Test/Review of UltraCell NiZn AAA 1150mWh (Blue)

UltraCell NiZn AAA 1150mWh (Blue)


Official specifications:

  • Type: nickel-zinc battery
  • Capacity: 1150mWh
  • Weight: ~ 10.8g
  • Size (D x H): 10mm x 44mm



Maximum temperature raise at different discharge currents: 1A:+4,1°C, 2A:+8,0°C, 3A:+10,3°C, 5A:+9,3°C

An AAA version of a NiZn cell. Again the capacity is specified as mWh (A very optimistic value), not mAh, this makes the value look much better than any NiMH AAA cell, but it is not (Check the Wh for NiMH from some of my NiMH reviews).

This rechargeable chemistry has higher voltage than NiMH and are supposed to be the superior replacement for alkaline in some applications. In practical usage the cells has a rather low lifetime, probably because they are over discharged when used as replacement for alkaline or NiMH cells.











The cells are not a perfect match. They handles high current fairly well, but the capacity is significantly lower than NiMH.







The energy is lower than the specified 1.15Wh.









Conclusion

The cells might be useful for some special applications, but as replacement for alkaline or NiMH they are not very good. The higher voltage might damage equipment and the cells will be damaged when discharged to much.
I do not believe the cells are useable as replacent for alkaline or NiMH.



Notes and links

I have also tested PowerGenix AA NiZn and Unbranded NiZN cells.

How is the test done and how to read the charts
Compare to other AA/AAA batteries: Alkaline/NiMH/Lithium

Very useful review as always. Thanks!

I have a device that uses AAA batteries and is very low load. It also apparently has an internal voltage cutoff at 1.34v.

If that’s the case, these might work ok since I would never have to worry about over discharging them?

If you really have this high cut-off these batteries may be perfect for the job.

Do these require a unique charging algorithm? Can they be charged on a NiMH charger?

I have some of the NiZn battery`s in the review, they need a special charger as they charge to 1.8-1.9volts i would charge them slowly 0.5c as they can be easily damaged, I regret buying them really.

I used SkyRC MC3000 charger to charge my NiZn battery`s

John.

I’m using a CC/CV DC power supply to charge them.
I was charging them to 1.9v but the capacity is dropping so I am now only charging them to 1.8v

They are not being discharged below 1.2v

I’ve adjusted the charge rate to 100milliamps or less.
Discharge rate to 100 milliamps or less.

They do seem fragile.

See my review and test results here……
AAA NiZn Batteries

My conclusion so far is that these batteries might have only one “ideal” use….

And that is in a VERY low discharge application where the device has an internal, built in discharge voltage cut off.

I have just such an application.

I have a number of Alarm remotes for various vehicles I own.
They are very low drain (0.5mA) and do have internally built in voltage cut off limits of 1.3v which will ensure the batteries are never critically drained.
If the battery has 400 mAh capacity from full charge to my cut off voltage of 1.3v and the drain is only .5mA I should get

400/.5 = 800 hours of runtime (or 33 days)

That is imo perfect for what I wanted for these.

I am still waiting to see the capacity of my NiZn cells, My SkyRC MC3000 has a setting for them, I just used the stock setting, But i set the capacity to 600mah and the charger picked an 300ma charge and an 150ma discharge rate, It appears to be charging to 1.9v but i can select 1.8v I don't know what the cut-off voltage is set too.

John.