How To Store Your Batteries For Maximum Life
Topics: batteries
Batteries begin to lose power and strength as soon as they leave the manufacturer but there are simple things that battery users can do to slow the process down.
It is recommended that most batteries be stored at about 59 degrees and while lead-acid batteries must be kept at a full charge nickel and lithium batteries should be stored at 40% of their capacity to minimize capacity loss.
Lithium-ion batteries power the majority of today’s laptop computers. The battery compartment on many laptops rises to about 45°C (113°F) during operation. The combination of high charge level and elevated ambient temperature presents an unfavorable condition for the battery. This explains why the lifespan of many laptop batteries is so short.
Nickel-metal-hydride can be stored for about three years. The capacity drop that occurs during storage is permanent and cannot be reversed. Cool temperatures and a partial charge slows aging. Nickel-cadmium stores reasonably well.
Manufacturers recommend to trickle charge a nickel-based battery for 24 hours when new and after long storage. This will bring all cells to equal charge level and redistributes the electrolyte to remedy dry spots on the separator brought on by gravitation of the electrolyte. It is advisable to verify the capacity with a battery analyzer before use. This is especially important in critical applications.
Cycling is recommended to regain lost capacity after a nickel-based battery has been stored for 6 months or longer. A slow charge followed by one or several discharge/charge cycles will do this. The recovery rate is determined by the condition under which the battery was stored. The longer and warmer the storage temperature, the more cycles will be required.
Nickel-based batteries are not always fully formed when leaving the factory. Applying several charge/ discharge cycles through normal use or with a battery analyzer completes the forming. The number of cycles needed to attain full capacity differs between cell manufacturers. Quality cells perform to specification after 5-7 cycles. Those lacking formation may need 50 or more cycles to reach acceptable capacity levels. What is the difference between priming and forming? For the user, both symptoms manifest themselves as insufficient capacity.
Lithium-ion batteries deliver full power after the initial charge. Manufacturers of lithium-ion cells insist that no priming is required. However, priming is beneficial as an initial start and to verify battery performance. Excessive cycling should be avoided because of wear-down effect.
Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida with his 16 year old son. Get the batteries you need at www.batteriesforallelectronics.com
Previous Articles Highlighter:
Why You Should Never Use Wax On Your Car (1)
If you would rather be working on your car than driving it you may want to think about making an appointment with a psychiatrist because you definitely have something wrong with your head!
Does The Price Of Your Perfume Add Up To Health Issues? (2)
The use of fragrances is nothing new, they have been used for centuries dating to biblical times but it is only now that we have begun to see some of the issues arising from the use of perfume.
What Is The Real Difference Between Perfumes And Colognes? (3)
Any discussion of perfume leads one to the capitol of the modern fragrance industry which of course is France. What many people don't realize though is that it wasn't the French who discovered perfume any more than Columbus discovered the New World, the Egyptians originated the art of making fragrances it was the French who took it from an art to a science and then a multi-billion dollar industry.
Watches That Don't Require Batteries (4)
The Eco-Drive watches will run on any light source whether natural or artificial and the watch takes the light and transforms it into electricity instead of using a conventional battery.
How To Properly Care For Your Fruit Trees To Keep Them Healthy (5)
Why? Because it is not true: too much water can be worse than not enough! If you notice your tree is starting to wither, do not assume it is because it needs water.
Why Are Goose Down Comforters So Comfortable? (6)
This type of down comes from the area of Iceland from Eider ducks, well known for its luxurious properties. The Hungarian goose is another popular choice of goose down.
How To Buy A Mountain Bike That Will Suit Your Style (7)
This decision should be made after contemplation of the type of terrain you will be on most, your riding style, and the money you are willing to spend. There are so many different combinations available when it comes to mountain bikes, it would be virtually impossible to make side by side comparisons.
A Closer Look At Instant Approval Credit Cards (8)
Although because of the high credit market today, the banks are willing stretch their limits and offer this program to different kinds of people. This may depend on the bank you're applying the credit card on.
The New Car Negotiation Isn't Over Yet - Watch Out! (9)
This is where many people let their guard down and where many people get taken. Hey, the industry insiders don't call it the "hot box" for nothing! That's right, having been in the industry for many years I can tell you that is the truth and there is a lot of money made in that office.
How To Buy Men's Designer Dress Shoes On A Budget (10)
More likely, the thought will strike fear into the hearts of many men! I know I can't stand running all over town shopping, I have a mission to accomplish and the way to do it is to get it done as fast and efficiently as possible.
Newer Articles Highlighter:
Do You Need Security For Your Car? (1)
Generally speaking almost all of the factory systems installed on vehicles can be overcome or bypassed so you should look into a proven aftermarket system. Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida with his 16 year old son.
How To Gear Up Your Kids For A Safe Motorcycle Ride (2)
You can't just have an extra helmet that anyone wears, your kids need to have their own that fits them properly. You should also be sure that they have a pair of good quality high impact resistant sunglasses to protect their eyes from the damaging UV rays of the sun.
The Rewards Of A Career In Accounting And Why You Should Consider The Vocation (3)
If you consider all the wonderful things it can offer you, you will realize that getting a career in accounting just all adds up. Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida.
Want To Be A Great Soccer Player? Practice Makes Perfect (4)
This drill will help you when it comes to having to dribble down a soccer field in an actual game where you have to dodge other players. As with any sport you can also learn quite a lot by watching other players closely.
What Is It That Makes The Sports Car So Desirable? (5)
Most sports car owners tend to be freedom lovers, similar to the personalities of bikers. Indeed many sports car owners are also Harley riders. The idea of being able to take a high performance car out on a long deserted stretch of road and just open it up appeals to people like this.
How To Stay Healthy In A World Of Computer Viruses (6)
If you use Outlook or Outlook Express, turn off the scripting feature. Make sure that anti virus software checks all of you incoming and outgoing email, and don't open an email with attachments unless you know for sure who sent it to you and why.
Some Definite Must Haves For All Golfers (7)
Never hesitate on reading them and broaden your knowledge on the game whenever possible. Once you have all five of these, you will only be a step away from the actual fulfillment of your golfing dreams.
Why Using Mattress Pads Will Make Your Mattress Last Longer (8)
The droppings contain a type of protein to which many people are allergic. Proteins in the combined mixture of feces, carcasses and skin are what cause most allergic reactions in humans with symptoms as mild as itchy eyes or skin to asthma attacks.
How To Make The Decision Between XM And Sirius Satellite Radio (9)
Either way, both stations get you up and dancing. Other Genres Both stations offer hours of different types of music. From Classical to Jazz, there's something for everyone.
What Is The Best Way To Learn The Correct Golf Swing Quickly? (10)
A game that seems easy to play is golf, especially if you are just watching it on television. While watching, you have the perception that if they can do it, so can you.