ENERGY STAR® Program Requirements
for Battery Charging Systems
Partner Commitments
Following are the terms of the ENERGY STAR Partnership Agreement as it pertains to the manufacture
and labeling of ENERGY STAR qualified products. The ENERGY STAR Partner must adhere to the
following partner commitments:
Qualifying Products
1. Comply with current ENERGY STAR Eligibility Criteria, which define performance requirements and
test procedures for battery charging systems (BCSs). A list of eligible products and their
corresponding Eligibility Criteria can be found at www.enenavstar.gov/specifications.
2. Obtain certification of ENERGY STAR qualification from a Certification Body recognized by EPA for
battery charging systems prior to associating the ENERGY STAR name or mark with any product. As
part of this certification process, products must be tested in a laboratory recognized by EPA to perform
battery charging system product testing.
Using the ENERGY STAR Name and Marks
3. Comply with current ENERGY STAR Identity Guidelines, which define how the ENERGY STAR name
and marks may be used. Partner is responsible for adhering to these guidelines and ensuring that its
authorized representatives, such as advertising agencies, dealers, and distributors, are also in
compliance. The ENERGY STAR Identity Guidelines are available at www.enerqvstar.gov/loqouse.
4. Use the ENERGY STAR name and marks only in association with qualified products. Partner may not
refer to itself as an ENERGY STAR Partner unless at least one product is qualified and offered for
5. Provide clear and consistent labeling of ENERGY STAR qualified battery charging systems.
5.1. Partner shall adhere to the following product-specific commitments regarding use of the
ENERGY STAR BCS graphic for qualified products:
5.1.1. Partner must clearly display the ENERGY STAR BCS graphic on the Partner's website
where information about end-use products with ENERGY STAR qualified BCS is
displayed. Partner must comply with the ENERGY STAR Web Linking Policy, which
can be found at www.enenqvstar.qov/partners:
5.1.2. Partner must also use the ENERGY STAR BCS graphic in one of the following ways:
1) On the outside of end-use product packaging, preferably on the front face; or
2) On a package insert included with end-use product packaging.
EPA will consider alternative labeling proposals on a case-by-case basis.
5.1.3. It is also recommended that the ENERGY STAR BCS graphic appear in end-use
product literature (e.g., user manuals, specification sheets) and in
advertising/promotional materials.
5.1.4. Partner is prohibited from affixing the BCS graphic directly to an associated end-use
product or to the battery charging system itself. However, the BCS graphic may be
displayed on a cord tag that is fastened to a BCS cord.
sale.
ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Battery Charging Systems - Partner Commitments
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Verifying Ongoing Product Qualification
6. Participate in third-party verification testing through a Certification Body recognized by EPA for battery
charging systems.
7. Comply with tests that EPA/DOE may conduct at its discretion on products that are referred to as
ENERGY STAR qualified. These products may be obtained on the open market, or voluntarily
supplied by Partner at the government's request.
Providing Information to EPA
8. Provide unit shipment data or other market indicators to EPA annually to assist with creation of
ENERGY STAR market penetration estimates, as follows:
8.1. Partner must submit the total number of ENERGY STAR qualified battery charging systems
shipped in the calendar year or an equivalent measurement as agreed to in advance by EPA and
Partner. Partner shall exclude shipments to organizations that rebrand and resell the shipments
(unaffiliated private labelers).
8.2. Partner must provide unit shipment data segmented by meaningful product characteristics (e.g.,
type, capacity, presence of additional functions) as prescribed by EPA.
8.3. Partner must submit unit shipment data for each calendar year to EPA or an EPA-authorized third
party, preferably in electronic format, no later than March 1 of the following year.
Submitted unit shipment data will be used by EPA only for program evaluation purposes and will be
closely controlled. Any information used will be masked by EPA so as to protect the confidentiality of
the Partner;
9. Report to EPA any attempts by laboratories or Certification Bodies (CBs) to influence testing or
certification results or to engage in discriminatory practices.
10. Notify EPA of a change in the designated responsible party or contacts within 30 days using the My
ENERGY STAR Account tool (MESA) available at www.enerqvstar.gov/mesa.
Performance for Special Distinction
In order to receive additional recognition and/or support from EPA for its efforts within the Partnership, the
ENERGY STAR Partner may consider the following voluntary measures, and should keep EPA informed
on the progress of these efforts:
¦ Provide quarterly, written updates to EPA as to the efforts undertaken by Partner to increase
availability of ENERGY STAR qualified products, and to promote awareness of ENERGY STAR and
its message.
¦ Consider energy efficiency improvements in company facilities and pursue benchmarking buildings
through the ENERGY STAR Buildings program.
¦ Purchase ENERGY STAR qualified products. Revise the company purchasing or procurement
specifications to include ENERGY STAR. Provide procurement officials' contact information to EPA for
periodic updates and coordination. Circulate general ENERGY STAR qualified product information to
employees for use when purchasing products for their homes.
¦ Feature the ENERGY STAR mark(s) on Partner website and other promotional materials. If
information concerning ENERGY STAR is provided on the Partner website as specified by the
ENERGY STAR Web Linking Policy (available in the Partner Resources section of the ENERGY
STAR website), EPA may provide links where appropriate to the Partner website.
¦ Ensure the power management feature is enabled on all ENERGY STAR qualified displays and
computers in use in company facilities, particularly upon installation and after service is performed.
¦ Provide general information about the ENERGY STAR program to employees whose jobs are relevant
to the development, marketing, sales, and service of current ENERGY STAR qualified products.
ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Battery Charging Systems - Partner Commitments 2
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Provide a simple plan to EPA outlining specific measures Partner plans to undertake beyond the
program requirements listed above. By doing so, EPA may be able to coordinate, communicate,
and/or promote Partner's activities, provide an EPA representative, or include news about the event in
the ENERGY STAR newsletter, on the ENERGY STAR website, etc. The plan may be as simple as
providing a list of planned activities or milestones of which Partner would like EPA to be aware. For
example, activities may include: (1) increasing the availability of ENERGY STAR qualified products by
converting the entire product line within two years to meet ENERGY STAR guidelines; (2)
demonstrating the economic and environmental benefits of energy efficiency through special in-store
displays twice a year; (3) providing information to users (via the website and user's manual) about
energy-saving features and operating characteristics of ENERGY STAR qualified products; and (4)
building awareness of the ENERGY STAR Partnership and brand identity by collaborating with EPA
on one print advertorial and one live press event.
Join EPA's SmartWay Transport Partnership to improve the environmental performance of the
company's shipping operations. The SmartWay Transport Partnership works with freight carriers,
shippers, and other stakeholders in the goods movement industry to reduce fuel consumption,
greenhouse gases, and air pollution. For more information on SmartWay, visit
www.epa.gov/smartwav.
Join EPA's Climate Leaders Partnership to inventory and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Through
participation, companies create a credible record of their accomplishments and receive EPA
recognition as corporate environmental leaders. For more information on Climate Leaders, visit
www.epa.gov/climateleaders.
Join EPA's Green Power Partnership. EPA's Green Power Partnership encourages organizations to
buy green power as a way to reduce the environmental impacts associated with traditional fossil fuel-
based electricity use. The partnership includes a diverse set of organizations including Fortune 500
companies, small and medium businesses, government institutions as well as a growing number of
colleges and universities. For more information on Green Power, visit www.epa.gov/greenpower.
ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Battery Charging Systems - Partner Commitments
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is
ENERGY STAR Program Requirements
Product Specification for Battery Charging Systems
Eligibility Criteria
Draft Version 1.1
1 Following is the Version 1.1 ENERGY STAR Product Specification for Battery Charging Systems. A
2 product shall meet all of the identified criteria if it is to earn the ENERGY STAR.
3 1 DEFINITIONS
4 A) Product Types and Components:
5 1) Battery (Battery Pack): An assembly of one or more rechargeable cells intended to provide
6 electrical energy to an end-use product. This definition does not include primary (e.g.,
7 alkaline) cells. Batteries may be in one of the following forms:
8 a) Detachable Battery: A battery contained in a separate enclosure from the end-use product
9 and intended to be removed or disconnected from the end-use product for charging.
10 b) Integral Battery: A battery contained within the end-use product and not intended to be
11 removed from the end-use product for charging. This definition includes batteries that are
12 intended to be removed from the end-use product for disposal or recycling purposes only.
13 2) Battery Charger: A device intended to replenish the charge in a rechargeable battery. A
14 battery charger connects to the mains at the power input and connects to the battery at the
15 output. The charger may be comprised of multiple components, in more than one enclosure,
16 and may be fully or partially contained in the Battery Operated End-use Product.
17 a) A La Carte Charger: A battery charger that is individually packaged without batteries.
18 Batteries that the a la carte charger is designed to charge should be listed on the
19 packaging, battery, and/or in printed or electronic user information materials. A la carte
20 chargers may have multi-voltage or multi-port capability.
21 b) Multi-Voltage Charger: A battery charger that, by design, may charge a variety of batteries
22 that have different Nominal Battery Voltages.
23 c) Multi-Port Charger: A battery charger that, by design, is capable of simultaneously
24 charging two or more batteries. Multi-port chargers may have multi-voltage capability.
25 d) Stand-Alone Charger: A battery charger that, by design, charges separable batteries that
26 are disconnected from the Battery Operated End-use Product.
27 e) Batch Charger: A multi-port charger, such as a universal AA battery charger, that charges
28 batteries in batches (i.e., groups of batteries charged in series). For the purposes of this
29 specification, each of these batches shall be treated as a discrete battery pack.1
1 For example, a AA Nickel Metal Hydride charger with four ports may charge in two batches, with the
batches connected in parallel. Each batch, in this case, would be treated as a single 2.4V battery pack.
Charging four AA batteries in this system would be considered, for the purposes of this specification, as a
multi-port charger charging two 2.4V batteries in parallel.
ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Battery Charging Systems - Eligibility Criteria Page 1 of 8
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30
3)
Batterv Charaina Svstem: A combination of a Batterv Charaer and a detachable or intearal
31
Battery that is designed to power a Battery Operated End-use Product.
32
B)
Device Tvpes:
33
1)
Batterv Operated End-use Product: A cordless product or appliance fullv powered bv the
34
battery at least part of the time.
35
2)
Cord/Cordless: A product or appliance desianed to operate on batterv power or directlv from
36
the mains with a discharged battery.
37
3)
Inductive Couplina: A svstem in which power is transferred between windinas in two separate
38
enclosures through magnetic induction rather than metal-to-metal contact. Inductive coupling
39
is typically used in small household appliances, such as cordless toothbrushes and shavers.
40
C)
Operational Modes:
41
1)
Active Mode: The condition in which the batterv is receivina the main charae, eaualizina cells.
42
and performing other one-time or limited-time functions necessary for bringing the battery to
43
the fully charged state.
44
2)
Batterv Maintenance Mode: The condition in which the batterv has been fullv charaed but is
45
still connected to the charger, and the charger is connected to the power source. This mode
46
may persist for an indefinite period of time.
47
3)
Standbv (No-Load) Mode: The lowest power consumption mode which cannot be switched off
48
(influenced) by the user and that may persist for an indefinite time when an appliance is
49
connected to the main electricity supply and used in accordance with the manufacturer's
50
instructions. Note: The standby mode is usually a non-operational mode when compared to
51
the intended use of the appliance's primary function.2 For the purposes of this specification,
52
standby mode is the condition in which:
53
a) no battery is present in the charger, or, where the battery is integral to a product, the
54
product is not attached to the charger,
55
b) the charger is connected to mains, and
56
c) any manual power switches are switched on.
57
D)
Test/Measurement Terminoloav:
58
1)
Accumulated Nonactive Enerav (Ea): The enerav, in watt-hours (Wh), consumed bvthe
59
battery charger in battery maintenance and standby modes of operation over a defined period
60
of time. For the purposes of this specification, a standard 48-hour period is used for
61
evaluation, consisting of 36 hours of maintenance mode operation followed by 12 hours of
62
standby mode operation.
63
2)
Nominal Batterv Capacity: The auantitv of charae, measured in ampere-hours (Ah), provided
64
by a battery during discharge under specified conditions. Nominal Battery Capacity is typically
65
listed on battery packaging.
2 This definition is consistent with IEC 62301: Household Electrical Appliances - Measurement of Standby
Power.
ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Battery Charging Systems - Eligibility Criteria Page 2 of 8
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66
3)
Batterv Enerav (Eb): The enerav, in watt-hours (Wh), that mav be delivered bv the batterv
67
under specified discharge conditions. For the purposes of this specification, battery energy is
68
measured at a constant current discharge rate of 0.2 C, beginning with a fully charged battery
69
and ending at the manufacturer specified cutoff voltage.
70
4)
Nameplate Input Power: The nameplate input power is either (a) the input power marked on
71
the nameplate (watts), or (b) where only nameplate input voltage and current ranges are
72
provided, the highest value achieved by multiplying a nameplate input voltage limit and its
73
corresponding current limit (Volt-Amperes).
74
5)
Nominal Batterv Enerav: The product of Nominal Batterv Capacity and Nominal Batterv
75
Voltage.
76
6)
Nominal Batterv Voltaae: Industry standard cell voltaae multiplied bv the number of cells in the
77
battery pack. Nominal Battery Voltage is typically listed on battery packaging.
78
7)
Enerav Ratio (ER): The ratio of accumulated nonactive enerav (Ea) divided bv batterv enerav
79
(Eb).
80
8)
Product Familv: A aroup of product models that are (1) made bv the same manufacturer, (2)
81
subject to the same ENERGY STAR qualification criteria, and (3) of a common basic design.
82
Product models within a family differ from each other according to one or more characteristics
83
or features that either (1) have no impact on product performance with regard to ENERGY
84
STAR qualification criteria, or (2) are specified herein as acceptable variations within a
85
product family. For Battery Charging Systems, acceptable variations within a product family
86
include:
87
a) Color
88
b) Housing
89
2
SCOPE
90
2.1
Included Products
91
2.1
1 The following products are eligible for ENERGY STAR qualification under this specification, with
92
the exception of products listed in Section 2.2:
93
1.
Battery Charging Systems packaged with portable, rechargeable products (e.g., small
94
home appliances, personal care products, power tools, flashlights, and floor care products)
95
whose principal output is (1) mechanical motion, (2) light, (3) movement of air, or (4)
96
production of heat.
97
2.
Stand-alone Battery Chargers sold with products that use a detachable battery (e.g., some
98
digital camera and camcorder designs); and
99
3.
Battery Charging Systems intended to replace standard sized primary alkaline cells,
100
including: AAA, AA, C, D, 9-volt, etc. (i.e., universal battery chargers).
ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Battery Charging Systems - Eligibility Criteria Page 3 of 8
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101 2.2 Excluded Products
102 2.2.1 Products that are covered under other ENERGY STAR product specifications are not eligible for
103 qualification under this specification. The list of specifications currently in effect can be found at
104 www.enerqvstar.gov/products.
105 2.2.2 The following products are not eligible for qualification under this specification:
106 1. Battery Charging Systems with Inductive Coupling;
107 2. Battery Charging Systems with Nameplate Input Power less than 2 watts or greater than
108 300 watts;
109 3. Battery Charging Systems with Nominal Battery Voltage greater than or equal to 42 volts;
110 4. Battery Charging Systems that continuously draw power to support functionality beyond a
111 clock or state of charge indicator (e.g., embedded radios, GFI AC outlets, shaver cleaning
112 stations, etc.) that is unrelated to charging the battery or operating the Battery Operated
113 End-use Product; and
114 5. Battery Charging Systems intended for primary cell chemistries (e.g., alkaline "dry" cells)
115 and not for rechargeable battery chemistries (e.g., nickel cadmium, lead acid, lithium ion,
116 and nickel metal hydride).
117 3 QUALIFICATION CRITERIA
118 3.1 Significant Digits and Rounding
119 3.1.1 All calculations shall be carried out with actual measured or observed values. Only the final result
120 of a calculation shall be rounded. Calculated results shall be rounded to the nearest significant
121 digit as expressed in the corresponding specification limit.
122 3.1.2 Unless otherwise specified, compliance with specification limits shall be evaluated using exact
123 values without any benefit from further rounding.
124 3.2 Nonactive Energy Ratio Requirements for Non-Multi-Voltage, Non-Multi-Port
125 Chargers
126 3.2.1 The Nonactive Energy Ratio (ER), as calculated per Equation 1, shall be less than or equal to the
127 Maximum Nonactive Energy Ratio Requirement (ERMax), as specified in Table 1, where VB is the
128 Nominal Battery Voltage.
ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Battery Charging Systems - Eligibility Criteria Page 4 of 8
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129 Equation 1: Nonactive Energy Ratio Calculation for
130 Non-Multi-Voltage, Non-Multi-Port Chargers
Em +E„
131 ER = -
Eb
132 Where:
133 ¦ ER is the nonactive energy' ratio.
134 ¦ Em is the maintenance mode energy', measured in the test
135 method.
136 ¦ Es is the standby mode energy', measured in the test
137 method.
138 ¦ Eb is the batten' energy', measured in the test method.
139
140 Table 1: Maximum Nonactive Energy Ratio Requirements (ERMAx)
Rated Battery
Voltage, VB
(V)
Maximum
Nonactive Energy
Ratio Requirement
(ERmax)
Rated Battery
Voltage, VB
(V)
Maximum
Nonactive Energy
Ratio Requirement
(ERmax)
VB< 1.2
20.0
12.0 < VB< 13.2
5.1
1.2 < VB < 2.4
16.9
13.2 < VB< 14.4
4.5
2.4 < VB < 3.6
13.7
14.4 < VB< 15.6
4.3
3.6 < VB < 4.8
11.6
15.6 < VB< 16.8
4.2
4.8 < VB < 6.0
9.6
16.8 < VB< 18.0
3.8
6.0 22.8
3.0
141 3.3 Nonactive Energy Ratio Requirements for Multi-Voltage Chargers
142 3.3.1 The Nonactive Energy Ratio (ER), as calculated per Equation 2, shall be less than or equal to the
143 Maximum Nonactive Energy Ratio Requirement (ERMax), as specified in Table 1, where VB is the
144 average of the Nominal Battery Voltages of the batteries used for the tests.
145
Equation 2: Energy Ratio Calculation for Multi-Voltage Chargers
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
ER = -!=!
+£»)
Where:
l£„,
7=1
ER is the nonactive energy' ratio.
EMi is the maintenance mode energy M'ith the i'h battery
installed, measured in the test method.
ESi is the standby mode energy for the i'h test, measured in
the test method.
EBi is the battery energy for the i'h battery tested, measured
in the test method.
n is the number of tests of a particular unit with different
sets of batteries, and greater than or equal to 3.
^ is the summation function.
ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Battery Charging Systems - Eligibility Criteria
Page 5 of 8
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158 3.4 Nonactive Energy Ratio Requirements for Multi-Port Chargers
159 3.4.1 The Nonactive Energy Ratio (ER), as calculated per Equation 3, shall be less than or equal to the
160 Maximum Nonactive Energy Ratio Requirement (ERMax), as specified in Table 1, where:
161 1. For batteries charged in parallel, VB is equal to the Nominal Battery Voltage of a single
162 identical battery pack; and
163 2. For batteries charged in series, VB is equal to the sum of the Nominal Battery Voltage of all
164 battery packs installed for testing.
165 Equation 3: Energy Ratio Calculation for Multi Port Chargers
166 ER=Em+Es ,
m
ZEb,
i=l
167 Where:
168 ¦ ER is the nonactive energy ratio.
169 ¦ Em is the maintenance mode energy, measured in the test
170 method.
171 ¦ Es is the standby mode energy, measured in the test
172 method.
173 ¦ EBi is the battery energy for the i'h battery tested, measured
174 in the test method.
175 ¦ m is the number of batteries installed in the charger during
176 the test (the maximum number the charger can
177 accommodate)
178 ¦ X is the summation function.
179
180 3.5 Nonactive Energy Ratio Requirements for Multi-Voltage, Multi-Port Chargers
181 3.5.1 The Nonactive Energy Ratio (ER), as calculated per Equation 4, shall be less than or equal to the
182 Maximum Nonactive Energy Ratio Requirement (ERMax), as specified in Table 1, where:
183 1. For batteries charged in parallel, VB is equal to the average of the single-pack Nominal
184 Battery Voltages of the batteries in each batch installed for testing; and
185 2. For batteries charged in series, VB is equal to the average of the summed Nominal Battery
186 Voltages of each batch of batteries installed for testing.
ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Battery Charging Systems - Eligibility Criteria Page 6 of 8
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187 Equation 4: Energy Ratio Calculation for Multi-Voltage, Multi-Port Chargers
+£„)
188 ER = — ,
IX
i=1
189 Where:
190 ¦ ER is the nonactive energy ratio.
191 ¦ Em is the maintenance mode energy with the i'h battery
192 installed, measured in the test method.
193 ¦ ESi is the standby mode energy for the ith test, measured in
194 the test method.
195 ¦ EBi is the battery energy for the ith battery tested, measured
196 in the test method.
197 ¦ n is the number of tests of a particular unit with different
198 sets of batteries, and greater than or equal to 3.
199 ¦ m is the number of batteries installed in the charger during
200 each test (the maximum number the charger can
201 accommodate)
202 3.6 Safety Requirements
203 3.6.1 Battery Charging Systems shall comply with applicable local product safety requirements in the
204 market(s) in which the product is to be sold.
205 4 TESTING REQUIREMENTS
206
207 4.1 Test Methods
208 4.1.1 When testing Battery Charging Systems, the test methods identified in Table 2 shall be used to
209 determine ENERGY STAR qualification:
210 Table 2: Test Methods for ENERGY STAR Qualification
Product Type
Test Method
All
ENERGY STAR Test Method for Battery Charging Systems, Rev. Aug-2010
IEC Standard 61951-1: Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or
other non-acid electrolytes - Portable sealed rechargeable single cells - Part
1: Nickel-cadmium. Ed. 2.1. January 2006.
IEC Standard 61951-2: Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or
other non-acid electrolytes - Portable sealed rechargeable single cells - Part
2: Nickel-metal hydride. Ed. 2.0. April 2003.
IEC Standard 61960: Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or
other non-acid electrolytes - Secondary lithium cells and batteries for
portable applications. Ed. 1.0. December 2003.
211
212
ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Battery Charging Systems - Eligibility Criteria Page 7 of 8
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213 4.2 Number of Units Required for Test
214 4.2.1 Representative Models shall be selected for testing per the following requirements:
215 i. For qualification of an individual product model, a product configuration equivalent to that
216 which is intended to be marketed and labeled as ENERGY STAR is considered the
217 Representative Model;
218 ii. For qualification of a product family, any product configuration within the family may be
219 considered the Representative Model.
220 4.2.2 Testing shall be conducted on three randomly chosen units of the same Representative Model.
221 4.2.3 All tested units shall meet ENERGY STAR qualification requirements
222 4.3 International Market Qualification
223 4.3.1 Products shall be tested for qualification at the relevant input voltage/frequency combination for
224 each market in which they will be sold and promoted as ENERGY STAR.
225 5 EFFECTIVE DATE
226 5.1.1 Effective Date: The Version 1.1 ENERGY STAR Battery Charging System specification shall take
227 effect on the dates specified in Table 3. To qualify for ENERGY STAR, a product model shall
228 meet the ENERGY STAR specification in effect on its date of manufacture. The date of
229 manufacture is specific to each unit and is the date (e.g., month and year) on which a unit is
230 considered to be completely assembled.
231 5.1.2 Future Specification Revisions: EPA reserves the right to change this specification should
232 technological and/or market changes affect its usefulness to consumers, industry, or the
233 environment. In keeping with current policy, revisions to the specification are arrived at through
234 industry discussions. In the event of a specification revision, please note that the ENERGY STAR
235 qualification is not automatically granted for the life of a product model.
236 Table 3: Specification Effective Date
Effective Date
January 1, 2006
237
ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Battery Charging Systems - Eligibility Criteria Page 8 of 8
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ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR® Program Requirements
Product Specification for
Battery Charging Systems
Test Method
1 1 OVERVIEW
2 The following test method shall be used for determining compliance with requirements in the ENERGY
3 STAR Eligibility Criteria for Battery Charging Systems.
4 2 APPLICABILITY
5 The following test method is applicable to all products eligible for qualification under the ENERGY STAR
6 Eligibility Criteria for Battery Charging Systems. In the event of dispute/verification, the full test method
7 shall be used to measure maintenance mode energy and standby mode energy, per Section 6.2.
8 3 DEFINITIONS
9 Unless otherwise specified, all terms used in this document are consistent with the definitions contained in
10 the ENERGY STAR Eligibility Criteria for Battery Charging Systems
11 A) C-Rate: C-rate is a charge or discharge current normalized to battery capacity. A charge or discharge
12 rate of one C draws a capacity equal to the battery capacity in one hour. For example, a rate of C/2 for
13 a 1.2 amp-hour battery is 0.6 amps, a one C rate is 1.2 amps, and a 2C rate is 2.4 amps.
14 B) End-of-Discharqe Voltage: The specified closed circuit voltage at which discharge of a battery is
15 terminated.
16 4 STANDARD TESTING CONDITIONS
17 A) Supply Requirements: The requirements in Table 1 shall apply to the power source from which the
18 unit under test (UUT) derives its operating energy for the test.
19
ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Battery Charging Systems - Test Method (Rev. Aug-2010) Page 1 of 5
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20 Table 1: Input Power Requirements
Market
Voltage
Voltage
Tolerance
Maximum
Total
Harmonic
Distortion
Frequency
Frequency
Tolerance
North America,
Taiwan
115 Vac
+/-1.0 %
2.0 %
60 Hz
+/-1.0 %
Europe, Australia,
New Zealand
230 Vac
+/- 1.0 %
2.0 %
50 Hz
+/- 1.0 %
China
220 Vac
+/- 1.0 %
2.0 %
50 Hz
+/- 1.0 %
Japan
100 Vac
+/- 1.0 %
2.0 %
50 Hz and
60 Hz
+/- 1.0 %
21 B) Ambient Requirements: The following requirements apply to the room or immediate environment in
22 which the testing is conducted.
23 1) Air speed shall be less than 0.5 m/s.
24 2) Ambient temperature shall be maintained at 20 °C ± 5 °C.
25 C) Measurement and Instrumentation Requirements:
26 1) Precision measurement of energy consumption shall be made with a precision equal to the
27 greater of 0.1 Watt-hour or 1 % of full-scale measurement.
28 5 UUT REQUIREMENTS
29 A) Both the UUT and the associated batteries shall be new products, representative of the type and
30 condition of product that a consumer would purchase in a retail setting.
31 B) Battery Conditioning: The batteries shall have experienced no more than 5 complete charge/discharge
32 cycles prior to testing. These cycles are optional and must be completed according to the charge
33 (Section 6.2) and discharge (Section 6.3) procedures outlined in this test method.
34 C) Battery Selection: All products shall be tested as packaged for sale, except as specified below.
35 1) Multi-voltage chargers shall be tested using at least three currently produced batteries
36 identified/listed as usable with the unit.
37 a) The charger shall be tested using batteries with both the highest and lowest nominal battery
38 energy (watt-hours) that are manufactured for use with the UUT.
39 b) If the multi-voltage charger is also packaged for sale with end-use products using batteries, it
40 shall be tested with the specific charger and battery combination.
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41 c) Each unit in the sample required by the ENERGY STAR Eligibility Criteria for Battery
42 Charging Systems shall be evaluated using the full set of tests.
43 2) Multi-port chargers shall be tested with the maximum number of identical batteries the charger can
44 accommodate. These shall be treated as a single battery throughout the test.
45 a) If the multi-port charger is also multi-voltage, it shall be tested using the multi-voltage method,
46 above, except the maximum number of identical batteries the charger can accommodate shall
47 be used for each test (i.e., the UUT must be tested with three full sets of identical batteries,
48 including batteries with both highest and lowest battery energies).
49 6 DETERMINING BCS ENERGY RATIO
50 6.1 UUT Preparation
51 A) Abbreviated test methodology: The abbreviated test method, described for each mode tested, below,
52 may be conducted where:
53 1) The UUT's energy consumption in both maintenance and standby modes does not vary
54 significantly overtime.
55 2) All maintenance and standby functions occur at the same magnitude and frequency for as long as
56 the device remains in that mode.
57 3) Products utilizing a current pulse to maintain charge are not precluded from using the abbreviated
58 method, so long as the magnitude and frequency of the pulse remain constant indefinitely while in
59 both maintenance and standby modes.
60 4) Those wishing to use the abbreviated test must submit a written statement indicating that the UUT
61 qualifies for the abbreviated test methodology and include this documentation with the test report.
62 B) Battery Voltage: Record the rated voltage of the battery or batteries used for the test, VB.
63 C) Testing shall commence with a fully discharged battery, consistent with end of discharge voltages
64 specified in Table 2.
65 Table 2: End of Discharge Voltage by Chemistry
Battery Chemistry
End of Discharge Voltage
Nickel-based (NiCD/NiMh)
1 .OV/cell (IEC 61951)
Lead Acid (all types)
1,75V/cell
All Others
Follow manufacturer specifications
66 6.2 Measuring Non-active Energy
67 A) Charge the battery with the UUT for the period specified by the UUT manufacturer as the time needed
68 to fully charge the battery under test.
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69 1) All limited time functions used to deliver the primary charge to the battery, including cell
70 equalization, are to be excluded from the measurement of battery maintenance mode.
71 2) If these events are known to occur for a time period beyond the manufacturer specified charge
72 time, the battery is to be left in place until all such functions are complete.
73 3) In cases where no charge time is specified, the batteries is to be charged for a period of at least
74 24 hours.
75 B) If the UUT is disconnected from the power source following charging (e.g., to move it from a charging
76 station to a metering station), then
77 1) The time that the UUT spends disconnected from the AC mains between charging and measuring
78 of battery maintenance mode energy shall be less than or equal to 1 hour.
79 2) The UUT and battery must be connected to the AC mains for a period greater than or equal to 15
80 minutes prior to the start of the maintenance mode measurement.
81 C) Begin power measurement.
82 D) Maintenance Mode:
83 1) Testing shall proceed according to one of the following methods:
84 a) Full Test - Continue measurement for a period of 36 hours (+/-1 minute). Energy use may be
85 measured as a time series integral of power or as an accumulated watt-hour total.
86 b) Abbreviated Method - Measure energy consumption for at least 6 hours. Energy use may be
87 measured as a time series integral of power or as an accumulated watt-hour total, but shall be
88 extrapolated to 36 hours.
89 2) Record the Maintenance Mode Energy (EM).
90 E) Standby Mode:
91 1) Remove battery from charger and continue measurement of standby power using one of the
92 following options:
93 a) Full Test: Measure energy used for 12 hours (+/-1 minute). Energy use may be measured as
94 a time series integral of power or as an accumulated watt-hour total.
95 b) Abbreviated Method: Measure energy used for a period of not less than 1 hour. Energy use
96 may be measured as a time series integral of power or as an accumulated watt-hour total, but
97 shall be extrapolated to 12 hours.
98 2) Record the Standby Mode Energy, (Es).
99
100
101
102
103
104
ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Battery Charging Systems - Test Method (Rev. Aug-2010) Page 4 of 5
Note: For some types of cord/cordless products, the charging circuitry is contained within the device itself
and the only detachable part of the system is an AC power cord. For such Battery Operated End-use
Products, the standby power/energy is zero, since the product/charger will draw no power when the
battery is not being either charged or maintained. This does not apply to cradle products with a separable
cord, as the cradle or wall adapter may still draw some power when the device/battery is removed.
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105 6.3 Measuring Battery Energy
106 A) Unless otherwise specified herein, measurement of battery energy shall be conducted under the
107 conditions specified in:
108 1) IEC 61951-11 for nickel cadmium cells,
109 2) IEC 61951-22 for nickel metal hydride cells or
110 3) IEC 619603 for lithium cells.
111 4) For other cell chemistries, measurement of battery energy shall be conducted under the
112 conditions specified in an equivalent, industry-accepted standard. In this case, the test procedure
113 used shall be reported.
114 B) The battery energy shall be measured as follows:
115 1) The battery shall be charged, according to Section 6.2 of this test methodology. After charging
116 and the completion of any maintenance mode measurement, the battery shall be stored in an
117 ambient temperature of 20 °C ± 5 °C for a period of 1 to 4 hours, inclusive.
118 2) The battery shall then be discharged in an ambient temperature of 20 °C ± 5 °C at a rate of 0.2C,
119 where C is the rated Ampere-hour capacity of the battery. The test shall continue until the battery
120 pack reaches its end of discharge voltage, according to Table 2.
121 3) During this period, voltage shall be logged, integrated at the end of discharge, and multiplied by
122 the discharge rate to obtain the measured battery energy, (EB).
123 C) The test may be repeated a maximum of 5 times, as in IEC 61951, with the best result being chosen
124 as the final measured energy value.
125 7 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
126 Special thanks to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) for permission to reproduce extracts
127 from page 7 of its International Standard IEC 62301 1st edition 2005-06 Household electrical appliances -
128 Measurement of standby power. All such extracts are copyright of IEC, Geneva, Switzerland. All rights
129 reserved. Further information on the IEC is available from www.iec.ch. IEC has no responsibility for the
130 placement and context in which the extracts and contents are reproduced herein; nor is IEC in any way
131 responsible for the other content or accuracy herein.
1 International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). "IEC Standard 61951-1: Secondary cells and batteries
containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes - Portable sealed rechargeable single cells - Part 1:
Nickel-cadmium." Ed. 2.1. January 2006.
2 IEC. "IEC Standard 61951-2: Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid
electrolytes - Portable sealed rechargeable single cells - Part 2: Nickel-metal hydride." Ed. 2.0. April
2003.
3 IEC. "IEC Standard 61960: Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid
electrolytes - Secondary lithium cells and batteries for portable applications." Ed. 1.0. December 2003.
ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Battery Charging Systems - Test Method (Rev. Aug-2010) Page 5 of 5
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