Self-discharge


Self-discharge is a phenomenon in batteries in which internal chemical reactions reduce the stored charge of the battery without any connection between the electrodes. Self-discharge decreases the shelf-life of batteries and causes them to initially have less than a full charge when actually put to use.

How fast self-discharge in a battery occurs is dependent on the type of battery, state of charge, charging current, ambient temperature and other factors.

Typically, among rechargeable batteries, Li-ion absorb the least amount of self-discharge (around 2–3% discharge per month) than lead-acid at 4-6%, while nickel-based batteries are more seriously affected by the phenomenon (NiCad, 15–20%; NiMH, 30%,) with the exception of Low self-discharge NiMH batteries (2-3%.) Primary batteries, which aren't designed for recharging between manufacturing and use, have much lower self-discharge rates, with shelf lives of 2–3 years for zinc–carbon batteries, 5 for alkaline, and over 10 for lithium.[1]

Self-discharge is a chemical reaction, just as closed-circuit discharge is, and tends to occur more quickly at higher temperatures. Storing batteries at lower temperatures thus reduces the rate of self-discharge and preserves the initial energy stored in the battery. Self-discharge is also thought to be reduced over time as a passivation layer develops on the electrodes.

The detailed chemical causes of self-discharge depend on the particular battery and are not well understood.[2]

References

  1. ↑ Battery performance characteristics, MPower UK, 23 February 2007. Information on self-discharge characteristics of battery types
  2. ↑ Wu and White, "Self-Discharge Model of a Nickel-Hydrogen Cell." Journal of the Electrochemical Society, 147 (3) 901-909 (2000)

External links

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