and discharged, temperature 16 and other conditions of use. Under proper conditions of 5. ∆V value: 5 to 10mV/cell. When the battery voltage drops use (example: IEC charge and discharge conditions), these from its peak to 5 to 10mV/cell during rapid charge, rapid Note: The temperature and voltage of Ni-MH batteries varies batteries can be charged and discharged for more than 500 charge is stopped, and the charge method is switched over to depending on the shape of the battery pack, the number of cells, cycles. trickle charge. the arrangement of the cells and other factors. There­­fore 17 4 Charge Methods for Ni-MH Batteries Panasonic should be consulted for more detailed information on the referenced charge control values. The charge methods described previously can be applied also when Ni-MH batteries Battery Selection Ni-MH High-Temperature Series Recommended Charge for back-up power applications 5 The steps for selecting a type of battery for use as the power supply of a device are shown below: are employed in a product, but Panasonic should be consulted for the control figures and other details. Recommended Ni-MH battery charge system*1 candidates to a few battery types. From those candidates, select the one battery that most closely satisfies the ideal conditions required. In actual practice, the selection of a battery is rarely completed as easily as this. In most cases it The optimal charge system for the Ni-MH ’’H’’ Series for Study of the proposed required specifications is necessary to consider eliminating or relaxing some of the back-up power applications is an intermittent timer charge. Verify the battery specifications required for the power supply proposed specifications, and then select the most suitable An intermittent timer charge improves charge efficiency, of the device and use those conditions as the standards for battery from among those currently available to meet the extends battery life (-vs- trickle charge) and reduces electri- battery selection. For reference, the technological factors adjusted conditions. This process makes it possible to select city consumption up to 30% compared to trickle charge* . concerning battery selection are shown below. more economical batteries. If you have any doubts at this 1. Rapid charge current Max. 1CmA to 0.5CmA 2. R  apid charge transition voltage restoration current 0.2 to 0.3CmA 3. Rapid charge start voltage Approx. 0.8V/cell 4. Charge terminating voltage 1.8V/cell Intermittent timer charge: (See diagram) At the beginning of Battery selection newly improved or newly developed batteries that are not yet 5. ∆V value 5 to 10mV/cell the charge, an IC timer is started and charging is activated at Using the catalogs and data sheets for the batteries currently listed in the catalog may be available. Normally the required 6. B  attery temperature rising rate dT/dt value 1 to 2°C/min a current of 0.1lt until the timer stops and the charge is termi- produced and marketed, narrow down the number of specifications are also finalized at this stage. 7. Maximum battery temperature TCO 60°C (for L-A, L-fatA and SC size) 55°C (for A, AA and D size) 50°C (for QA, AAA and prismatic size) 8. Initial -∆V detection disabling timer 5 to 10 min 9. Trickle current (after rapid charge) 0.033 to 0.05CmA 10. Rapid charge transfer timer 60 min 11. Rapid charge timer 90 min (at 1CmA charge) 12. Total timer 10 to 20 hours 13. Rapid charge temperature range 0° to 40°C 2 stage, consult closely with a battery engineer. In some cases, nated. When the batteries self discharge down to a set point (1.3V), the timer charge is re-activated. Technological Factors Concerning Battery Selection Example of intermittent timer charger system: Average charge current: 0.1ltA Electrical characteristics Charge conditions Temperature and humidity conditions Size, weight and terminal type Re-charge time: 16 hours Voltage range ➜ Rapid charge Temperature and humidity during use Diameter (mm)_______max. Pulse charging can be used _____V max. _____V min. _____°C max._____°C min. Height (mm)_______max. _____% max. _____% min. Length (mm)_______max. Width (mm)_______max. Temperature and humidity during Mass (g)__________av. ___________mA (max.) storage Terminal type ___________ ___________mA (av.) _____°C max._____°C min. ___________mA (min.) _____% max. _____% min. Load pattern Intermittent charge Continuous load Example of a rapid charge system 4 (Ambient Temp 20°C) 5 Voltage (V) 8 Discharge (Self discharge) Charge 1 0.1lt*4h 7 days 0.1lt*4h Capacity (mAh) 9 Time 11 Intermittent load/pulse load ___________mA (av.) ___________mA (min.) Others Operating life Atmospheric pressure _____________________ Mechanical conditions Storage period Operating time _____________________ _____________________ ___________ Interchangeability 12 Fig 1 Battery life Safety Intermittent time conditions Charge Current 10 ➜ Charge temperature and atmosphere Current (mA) 6 Discharge (Self discharge) ➜ Charge time ___________mA (max.) 0.1lt*16h Battery Temperature 2 Charge 7 days 13 Voltage Current Temp. Discharge (Self discharge) 7 Battery Voltage 3 Initial charge ➜ Trickle float charge Marketability Stopped time Price ___________ Basic pack configuration circuit Ther mal Protector + Ther mistor T Selection of the battery Fig 2 18 *1 Matching test is required because these values vary depending on rapid charge current, number of cells, configuration of battery pack, etc. *2 Trickle charge is not recommended in general for Ni-MH batteries. Please consult Panasonic on any Ni-MH applications requiring trickle charge. 19 Individual Data sheets Cylindrical HHR-70AAA/FT AAA HHR-75AAA/HT*3 AAA HHR-80AAA/HT*3 AAA Diameter Height Approx. weight (g) 1.2 730 700 10.5 +0/-0.7 44.5 +0/-1.0 12 HR11/45 21 AAA 1.2 730 700 10.5 +0/-0.7 44.5 +0/-1.0 12 HR11/45 22 AAA 1.2 780 750 10.5 +0/-0.7 44.5 +0/-1.0 13 HR11/45 23 IEC Page HHR-35AA/FT AA 2/3AA 1.2 390 350 14.5 +0/-0.7 28.5 +0/-1.0 10.5 - 24 HHR-120AA/FT AA 4/5AA 1.2 1,220 1,150 14.5 +0/-0.7 43.0 +0/-1.0 23 HR15/43 25 HHR-70AA/FT AA AA 1.2 780 700 14.5 +0/-0.7 48.8 +0/-1.5 21 HR15/49 26 HHR-70AA/HT*4 AA AA 1.2 780 700 14.5 +0/-0.7 50.5 +0/-1.5 21 HR15/49 27 HHR-110AA/FT AA AA 1.2 1,180 1,100 14.5 +0/-0.7 50.0 +0/-1.0 24 HR15/51 28 HHR-150AA/FT AA AA 1.2 1,580 1,500 14.5 +0/-0.7 50.0 +0/-1.0 26 HR15/51 29 HHR-210AA/HT*4 AA AA 1.2 2,080 2,000 14.5 +0/-0.7 50.5 +0/-1.0 29 HR15/51 30 HHR-200A/FT A 4/5A 1.2 2,040 2,000 17.0 +0/-0.7 43.0 +0/-1.5 32 HR17/43 31 A HHR-210A/FT A 1.2 2,200 17.0 +0/-0.7 2,100 50.0 +0/-1.5 38 Dimensions (mm) 0 Ø10.5 - 0.7 Voltage (V) AAA Rated/min. 0 HHR-380A/FT A L-A 1.2 3,800 3,700 17.0 +0/-0.7 67.0 +0/-1.5 53 HR17/67 33 HHR-450A/FT A LFat/A 1.2 4,500 4,200 18.2 +0/-0.7 67.0 +0/-1.5 60 - 34 HHR-200SCP/FT*5 SC 4/5SC 1.2 2,100 1,900 23.0 +0/-1.0 34.0 +0/-1.5 43 - 35 HHR-260SCP/FT* 5 SC SC 1.2 2,600 2,450 23.0 +0/-1.0 43.0 +0/-1.5 55 HR23/43 36 HHR-300SCP/FT*5 SC SC 1.2 3,050 2,800 23.0 +0/-1.0 43.0 +0/-1.5 57 HR23/43 37 Model Diameter Size Nominal voltage (V) HHR-60AAAH/FT AAA AAA 1.2 Discharge capacity* (mAh) Dimensions with tube (mm) Average*2 Rated/min. Diameter Height Approx. weight (g) 550 500 10.5 +0/-0.7 44.5 +0/-1.0 13 IEC Page Specifications HR11/45 38 HHR-70AAH/FT AA AA 1.2 750 700 14.5 +0/-0.7 48.3 +0/-1.0 18 HR15/49 39 HHR-210AH/FT A A 1.2 2,050 1,900 17.0 +0/-0.7 50.0 +0/-1.5 36 HR17/50 40 HHR-330APH/FT*5 A LFat/A 1.2 3,300 3,200 18.2 +0/-0.7 67.0 +0/-1.5 60 - 41 HHR-370AH/FT A LFat/A 1.2 3,700 3,500 18.2 +0/-0.7 67.0 +0/-1.5 60 - 42 SC SC 1.2 2,650 2,500 23.0 +0/-1.0 43.0 +0/-1.5 55 HR23/43 43 HHR-250SCH/FT*5 C C 1.2 3,300 3,100 26.0 +0/-1.0 50.0 +0/-2.0 80 HR26/50 44 Model Diameter HHR-9SRE/BA1 Nominal voltage (V) E-Block 8.4 Discharge capacity*1 (mAh) Average*2 Rated/min. Diameter Height Thickness 175 170 26.0 48.5 16.3 42 H H R - 6 0 AAA H / F T Dimensions with tube (mm) Approx. weight (g) Model number (example) HHR-70AAA/FT Diameter (mm) 10.5 +0 / -0.7 Height (mm) 44.5 +0 / -1.0 Approximate weight (g) 12 Nominal voltage (V) 1.2 Discharge capacity*1 Average*2 (mAh) 730 Rated (min) (mAh) 700 Approx. internal impedanceat 1,000Hz at charged state (mΩ) E-Block Name Cap shape: This appendix is used when there is a flat top (HT stands for high top battery). IEC - Charge Ambient temperature HHR-300CH/FT* 5 Diameter: AAA, AA, A Round 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 Typical discharge characteristics 1.8 Charge Standard (mA x hrs.) 70 x 16 Rapid*3 (mA x hrs.) 700 x 1.2 Standard (°C) 0 to +45 Rapid (°C) 0 to +40 Discharge (°C) Storage -10 to +65