Introduction

Efficiency and reliability, in the world of electrical batteries, are the make or break factors. This is how every good battery should work and for whatever reason you want to use a battery, choosing the right one for your application is essential. Lead acid batteries have long been the market leader, but a new type of battery called low self discharge battery is quickly gaining popularity.

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That seems straightforward but why exactly are low self discharge batteries such a wave making battery? But why are they a suitable alternative to common lead acid batteries? Now let&#;s have a closer look at why we should choose low self discharge technology over regular batteries, and how does the latter come out best.

1. What is Low Self Discharge?

Before diving deeper into the advantages, let&#;s first answer the crucial question: &#;What is low self discharge?&#; A LSD (low self discharge) battery is a type of rechargeable battery with longer life span and when not in use, they are good at holding their charge for a longer period. Quite different from the traditional rechargeable batteries that may lose up to 20% of their charge per month, low self discharge batteries retain from 85% to 90% charge for a year or longer.

The Ni-MH (nickel metal hydride) rechargeable cell is one such application of these batteries. The performance of Ni-MH technology has shown great improvements thanks to LSD batteries, which we will talk about in more detail.

2. Reliability in Storage: Long Shelf Life

Lead acid or common alkaline batteries is the go to choice for devices like a TV remote cell or emergency lights, for most of us. Nevertheless, if you have ever picked up a remote, only to realize the batteries are dead, this far in between usage, then you&#;ve been tested by the shortcomings of traditional batteries.

Low self discharge batteries solve this problem by keeping their charge when stored. For example, such batteries will lose only around 10 &#; 15% of the total charge on an annual basis, making them very appropriate in all applications, where the batteries are not used very often. It has a longer shelf life, so your TV remote cell, or any critical device, will be ready when you want them.

3. Environmentally Friendly: The Ni-MH Advantage

Heading the list are nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries, which have less environmental impact than lead-based batteries. Using low self discharge technology, the Ni&#;MH batteries used are easier to recycle and contains fewer toxic materials. Unlike lead acid batteries which use lead, a heavy metal that can be extremely harmful to the environment if not disposed correctly.

Not only are you contributing to making the world a bit more sustainable, but also it will enable you with a safer and more efficient power source with low self discharge Ni-MH batteries.

4. Versatility Across Devices: An exploration of how TV Remotes and Electrical Batteries get recycled.

Low self discharge batteries one benefit which stands out is the versatility. These batteries can be used extensively in various devices, right from the diesel daily essentials such as TV remote cells and wireless mice to the more exigent use in electrical batteries of power tools, cameras, and flashlights. This flexibility makes them a great idea for those that want to streamline which and how many batteries you carry with you for different devices.

Because they contain a higher percentage of their charge, these batteries are especially well suited for standby applications where extended time between use is commonplace.

5. Low Maintenance Requirements

The reputation of lead acid batteries is that they are high maintenance. Topping off fluids and monitoring voltage levels are all things that they need regular monitoring and maintenance. On the other hand, low self discharge batteries (even Ni-MH), are pretty maintenance free. Due to their lower maintenance requirement, LSD batteries are a more convenient solution for all kinds of everyday and industrial applications, saving time and work.

6. Energy density now is higher &#; for better performance.

Low self discharge batteries offer a step up for delivering consistent, long lasting power when compared to traditional alternatives. These hold higher energy density rather than Lead acid batteries. In other words, it&#;s about improved performance in energy demanding devices such as cameras, portable gaming consoles, as well as in larger applications like solar energy storage systems.

Moreover, these batteries consistently deliver power not only make devices like TV remotes or a backup lighting system functionable, but also do not require frequent replacement.

7. It brings Enhanced Durability and Safety.

However, electrical devices remain top of mind when it comes to safety. Even some of the lead acid batteries have been identified to cause leaks, spillages and even in extreme cases, explosions. Whereas low self discharge Ni-Mh batteries come with built in safety features that prevent battery from the risk of overheating and leakage. This makes them safer to use in both, industrial and household purposes.

Low Self Discharge vs. Lead Acid Batteries: A Quick Comparison

The Future of Electrical Batteries: Why Choose Low Self Discharge?

Why Choose Lithium Ion Battery in General &#; Low self discharge is one of the very important criteria that I would look at first.

Rechargeable batteries have been advancing with growing capability of electrical batteries and low self discharge technology. LSD batteries offer a much more reliable, environmentally friendly and versatile alternative to lead acid batteries for those who are looking. They have long lasting charge retention, high versatility and are environmentally friendly thus making them a smart choice for many applications.

In addition, the Ni-MH technology used in these batteries makes for a safer and more sustainable power solution, further enhancing the case for low self discharge batteries over earlier lead based models.

Conclusion

But if you struggle with dead batteries in your TV remote; poor performance in your power tools or high maintenance in lead acid solutions, you need to think about low self discharge batteries. So by choosing these advanced batteries, you get batteries that have a longer shelf life, less negative impact on the environment, greater safety and the versatility of use in a number of devices.

Next time you do electrical batteries shopping consider switching to low self discharge options as you will realize the difference.

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Last week we shared with you our top 5 tips on how to charge your lithium-ion batteries to extend their lifespan. 
In this article, we will focus on how to care you for your Lithium-ion battery while in use to extend their lifespan. Our rechargeable batteries will have no more secrets for you! 

But before going any further, let&#;s sum-up the factors influencing the capacity of a Li-ion battery.  

How to care for your Lithium-ion battery while in operation to extend their lifespan.

Top Tip 1: Lower the C rate when discharging to optimize your battery&#;s capacity and cycle life

At high-rate discharge, eg 1.5 C, the extraction of lithium ions from one electrode and intercalation to the other is too strong to be efficient. This damages the electrodes&#; elasticity. Think about breathing hard and fast all the time, you will lose your breath, without benefitting from the air nor gaining energy.
Strong rates increase the battery&#;s internal resistance. The battery will have to strive to deliver high current and use more power to keep the same voltage level, which will therefore make it age faster.

On new &#;fresh&#; batteries, a 1.5C only impacts the capacity of the battery (ie. its autonomy (see chart below)). For batteries that have endured many cycles though, because of the increase of the internal resistance, not only the capacity will be impacted but also the cycling that is involved. Consequently, only a fraction of the capacity will be usable. At a slow pace (eg: C/8) there&#;s less dissipation, the internal resistance doesn&#;t build up as much and the cell&#;s capacity is extended. 

This graph represents the discharge rate capability of a new &#;fresh&#; MP xtd battery. 
The voltage level reflects the charge level: 4.2V indicates a full charge, 2.7V indicates that the battery is completely discharged. 

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As you can see, at a C/8 discharge rate (purple line), the cell offers a 5.8 Ah capacity, at 1.5 C, the cell capacity goes down to 5.5 Ah (green line). 

Top tip 2: Be mindful of the temperatures at which the battery is being discharged

The temperature in which a device operates is the main factor impacting a battery&#;s power consumption. This is true for primary batteries but also for rechargeable batteries.

At extreme temperatures, electrode and electrolyte no longer have the optimal shape to enable efficient lithium-ion exchanges. 

At low temperatures, the electrode contracts and as a result, ions cannot extract. The electronic conductivity of the electrolytes decreases too. Ions move more slowly between the 2 electrodes.
Have you ever had the feeling that your mobile discharges faster during the winter? That&#;s because cold temperatures make the battery request more power to maintain the required voltage level to send an SMS or take a picture. Try to keep it warm in your pocket, wait and see!

Under the effect of the heat, the electrode expands, making it easier for the ions to move. The electrolyte is also more conductive. However, extreme warm temperatures damage the electrodes.

Some batteries will behave better than others at high or low temperature depending on the chemistry used by the manufacturer and the construction of the cell. 

The graphic below represents the discharge capacity (Ah) of an MP xtd at C/5 at various temperatures. 

Saft MP xtd proposes an unrivalled operating temperature range from -40°C to +85°C but at -40°C, you have to make concessions on the capacity and adapt the operating voltage.

Top tip 3: Favorize a partial depth of discharge (DoD). 

The full charging/discharging cycle is called Depth of Discharge (DoD) where 100% is a full cycle.

A 70% DoD means that 70 percent of the available energy is delivered, and 30 percent remains in reserve. One cycle of 100% DoD is approximatively equivalent to 2 cycles at 50% DoD, 10 cycles at 10% DOD and 100 cycles at 1% DOD. 
The depth of discharge complements the state of charge (SoC): as the Depth of Discharge increases, the State of Charge decreases.

There is a direct relation between the depth of discharge and the cycle life of the battery. The shallower the DoD, the exponentially higher the number of cycles given by a battery. By restricting the possible DoD in your application, you can dramatically improve the cycle life of your product. 

As an example, Saft MP xtd&#;s full charge DoD is 4.2V, the lower charge is 2.7V. A 100% DoD at 25°C, using a C charge and a C/2 discharge rates will allow 4,000 cycles.
A 30% DoD allows 16,000 + cycles, ie 4 times more! A perfect example that fine-tuning DoD, temperatures and C rates can definitely extend your battery's lifetime.

To illustrate the idea, a 100% DoD could be compared to breathing hard, using your full lung capacity, thus exhausting your entire body. But if you are breathing normally, you can keep on moving longer. 

Contrarily to some received ideas, Li-ion batteries don&#;t have a memory. They don&#;t need regular full discharge and charge cycles to prolong life. It&#;s actually the contrary: the smaller the discharge (low DoD), the longer the battery will last, the more cycles it will be able to do.

Indeed, a full charging and therefore high currents boost the cell&#;s capacity but cause stress to the electrode which stretches, thickens, and enlarges itself to allow all the ions to penetrate. Conversely, when completely discharged (below 2.7 V), an internal chemical reaction occurs, the electrode oxidizes and retracts, the elasticity changes and the battery ages more quickly. 

This graph showcases how lowering the DoD will allow you to increase the numbers of cycles.

A partial charge and discharge will therefore reduce stress and prolong battery life. It is recommended to avoid full cycles and stay between 100% and 50% DoD (0-50% SoC).  

Top tip 4: Make sure to undergo periodic balancing if there is more than 1 cell in your battery pack

When several cells are connected in series in a battery pack, an imbalance might occur. The cells behave unevenly over time: charging/discharging levels, self discharge and impedance (internal resistance) may vary from one cell to another. Cycling the battery when unbalanced worsen the disparities and leads to voltage loss.
This can be limited by requiring that the producer assembles only homogeneous cells in the battery pack, just like we do at Saft.
 
You will also need to proceed to balancing from time to time so that one cell does not wear out more than the others. Here again a smart embedded BMS takes good care of your battery. It will find the weakest cell and make sure it is charged/discharges at the same level than the others. 
Methods used to perform cell balancing can include by-passing some of the cells during charge/discharge to focus on the weakest cells. 
We also recommend, for batteries assembled from our MP li-ion range, to proceed with periodic balancing by forcing a full discharge with a low current. Forcing a full cycling helps the battery to recover the available capacity, especially after a long storage time.

Top tip 5: Monitor the State of Health (SoH)

The State of Health reflects the general condition of a battery and its ability to deliver energy over time. It gives an indication of how much of the battery&#;s lifetime available energy has been consumed, and how much is left. 

It is a very interesting parameter to monitor since it can indicate when the battery is experiencing problems or needs replacement. Indeed, although it may slightly vary from one cell manufacturer to the other, it is generally considered that the electrochemistry is at the end of its life when the battery reaches approximately 70% of capacity (in Ah).  For Saft xlr range, the end-of-life SoH is 70%, and 60% for the xtd range. Then the capacity loss accelerates, and the autonomy goes down. The State of Health can be displayed on the Battery Management System as an option.  A key maintenance indicator to follow-up!
 

Summary: 10 top tips on how to care for your industrial-grade lithium-ion batteries during charge and while in operation to optimize their lifespan

Let&#;s summarize our 10 top tips on how to care for your industrial-grade lithium-ion batteries during charge and while in operation to optimize their lifespan: 

How to charge your industrial-grade lithium-ion batteries to optimize their lifespan: 

1. Top tip 1: Understand the battery language. Knowing how a battery works will help you optimize the way you charge and discharge to make the most of your rechargeable battery
2. Top tip 2: Respect a CCCV charging process, especially when on floating mode (the charger is your best friend): Rechargeable batteries need to follow a specific charging process, usually handled by a carefully selected charger. 
3. Top tip 3: Carefully design your BMS (your other best friend), especially when using multiple cells battery pack.
4. Top tip 4: Lower your charging C rate: At low charging speed, the ions are intercalating themselves smoothly in the electrode, thus extending the battery&#;s lifetime.
5. Top tip 5: Control the charging temperature: Batteries work best when charged at ambient temperature. High or low temperatures lead to premature ageing of the battery. 

How to discharge your industrial-grade lithium-ion batteries to optimize their lifespan: 

1. Top Tip 1: Lower the C rate when discharging to optimize your battery&#;s capacity and cycle life. Strong rates increase the battery&#;s internal resistance. The battery will have to strive to deliver high current and use more power to keep the same voltage level, which will therefore make it age faster.
2. Top tip 2: Be mindful of the temperatures at which the battery is being discharged. At extreme temperatures, electrode and electrolyte no longer have the optimal shape (it contracts at low temperatures and expand at high temperatures) to enable efficient lithium-ion exchanges.
3. Top tip 3: Favorize a partial depth of discharge (DoD). A partial charge and discharge will reduce stress and prolong battery life. It is recommended to avoid full cycles and stay between 100% and 50% DoD (0-50% SoC).  
4. Top tip 4: Make sure to proceed with periodic balancing if there is more than 1 cell in your battery pack. When several cells are connected in series in a battery, an imbalance might occur. The cells might be charged to different state of charge (SoC) levels, the impedance (internal resistance) might vary from one cell to the other, the cells capacity might differ from one cell to the next, etc. You will need to re-balance them from time to time in relation to each other with the help of the BMS so that one cell does not wear out more than the other.
5. Top tip 5: Monitor the State of Health (SoH). The State of Health reflects the general condition of a battery and its ability to deliver energy over time. It gives an indication of how much of the battery&#;s lifetime available energy has been consumed, and how much is left which helps you to anticipate issue or when the battery needs replacing.

Now, you know everything there is to know about how to optimally charge or to discharge your Li-ion battery to extend its lifetime! 

For more information on Saft lithium-ion rechargeable range, visit the product page: https://www.saftbatteries.com/products-solutions/products/mp-small-vl

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