Analysis of Expected and Actual Capacity of R3 Batteries among Different Manufacturers

Jacek CZERNIAK, Anna GACEK and Przemysław SZOPA

Abstract:

At the turn of the At the turn of the year 2021 and 2022, research was conducted on R3-type NiMH batteries distributed in the Polish, German, and Portuguese markets. Thirteen battery manufacturers were subjected to tests as part of the research. Specially designed microprocessor equipment was used to test the batteries' capacities when discharged at currents ranging from 100 mA to 1 A. After discharging each battery, the equipment initiated the charging process. The entire course of the research on a PC was recorded with a USB interface, through which measurement data was transmitted. The batteries were discharged at a constant temperature of T = 21.5°C and with air humidity ranging from 35% to 55%.
The results of the conducted research allowed for:
• Comparing the capacities of all R3 batteries discharged at a current of 100 mA to the threshold voltage of U = 0.8 V with the capacity declared by the manufacturer.
• Comparing the capacities of R3 batteries after discharge at a current of I = 100 mA and down to the threshold voltage of U = 0.8 V among different brands.
• Verifying the stored energy of batteries declared as "Ready to use" or "Pre-charged" and comparing the state of charge between the brands under investigation.
• Checking the charging time of batteries with a constant current of I = 500 mA.
year 2021 and 2022, research was conducted on R3-type NiMH batteries distributed in the Polish, German, and Portuguese markets. Thirteen battery manufacturers were subjected to tests as part of the research. Specially designed microprocessor equipment was used to test the batteries' capacities when discharged at currents ranging from 100 mA to 1 A. After discharging each battery, the equipment initiated the charging process. The entire course of the research on a PC was recorded with a USB interface, through which measurement data was transmitted. The batteries were discharged at a constant temperature of T = 21.5°C and with air humidity ranging from 35% to 55%.

The results of the conducted research allowed for:

  • Comparing the capacities of all R3 batteries discharged at a current of 100 mA to the threshold voltage of U = 0.8 V with the capacity declared by the manufacturer.
  • Comparing the capacities of R3 batteries after discharge at a current of I = 100 mA and down to the threshold voltage of U = 0.8 V among different brands.
  • Verifying the stored energy of batteries declared as "Ready to use" or "Pre-charged" and comparing the state of charge between the brands under investigation.
  • Checking the charging time of batteries with a constant current of I = 500 mA.