thunderheart
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Original article: https://www.thunderheartreviews.com/2020/02/sanyo-ur18500fk-1700mAh-18500-li-ion-battery-test.html
Sanyo UR18500FK is a 1700mAh rated 18500 cell capable of giving up to 3.24A continuously.
18500 size means a cylindical cell with 18mm diameter and 50mm length - 15mm shorter than the well-known 18650 size.
The battery was bought from Queen Battery which is my reliable supplier of genuine cells and tested with ZKETECH EBC-A20 and a self-made battery holder. It's a PC-connected battery tester supporting 4-wire measuring and discharging at up to 20A.
I've used version 3.0 of my battery holder based on 0.5mm thick pure copper terminals
I've followed all the prescriptions of the IEC61960-2003 standard concerning battery's capacity measurement. Before each discharging cycle the battery was charged at standard charge current mentioned in its datasheet to charge end voltage. Before each discharging or charging i've held a 1-1.5hr pause. The environment temperature was 25±2°C. To be sure in results i've done each test minimum twice (usually 3-7 times).
SANYO UR18500FK
Sanyo cells' markings are usually hard to read because of almost invisible embossing and this cell isn't an exception. Whatever, it's heat shrink tube carries the following marking:
SANYO L
UR18500FK V44C
Sanyo UR18500FK cell's main specs according to the official datasheet (pdf):
Rated capacity: 1620mAh at 20°C
Minimum capacity: 1620mAh at 25°C
Typical capacity: 1700mAh at 25°C
Nominal voltage: 3.7V
Ambient temperature during discharging: -20–40°C
Standard charge current: 1.13A (0.7C)
Charge end voltage: 4.20V
Charge cut-off current: 32mA (0.02C) (100mA used)
Max continuous discharge current: 3.24A (2C)
Discharge cut-off voltage: 2.75V
Max weight: 34.5g
Cycle life:
After 500 cycles at 20°C using 1.13A (0.7C) charge with 32mA (0.02C) cut and 1.62A (1C) discharge with 2.75V cut the capacity should be around 1100mAh (~68% of initial capacity).
DC IR at 1620mA in fully charged condition was 53.7±3.1mΩ (measured using EB Tester Software's Resistance Test feature).
Measured dimensions: 18.1mm (diameter) × 49.3mm (length).
Measured weight: 32.91g.
Sanyo UR18500FK battery's capacity test results:
I can't call UR18500FK's results brilliant... At 0.2C it doesn't reach 1700mAh and i'd rather call it a 1600mAh cell. I also don't like the 3.24A discharge curve...
Verdict
Sanyo is a top manufacturer but i'm not looking at brand name - the tests tell more. If choosing a 18500 cell i'd look at Panasonic NCR18500A which offers higher capacity, higher discharge rate and 2.5V discharge cut-off voltage instead of 2.75V. Even the 1600mAh rated Queen Battery QB18500's curves and results look better, plus it's cheaper. If the 2.75V discharge cut-off voltage is not a problem i'd take the QB cell.
Here is the video version of this review:
Check out my YouTube channel for batteries, chargers and other stuff reviews.
I've launched my blog where you can find all my reviews in one place. Every new test/review will be first published on YouTube and in the blog. I'll be happy to see new subscribers, comments, suggestions and just your thoughts.
Sanyo UR18500FK is a 1700mAh rated 18500 cell capable of giving up to 3.24A continuously.
18500 size means a cylindical cell with 18mm diameter and 50mm length - 15mm shorter than the well-known 18650 size.
The battery was bought from Queen Battery which is my reliable supplier of genuine cells and tested with ZKETECH EBC-A20 and a self-made battery holder. It's a PC-connected battery tester supporting 4-wire measuring and discharging at up to 20A.
I've used version 3.0 of my battery holder based on 0.5mm thick pure copper terminals
I've followed all the prescriptions of the IEC61960-2003 standard concerning battery's capacity measurement. Before each discharging cycle the battery was charged at standard charge current mentioned in its datasheet to charge end voltage. Before each discharging or charging i've held a 1-1.5hr pause. The environment temperature was 25±2°C. To be sure in results i've done each test minimum twice (usually 3-7 times).
SANYO UR18500FK
Sanyo cells' markings are usually hard to read because of almost invisible embossing and this cell isn't an exception. Whatever, it's heat shrink tube carries the following marking:
SANYO L
UR18500FK V44C
Sanyo UR18500FK cell's main specs according to the official datasheet (pdf):
Rated capacity: 1620mAh at 20°C
Minimum capacity: 1620mAh at 25°C
Typical capacity: 1700mAh at 25°C
Nominal voltage: 3.7V
Ambient temperature during discharging: -20–40°C
Standard charge current: 1.13A (0.7C)
Charge end voltage: 4.20V
Charge cut-off current: 32mA (0.02C) (100mA used)
Max continuous discharge current: 3.24A (2C)
Discharge cut-off voltage: 2.75V
Max weight: 34.5g
Cycle life:
After 500 cycles at 20°C using 1.13A (0.7C) charge with 32mA (0.02C) cut and 1.62A (1C) discharge with 2.75V cut the capacity should be around 1100mAh (~68% of initial capacity).
DC IR at 1620mA in fully charged condition was 53.7±3.1mΩ (measured using EB Tester Software's Resistance Test feature).
Measured dimensions: 18.1mm (diameter) × 49.3mm (length).
Measured weight: 32.91g.
Sanyo UR18500FK battery's capacity test results:
I can't call UR18500FK's results brilliant... At 0.2C it doesn't reach 1700mAh and i'd rather call it a 1600mAh cell. I also don't like the 3.24A discharge curve...
Verdict
Sanyo is a top manufacturer but i'm not looking at brand name - the tests tell more. If choosing a 18500 cell i'd look at Panasonic NCR18500A which offers higher capacity, higher discharge rate and 2.5V discharge cut-off voltage instead of 2.75V. Even the 1600mAh rated Queen Battery QB18500's curves and results look better, plus it's cheaper. If the 2.75V discharge cut-off voltage is not a problem i'd take the QB cell.
Here is the video version of this review:
Check out my YouTube channel for batteries, chargers and other stuff reviews.
I've launched my blog where you can find all my reviews in one place. Every new test/review will be first published on YouTube and in the blog. I'll be happy to see new subscribers, comments, suggestions and just your thoughts.
