Excellent guide to prolong lithium-based batteries.

[InlineFour]

Avoid frequent full discharges because this puts additional strain on the battery. Several partial discharges with frequent recharges are better for lithium-ion than one deep one. Recharging a partially charged lithium-ion does not cause harm because there is no memory. (In this respect, lithium-ion differs from nickel-based batteries.) Short battery life in a laptop is mainly cause by heat rather than charge / discharge patterns.


Batteries with fuel gauge (laptops) should be calibrated by applying a deliberate full discharge once every 30 charges. Running the pack down in the equipment does this. If ignored, the fuel gauge will become increasingly less accurate and in some cases cut off the device prematurely.


Keep the lithium-ion battery cool. Avoid a hot car. For prolonged storage, keep the battery at a 40% charge level.


Consider removing the battery from a laptop when running on fixed power. (Some laptop manufacturers are concerned about dust and moisture accumulating inside the battery casing.)


Avoid purchasing spare lithium-ion batteries for later use. Observe manufacturing dates. Do not buy old stock, even if sold at clearance prices.


If you have a spare lithium-ion battery, use one to the fullest and keep the other cool by placing it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze the battery. For best results, store the battery at 40% state-of-charge.

These are just the basic steps in prolonging your lithium-based battery. You can read more in depth on lithium batteries here.

 

[imported_Phil]

I think storing a battery in the fridge is going a bit far.

 

[Philippine Mango]

Originally posted by: Phil
I think storing a battery in the fridge is going a bit far.

People do it for film, why not batteries?

 

[PAB]

Originally posted by: Philippine Mango

Originally posted by: Phil
I think storing a battery in the fridge is going a bit far.

People do it for film, why not batteries?

Because film is a tad more heat sensitive than batteries.

 

[l Xes l]

i store everything in my fridge. As matter of fact i live a in fridge.

 

[trenchfoot]

all of my spare batteries (except lead acid) and film are stored in the fridge. of course, when removing from fridge, i let them warm up to ambient temp. and wipe off condensation before use.

i have two lithium ncharge saphions for notebooks that are now almost four years old and still hold 65% charge @ < 250 cycles by fridging them and following the other advice posted by inlinefour since new.

and because i'm too lazy to remove batteries from my dive lites, i store them in the back of the fridge too.

i also store rubber slings for my spearguns in the freezer.

 

[TRUMPHENT]

NiCad Memory Myth!

This is an interesting article compiled by an accomplished digital photographer, Sheldon Brown.

1,000 Words

 

[RU482]

great site. thanks

 

[RU482]

Originally posted by: Phil
I think storing a battery in the fridge is going a bit far.

There was this kids show back in the 80's on Nickelodeon..I think it was called Mr Wizard's World or something. Anyway, I remember him saying to store unused batteries in the fridge.

not sure why I just remembered that

 

[IGBT]

Originally posted by: Phil
I think storing a battery in the fridge is going a bit far.

..seems to work. Extends the shelf life.

 

[loup garou]

Too much crap to keep track of. I'll just use my devices normally and buy new batteries when they kick the bucket, thanks.

 

[JinLien]

NiCad can be restore by running it in the device that it is intended for till it is run down (to just less than 1 volt per cell) then recharge to full power & it will regain the bulk of its power storage by breaking down large crystals to smaller ones. Most manufactures suggest storing NiCad & NiMH batteries between 4-40C because higher or lower than the suggested temperature greatly increasing the internal energy drain below the minimum voltage effectively kill the cells prematurely. Charging temperature should be between 10-40C therefore many tools charger will heat up the battery to charging temperature (20-21C) before full charging amperage apply.

NiCad have a bout 1000-2000 charge before the cells drop below 40% of power storage that it is capable of, and it require a monthly charge when not in use (up to 3 months pending the storage method & charge). NiMH cells life span is 500-1000 charge before dropping below the 40% storage mark, and it require to be charge every 2 months when not in use (up to 6 months pending storage method & charge). Li-Ion have little internal power loss compare to the NiCad/NiMH but does have permanent capability lost that depends on temperature & charge.

NiCad is the best medium for high power drawn applications such as power tools because it is cheaper and can tolerate 2X as much charging cycles than NiMH. NiMH is a good medium for low-moderate power draw because it doesn?t have as many charging cycles as NiCad and can store 25-30% more power than NiCad. Li-Ion is a great medium that weight 25-30% less than NiCad and can store 2X more energy per cycle than NiCad but it have an apparent permanent storage death therefore it lifespan is between 3-5 years regarding of usage or not, and it is expensive compare to NiCad.

I personally prefer NiCad for power tools and Li-Ion where weight is a concern.

 

[notfred]

Originally posted by: loup garou
Too much crap to keep track of. I'll just use my devices normally and buy new batteries when they kick the bucket, thanks.

Seriously. That's way too much effort to save $100 every couple years on batteries.

 

[JinLien]

Originally posted by: notfred

Originally posted by: loup garou
Too much crap to keep track of. I'll just use my devices normally and buy new batteries when they kick the bucket, thanks.

Seriously. That's way too much effort to save $100 every couple years on batteries.

Poor charger/charging condition (too hot) can cause permanent damage to your batteries and poor storage & cycling can greatly decrease the life span of your batteries. Affectively increase your cost of batteries to hundred of dollars per year. Leaving your battery in your laptop while it is plug-in also reduce/kill it prematurely due to over heat/charging.

 

[iamaelephant]

Originally posted by: notfred

Originally posted by: loup garou
Too much crap to keep track of. I'll just use my devices normally and buy new batteries when they kick the bucket, thanks.

Seriously. That's way too much effort to save $100 every couple years on batteries.

Or maybe you're just lazy?

Thanks for the guide InlineFour, I just got myself a digital camera that has a Lithium Ion battery and was wondering what to do ti take care of it.