How to store lithium-ion batteries from a screwdriver

Why check the condition of the battery pack of a screwdriver with a multimeter

Do you need to buy a brand new battery or is it better to take the old one to a service center if it sits down very quickly or does not even work? Not always! Even an inexperienced electrician can determine why the battery is not working if he familiarizes himself with the search algorithm in advance in advance. To do this, use a multimeter or other specific instrument that will have similar measurement capabilities. In addition to such a device, such as a knife, a screwdriver, a soldering iron with a set for soldering pliers will be very important. In order to accurately determine the causes of malfunctions of the battery pack, it is necessary to establish the operability of all individual power supply elements..

But first of all, you should check the charger, and using a multimeter you should do this:

  • Turn on the device.
  • Set the measured value switch in the multimeter to constant voltage.
  • Place the test leads to the corresponding sockets in the multimeter and touch them to the contacts (we are talking about – and) of the device for charging.
  • Compare the value that is displayed on the display with the output voltage of the charging device, which is written in the operating instructions (possibly on the case).
  • If the values ​​do not match, then it is worthwhile to repair the adapter or buy a new one..

How to store a battery from a screwdriver in winter? The work is not difficult, but first you should check the power supply with a multimeter, and you should do this:

  • Charge the battery pack fully.
  • Use a multimeter to check the output voltage of the battery pack. To do this, set the device switch to its constant value, and then touch the probes to the minus and plus.
  • If the parameter in the measured form does not correspond to the value indicated in the instructions, disassemble the battery pack and remove all batteries.
  • When there are no damaged cans, that is, it has not swelled or flowed, you should check the voltage at the output of each battery with a multimeter. To do this, you need to crucify the chain with a soldering iron..
  • Before the batteries, the load should be connected in turn for the same time (for example, a light bulb, which will have the appropriate voltage).
  • The battery with the largest drawdown will be damaged.

To test Nickel-Cadmium and Nickel-Metal Hydride Energy Stores, they must be fully discharged. So you will not allow the “memory effect”.

Please note that when checking batteries, it should be taken into account that for nickel-metal hydride and nickel-cadmium types of batteries, the output voltage should be from 1.2 to 1.4 V, and for lithium from 3.6 to 3.8 V.

When you find a defective battery, you should replace it with a new one. Even with a multimeter, you should measure the total current strength, then it will increase and in the first hour will exceed 1 A, and it means that the battery is efficient.

If there is no voltage at the output of the battery, then there will be a high probability that the integrity of the circuits will be broken inside the unit. It is necessary to disassemble the block and look for the place of the break, and first visually, and then using a multimeter.

How to properly store a battery from a screwdriver an overview of popular mistakes

How to properly store a battery from a screwdriver an overview of popular mistakes

Electric screwdrivers that run on built-in battery packs have tangible advantages over corded models..

This is not just autonomy, mobility, but also convenience when you manipulate the tool in the event that the mount is located in a very hard-to-reach place..

But the rechargeable battery in an electric screwdriver is the Achilles’ heel of the tool..

General information

The most popular are those screwdrivers that have built-in types of batteries, where the nominal voltage is 12 V. When working with such devices, one should bear in mind the fact that ideal performance, and also about the operational life of the tool, can only be talked about when you use only the type of battery pack that is registered in the official passport of the device. If a battery with a lower voltage is supplied, the power of the screwdriver will be insufficient. If you put a battery with an increased voltage, then the engine will wear out prematurely, and then it will completely break down. So, let’s look at how to store a battery from a screwdriver.

Battery resuscitation methods

A cordless screwdriver battery has many separate power components, and therefore failures in it can be for a variety of reasons. For instance:

  • Out of order or begins to malfunction in the control system of elements from the block.
  • Parameters have changed or one of the power components is out of order.

It is possible without any problems to determine that the battery needs resuscitation and diagnostics. A failure to charge will indicate a problem with the controller, as well as continuity before the entire battery pack overheats or no voltage at all. In a more diverse way, you can diagnose the problems of the blocks separately, and this can be a 100% failure of the battery block. These can be very different cases when its voltage changes, as well as the useful capacitance. What will be the resuscitation method? It will depend on what type of power supply of individual elements..

How to store lithium-ion batteries from a screwdriver

Checking line-ion battery units is done in this way:

  • Disassemble the control board.
  • In its place, a working board should be installed, which will be removed from another unit of a similar type..
  • Then remove the individual batteries and test them.
  • Each of them must be supplied with 4 V at 200 mA through the regulated power supply. The unit can be considered serviceable if an increase in voltage is noticeable..
  • When the battery does not work due to the fact that one element is out of order, then it is not difficult to install. But for batteries of this type, other problems are inherent..

Lithium-ion battery packs have a standard technical feature – they will decompose the charge carrier. For this reason, despite the fact that there is no memory, as well as a stable set at the voltage limit, during normal operation after 3 years, the capacity of the product will decrease by 2 times. There may be another problem – the supply nodes are in a state of imbalance. This can be understood by the fact that the usable capacity begins to gradually decrease. As well as the operating time of an electric screwdriver.

Please note that you can only find out about the imbalance when the battery is disassembled. All power supplies should be removed, and it is best to do this after the battery pack has been fully charged. Each of the batteries needs testing, and when the voltage on certain cells is less than on the others, then it is worth eliminating the imbalance in the group of lithium-ion battery packs. But in everyday life, another method (cheaper) is more suitable, when all the elements are charged separately.

It makes sense to look for data from the manufacturer about the rated current and charge duration. By means of a regulated power supply unit it is possible to discharge the cells in such a way that they have the same level..

How to store nickel cadmium screwdriver batteries

These battery packs have an insignificant memory effect. They can withstand negative temperatures, and they are capable of storing a charge for a long time, and there will be no noticeable degradation in performance. In this case, you should definitely know about their design features. The fact is that it is they who will form the individual factors (negative) of refusal. Nickel-cadmium battery packs with electrolyte that gradually evaporates. For this reason, in such a situation, there are no ways that can produce resuscitation. All that remains is to replace the batteries.

Nickel-cadmium batteries, on the other hand, are sensitive to mechanical influences. One of the two main methods of probable resuscitation will be based on this. The item can be restored in this way:

  • Deformation, or vice versa, the return of the original shape of the element.
  • Overvoltage supply, as well as currents using an adjustable power supply.

The latter requires accuracy. So it makes sense to find the rated current data for a battery pack of a certain class. It is useful to study the experience of other users, and you can ask how they conduct such resuscitation activities..

Details

How to avoid mistakes in battery storage

Rechargeable batteries of various types are stored by disconnecting them from a screwdriver. Each of the varieties of the battery pack has certain features:

  • Nickel-cadmium cells for powering prior to storage are recommended to be discharged in such a way that the instruments do not operate at full power..
  • Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries should be kept fully charged, but may be slightly discharged.
  • The lithium-ion battery must be discharged (but halfway) before being sent for storage.

After long-term storage, nickel-metal hydride components in the power supply, which can withstand 200-300 recharge cycles without loss of capacity, should be recharged within 24 hours. Such units have rather high self-discharge parameters. Interestingly, lithium-ion power cells have no memory effect as such. They have a very large capacity and at the same time the lowest self-discharge rate. Their charge can be replenished whenever you want, even though they are discharged..

store, lithium-ion, batteries, screwdriver

Please note that you should not fully discharge lithium-ion batteries. Otherwise, shutdown of the electronic built-in protective system when the temperature or voltage rises. To achieve a 50% charge, which should be achieved with proper storage, lithium-ion battery packs should be charged from near zero. Shelf life is about 65% of the time it takes to fully accumulate capacity.

It is important that if you follow the recommendations for storage and charging, then you will achieve that you will develop the resource of the batteries, which the manufacturer has laid in them..

Do I need to remove the battery from the screwdriver during storage?

Let’s use simple logic here. The screwdrivers come from the factory packed with one of the batteries inserted.

At the same time, the manufacturer, I think, took into account that the device may not reach the end consumer immediately – for some time, which can be measured in years, the screwdriver may simply lie in the warehouse..

Since the manufacturer initially packs them with an inserted battery, it means that they can be stored this way..

Best way to store batteries – charged or discharged?

If the battery is nickel-cadmium or nickel-metal hydride, then it must be left fully charged if you intend to store less than 30 days, and with a charge of 30-50% of the maximum capacity if the storage period is more than 30 days.

Lithium-ion batteries, according to DeWalt, should be left fully charged. Although this is a strange rule, since from everything that I had to learn about this type of battery, I know that lithium-ion batteries are very slow to self-discharge (they lose about 4% per year). Apparently DeWalt in this case simply decided to play it safe, since the user can leave a fully planted battery for storage. Many people probably know that lithium-ion batteries have electronics that stop the supply of current when the charge level reaches a certain minimum level. For the user, this will be zero, but in fact, there is still a charge there. And if such a battery is left to be stored without preliminary charging, then it can simply reach a real zero even with its low discharge rates. And for lithium-ion batteries, this is death – they cannot be completely discharged, which is why the electronics are worth it. Here in DeWalt and reinsured. Well i think so.

How to store batteries from a screwdriver?

Hello everyone! On the Web, they often ask how to store screwdriver batteries correctly so that they do not fail prematurely. In this article I will try to give an answer to the question posed..

At one time, I also asked this question and one wonderful thought came to my mind: “Why not look in the operating instructions for a screwdriver?” With this “brilliant” thought, I took the instruction from Makita and … found in it only general words. Well, this is about what you need to store so that the battery contacts cannot be accidentally closed with a paper clip, coin or other metal object, that storage should be in conditions where the air temperature does not exceed 50 degrees, and the like, which is also of course important , but it seems clear.

And everyone is interested in about the following questions:

  • with what level of charge should the batteries be left for storage?
  • both of them must be removed from the screwdriver or one can be left inserted?
  • how long can you store without recharging?

As a result, after reviewing the instructions from different manufacturers, I was able to find some useful information. Moreover, even if you look in the instructions of different screwdrivers of the same manufacturer, but differing in the type of battery, then it will be the same. At the same time, if the manufacturer believes that it is necessary to indicate some special information for certain types of batteries, then it is indicated, but in general for all types the conditions are basically the same.

For example, here is what AEG writes:

And here is information from DeWalt:

Or Makita, for all types of batteries, gives a universal advice, to recharge the batteries every six months of storage if they have been idle for so long..

In general, what can you say based on the information provided by the manufacturers? Let’s go in order.

How long can batteries be stored without recharging?

As you can see from the manufacturer’s information above, long-term storage batteries need to be recharged every six months..

But since the instructions are universal, this rule also applies to lithium-ion batteries. It seems that with their extremely low self-discharge, such batteries can be stored without recharging for several years. Unless of course they were completely planted before storage..

And then another question arises: how can batteries be stored for years in warehouses before they are purchased by the end consumer and at the same time not deteriorate??

But as soon as they are brought to a state of full capacity, they begin to require recharging every 6 months..

Summing up, we will draw the following conclusions:

  • Nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal hydride batteries must be fully charged if the storage period is less than 30 days, and left at 30-50% of the total capacity if the storage period is more than 30 days, and they should be recharged every six months for long-term storage ;
  • with lithium-ion batteries, you can do the same procedures, but it seems that if you do not adhere to this, then nothing terrible will happen to them, the main thing is not to leave them completely planted for long-term storage.

Well, I hope I managed to clarify this issue. Thank you for your attention and see you soon!

General rules

There are a number of rules that extend the life of any battery when it is forced to send it for long-term storage:

  • When using a power source with a long break, it is necessary to carry out a complete discharge-charge cycle of the cell several times;
  • The ambient temperature in the warehouse should not fall below 10 degrees Celsius;
  • Periodic charging and complete discharge of the power source, at least once every six months, helps to extend the service life of the battery at rest;
  • If the power tool is not going to be used in the near future, the battery must be disconnected from it and cleaned of all visible contamination..

Important: If traces of oxide appear on the case or contacts, then the contaminated areas must be wiped with a special cleaner or liquid with alcohol.

Storing lithium-ion batteries

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) power sources are sensitive to temperature conditions and residual charge when sent for long-term storage. The available charge level at the beginning of use directly depends on this..

For lithium batteries, the screwdriver adheres to the following rules:

  • Eliminate the possibility of freezing – when using the refrigerator as a storage place, they are placed in the main compartment, and not in the freezer;
  • The optimal temperature regime varies from 1 to 25 degrees Celsius;
  • Before being sent for storage, the discharged element is recharged to the level of 40%, this will completely restore the charge if it is necessary to use a screwdriver.

The mobility of the battery-powered screwdriver has one drawback – they are discharged. Compliance with the recommendations for storing batteries increases their service life without losing functionality. In this case, the type of battery used in the screwdriver must be taken into account. Nickel-cadmium cells require a complete discharge, and such a procedure will only damage lithium-ion batteries..

Hello everyone! On the Web, they often ask how to store screwdriver batteries correctly so that they do not fail prematurely. In this article I will try to give an answer to the question posed..

At one time, I also asked this question and one wonderful thought came to my mind: “Why not look in the operating instructions for any screwdriver?” With this “brilliant” thought, I took instructions from Makita and … found in it only general words. Well, this is about what you need to store so that the battery contacts cannot be accidentally closed with a paper clip, coin or other metal object, that storage should be in conditions where the air temperature does not exceed 50 degrees, and the like, which is also of course important , but it seems clear.

And everyone is interested in about the following questions:

  • with what level of charge should the batteries be left for storage?
  • both of them must be removed from the screwdriver or one can be left inserted?
  • how long can you store without recharging?

As a result, after reviewing the instructions from different manufacturers, I was able to find some useful information. Moreover, even if you look in the instructions of different screwdrivers of the same manufacturer, but differing in the type of battery, then it will be the same. At the same time, if the manufacturer believes that it is necessary to indicate some special information for certain types of batteries, then it is indicated, but in general for all types the conditions are basically the same.

For example, here is what AEG writes:

And here is information from DeWalt:

Or Makita, for all types of batteries, gives a universal advice, to recharge the batteries every six months of storage if they have been idle for so long..

In general, what can you say based on the information provided by the manufacturers? Let’s go in order.

Storing Nickel Cadmium Batteries

It is best to keep nickel cadmium (NiCd) batteries discharged when using power tools occasionally. These elements have a specific property – a high level of self-discharge. Therefore, during storage, a fully charged battery will discharge itself over time: every month the residual charge level will decrease by 8-10%.

Compliance with simple recommendations for long-term storage of nickel-cadmium cells will allow you to get a fully functional current source after a full charge. The basic rules are as follows:

  • 3-4 full charge cycles followed by cell discharge;
  • The temperature regime in the storage room is not lower than 10 degrees Celsius.

Important: The plastic case of the battery is exposed to direct sunlight. Therefore, when sending the battery for long-term storage, avoid sun exposure to the vulnerable part of the cell..

How to store lithium-ion batteries from a screwdriver

This type of battery must be constantly discharged to the end during operation! only after a deep discharge do you put them on charge! they have a “memory effect”! they are stored in a charged state! once a month you need to carry out a discharge-charge cycle! store only in a warm, dry place! the service life of these batteries is 2-3 years! if you use it correctly, it will reach 5 years! which firm of the screwdriver?

It often happens that having bought a power tool for housework, having completed our plan, we stop using it. But picking it up again, we find that it no longer works. If you do not use the screwdriver for a long time, like any other power tool, its battery will discharge.

Knowledge of the basic rules for storing batteries for a screwdriver will help to avoid such problems..

Best way to store batteries – charged or discharged?

If the battery is nickel-cadmium or nickel-metal hydride, then it must be left fully charged if you intend to store less than 30 days, and with a charge of 30-50% of the maximum capacity if the storage period is more than 30 days.

Lithium-ion batteries, according to DeWalt, should be left fully charged. Although this is a strange rule, since from everything that I had to learn about this type of battery, I know that lithium-ion batteries are very slow to self-discharge (they lose about 4% per year). Apparently DeWalt in this case simply decided to play it safe, since the user can leave a fully planted battery for storage. Many people probably know that lithium-ion batteries have electronics that stop the supply of current when the charge level reaches a certain minimum level. For the user, this will be zero, but in fact, there is still a charge there. And if such a battery is left to be stored without preliminary charging, then it can simply reach a real zero even with its low discharge rates. And for lithium-ion batteries, this is death – they cannot be completely discharged, which is why the electronics are worth it. Here in DeWalt and reinsured. Well i think so.

Do I need to remove the battery from the screwdriver during storage?

Let’s use simple logic here. The screwdrivers come from the factory packed with one of the batteries inserted.

At the same time, the manufacturer, I think, took into account that the device may not reach the end consumer immediately – for some time, which can be measured in years, the screwdriver may simply lie in the warehouse..

Since the manufacturer initially packs them with an inserted battery, it means that they can be stored this way..

How long can batteries be stored without recharging?

As you can see from the manufacturer’s information above, long-term storage batteries need to be recharged every six months..

But since the instructions are universal, this rule also applies to lithium-ion batteries. It seems that with their extremely low self-discharge, such batteries can be stored without recharging for several years. Unless of course they were completely planted before storage..

And then another question arises: how can batteries be stored for years in warehouses before they are purchased by the end consumer and at the same time not deteriorate??

But as soon as they are brought to a state of full capacity, they begin to require recharging every 6 months..

Summing up, we will draw the following conclusions:

  • Nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal hydride batteries must be fully charged if the storage period is less than 30 days, and left at 30-50% of the total capacity if the storage period is more than 30 days, and they should be recharged every six months for long-term storage ;
  • with lithium-ion batteries, you can do the same procedures, but it seems that if you do not adhere to this, then nothing terrible will happen to them, the main thing is not to leave them completely planted for long-term storage.

Well, I hope I managed to clarify this issue. Thank you for your attention and see you soon!

Storage rules depending on the type

Each type of battery should be stored under the conditions most suitable for them. Below will be given the most optimal temperature characteristics and features of long-term preservation of batteries for screwdrivers.

Lithium ion

Lithium rechargeable power supplies have a maximum shelf life of 5 years. This indicator can be significantly reduced if significant temperature deviations were observed during the process of leaving the battery in an unused state for a long time..

Storage in an unheated room in winter, for example, in a garage or on a balcony, can especially negatively affect the internal structure of a Li-Ion battery. In the cold, the electrolyte crystallizes, and as a result, a significant decrease in capacity.

High temperatures can not only reduce the amount of accumulated charge, but also completely destroy the lithium battery. The battery can heat up from a radiator, open fire or direct sunlight..

In any case, the placement of such products should be carried out away from the listed sources of infrared radiation. In addition to observing the temperature standards, it is recommended to store Li-Ion batteries charged at 60-70%.

Rules for storing the battery from a screwdriver

The screwdriver is a necessary power tool in the household. For ease of use, many models have built-in rechargeable batteries that allow you to work in standalone mode.

If the screwdriver is not used often, then it becomes necessary to properly store the rechargeable power source. The features of such an operation, depending on the type of battery, will be described in detail in this article..

Nickel metal hydride

The advantage of nickel-metal hydride products lies in their high capacity and good performance at low temperatures, but it is also recommended to store them at 10˚С. Before long-term storage, it is recommended to charge and discharge the cell several times..

To maximize storage efficiency, it is recommended that the cell be fully charged every six months. Unlike lithium products, Ni-Mh batteries can and must be 100% charged.

Varieties of screwdriver batteries

Batteries in screwdrivers can be manufactured using various technologies. Typically lithium ion, nickel cadmium and nickel metal hydride rechargeable power sources are used..

Li Ion cells have unique electron storage characteristics and can be recharged more than 1000 times. The main disadvantage of such products is the high cost and fire hazard.

Ni-Cd batteries are very inexpensive devices, handle the load well, but have very limited charge / discharge cycles and significant memory effect. Nickel-metal products are roughly halfway between lithium and cadmium cells in all major indicators..

Nickel-cadmium

Unlike lithium-ion batteries, nickel-cadmium products can be stored discharged, but it is not at all prohibited to fully charge the battery before conservation. All the same, this procedure will not allow you to save electric current for a long time, because batteries of this type have a too high level of electricity leakage..

Storing nickel-cadmium batteries in freezing temperatures is not recommended. The optimum temperature level to ensure long-term storage of the battery is 10 – 12˚С.

If the screwdriver, in which the batteries of this type are installed, will not be used for a long time, then it is recommended to carry out several charge / discharge cycles before sending the power source for long-term storage..

How to determine which battery you have

Determining whether a battery belongs to a particular technology is not difficult. With the letter designations on the battery, you can accurately identify the type of power source. If there are no pointers, but the battery weighs very little, then most likely such a product is made using lithium technology..

If the battery has a significant weight and during its operation the presence of a memory effect is clearly noticeable, then we can assume that the element belongs to the group of nickel-cadmium products..

Nickel-metal hydride batteries are devoid of such disadvantages and do not contain environmentally hazardous heavy metals, so such a battery will have an average weight and a long service life..

What is not allowed to do during storage

If storage is carried out in a workshop, then it is necessary to protect the batteries from possible physical impact. If a tool is accidentally dropped onto the battery, lithium batteries can catch fire during depressurization, and cadmium batteries can become a source of serious contamination..

During the entire conservation period, as well as immediately after stopping the storage of batteries, do not connect electricity consumers to them. Even if the battery is not completely discharged during this time, it is still recommended to fully charge it before use..

If, in violation of the requirements, the battery was subjected to low-temperature exposure, then it is possible to correctly remove it from a state of prolonged non-use by connecting the charger no earlier than after 12 hours of “defrosting”.

Do you have any questions or do you have anything to add? Then write us about it in the comments, this will make the material more complete and accurate..

Storing Lead Acid Batteries in Winter

In winter, the situation changes. Many owners use the car much less often, and some put it in a garage or parking lot for the entire cold period. In this case, only knowing how to store the battery in frosty weather, you can ensure its performance..

Acid batteries do not tolerate low temperatures well. Therefore, it is better to put them for long-term storage in places where this indicator does not fall below zero in winter, for example, in a cellar or on an insulated balcony. Before placing a car battery for storage, you need to check the electrolyte level in the cans – all plates must be closed.

After that, it must be put on charge, since the lead-acid battery should only be stored fully charged. The terminals should be protected from corrosion by lubricating with lithol. The battery should be installed on a horizontal surface and protected from dust. If it is not used for a long period, then once a month it must be charged..

If they constantly drive out in winter, then the battery is usually not removed from the car. But it should be remembered that even an unconnected battery discharges faster in cold weather, which means that the density of the electrolyte decreases. If it is not recharged in time, the electrolyte can freeze and destroy the plates or the battery case..

Therefore, the battery should be insulated and ensured that it is always fully charged. And during long breaks between trips, it is better to remove it from the car and bring it into the warmth.

In no case should you:

  • Drain electrolyte from the battery. This will not only not help to preserve it in winter, but, on the contrary, will completely disable it..
  • Try to increase the density of the electrolyte by adding acid to the jars. This will not give a positive result, but it may well damage the battery irrevocably..
  • Store the battery near heating devices, as well as at temperatures exceeding plus 30 degrees.
  • Do not store lead acid batteries near alkaline.
  • Leave discharged for a long time.

Closed-type lead-acid batteries, which appeared in Russia in the 90s, are mainly used as backup power supplies for communication equipment, security and fire alarms and video surveillance. Instead of an electrolyte, they use a gel. They are hermetically sealed, which means that the gel does not dry out. These batteries are constantly in the room, so the question “how to store them correctly” does not arise.

Storage methods for different types of batteries

Any batteries have a certain service life, which directly depends on how they are used. During certain periods (more often – in winter) they may not be used at all and then it is possible to preserve their performance if the owner knows how to store the batteries. There are several types of rechargeable batteries (lead-acid, lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium), differing in design and chemical components. Accordingly, the methods of storing them are also somewhat different..

Lead acid batteries

Hearing the name of this type of battery, people immediately remember the car, as well as used on motorcycles or outboard motors. In an industrial environment, these batteries are usually stored without electrolyte. In this case, their shelf life is three years (dry-charged – only 1 year). They can withstand temperatures from minus 30 to plus 40 degrees without damage..

But car owners are dealing with batteries that are filled with electrolyte. To maintain the performance of such a battery for a long time, it is necessary to monitor its condition and store it correctly in winter..

In the warm season, when the machine is actively used, the battery does not experience overload and is always fully charged. It remains for the car owner to periodically check the electrolyte level in the cans, as it gradually evaporates. If necessary, it is necessary to top up with distilled water (since mainly water evaporates, and the acid remains in the solution).

Storing other types of batteries

A number of devices and tools powered by various types of rechargeable batteries are not constantly used at home. So, the battery of a screwdriver, drill or electric screwdriver at home can be used only a few times a year. Therefore, it is worth figuring out how to properly store such batteries and how long they can lie without using.

Self-contained power tools have become widespread with the advent of nickel-cadmium batteries. They are capable of providing long-term use of a screwdriver or a camera, withstanding 3500 thousand charge-discharge cycles. If a car (lead-acid) battery must be fully charged during storage, then a nickel battery, on the contrary, must be partially (about 60%) discharged..

It is not always possible to accurately measure the charge level, so it is easier and better to completely discharge the batteries and then recharge them a little. It is better to store such batteries at room temperature in a dry place. In winter, do not leave them in unheated rooms. Better, after removing it from a screwdriver or drill, so as not to take up much space, bring it home.

Currently, more modern lithium-ion batteries have appeared, the cost of which is much higher than that of nickel-cadmium batteries, but they have a number of advantages:

  • High capacity.
  • As a result – less weight and dimensions.
  • Take less time to charge.
  • They have no charge memory effect.

Such batteries are mainly used on phones, tablets. For power tools, they are still little used due to the high price. Not every person will agree to pay for the battery an amount that is comparable to the cost of the purchased screwdriver.

Lithium-ion batteries do not tolerate full or zero charge during long-term storage. At the same time, a partially discharged (up to 30-50%) battery can be safely stored at room temperature for up to a year. If lithium-ion batteries are fully charged, their capacity will significantly decrease after a long period of inactivity. A battery left in a drawer or on a shelf for several months with a zero charge will most likely have to be thrown away..

Lithium-ion batteries cannot withstand both high and low temperatures. If a camera, tablet or screwdriver accidentally left in the winter for a long time in the garage or in the car, the battery may become unusable. The recommended shelf life of a lithium-ion battery between charges is about 90 days.

The service life of a lithium-ion battery can be significantly extended if it is used correctly. It should be noted that it is better to charge such a battery without waiting for it to become completely discharged. In a full charge-discharge mode, such batteries withstand about 600 cycles. And if you recharge with a residual charge of 10-15%, then the number of cycles increases to 1700. But on devices where recharging is performed without removing lithium-ion batteries (phones, tablets, players), it is advisable to completely discharge every three to four months … This is necessary so that the minimum and maximum charge values ​​on the device controller are reset to zero..

After long-term storage of batteries of any type, in order to fully restore their capacity, it is necessary to carry out several charge-discharge cycles. Under no circumstances should the batteries be discharged by short-circuiting.!

Storing lithium-ion batteries in winter

Winter has already come – and the question always arises before it: how to properly store lithium-ion batteries for a long period of time without operation. This is an important topic, because every owner wants to preserve the properties of the battery as much as possible.

There is an unambiguous recommendation about the storage temperature. The most favorable temperature is around 0 ° C, but not below zero.

  • In such cool conditions, the properties of the electrolyte are retained as long as possible, so you can wrap the battery in a sealed bag and store it in the refrigerator (but not in the freezer).
  • But it’s okay if you don’t have the right conditions. Batteries can be stored up to 20 ° C. It is possible and higher, but this is already less favorable.
  • But there are controversies about the level to which the battery should be charged..

The well-known site batteryuniversity.com, to which the authors of almost all articles on storing lithium-ion batteries refer one way or another, recommends storing batteries at a 40% charge level. That is, if we talk about Li-Ion, this is approximately 3.5 V per cell.

The site claims that in this way the recoverable residual capacity of the battery is maximally preserved..

For example, when storing a battery charged up to 40% at 25 ° C, after a year the recoverable capacity will be at the level of 96%, and if a 100% charged battery is stored, then the recoverable capacity will be 80%.

Where did they get these numbers, how and what research was carried out – the site is silent.

However, I have big doubts about the data presented. The fact is that I always keep all my batteries 100% charged. And for several years. And they are stored perfectly. I did not notice any significant loss of capacity. Of course, after some operational period, they fail one way or another. But by no means after 5 years of simple storage.

Therefore – although I cannot refute the figure of 40% (most likely, at this level of charge, the battery will certainly not deteriorate) – I still prefer to read the operating manuals of the equipment.

  • Let’s turn to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Here, for example, is the instruction plate on the battery of the Airwheel Z3 scooter..
  • In translation it means: “Fully charge the battery before storage and after use. This will extend the battery life. “.
  • And here are the instructions on the battery from the QiCYCLE bike.
  • We will use a translator from Chinese.
  • And we will get such a translation.

And it’s the same here. The manufacturer recommends storing the battery in a cool dry place and recharging it every two months for two hours. That is, we are talking about a full battery charge again..

So, we have two opposite opinions: some sources advocate a 40% charge level, others – for a 100% charge level. And there is no concrete evidence in favor of this or that version. Therefore, I cannot name the only correct option..

As I said above, I decided for myself to act according to the manufacturer’s recommendation, that is, to fully charge the battery before storing it. And by the way, in the off state, the battery has practically no self-discharge.

Only a few percent runs away in a month, so there is not even much sense in recharging the battery, it is enough just to occasionally control the charge.

How to Prolong/Store Gadgets with Lithium Ion Battery!

How to properly use and store a lithium-ion battery

It is important to ensure that there is always at least a minimum amount of charge in the battery. Any ionic battery must not be fully discharged..

If it is not used and is completely discharged, it will result in a short service life. The temperature factor strongly affects the safety of the battery..

Do not charge or store lithium batteries in extremely high or low temperatures, as their capacity reading will quickly begin to drop.

store, lithium-ion, batteries, screwdriver

Li-ion are sensitive to voltage fluctuations. If U in the charger is increased even slightly (for example, by only 4%), the battery will lose capacity with each charge-discharge cycle.

  • Despite all the positive characteristics, it makes no sense to purchase Li-ion for future use: the battery loses about 4% of its capacity in 2 years. At the time of purchase, be sure to pay attention to the date of manufacture. If more time has passed since production, it is not recommended to buy such a battery..
  • The usual storage period for batteries is 2 years, but now manufacturers have invented a way to store them for a longer time. A special preservative is added to the battery, which allows it to be stored for more than two years.

If there is a preservative in the electrolyte, before the first use, the battery should be completely discharged by conducting a kind of training in the form of two or three charge-discharge cycles.

With this de-preservation, the electrolyte in the battery gradually decomposes, and the battery reaches its normal capacity level..

If this is not done with lithium cells, the battery will acquire a “memory effect”, and then, since the preservative is still inside, when charging is applied and the battery current increases, it will begin to rapidly disintegrate, and the battery may swell.

If you handle ionic batteries carefully and carefully, observing all storage conditions, with proper use, they will serve for a long time, and the capacity level in such batteries will remain at a high level for a long time..

Long-term storage of lithium-ion batteries

The power tool on lithium-ion batteries has become a part of our lives for a relatively long time. Gradually, electric transport is becoming a common means of transportation. Including for photographers.

It is convenient to move around the cities on an electric scooter, outside the city on an electric bike.

Photographers are not interested in sports, we need comfortable and not fast movement, when you can calmly look around in search of subjects.

And since a significant percentage of the price of all these wonderful and useful vehicles are lithium-ion batteries, care must be taken to ensure that they last as long as possible..

Li-ion batteries begin to degrade immediately after being made. Long-term storage without degrading the performance of lithium-ion batteries is not possible.

The problem with these cells is that, unlike lead acid batteries, they don’t like to be kept fully charged for more than a few months. You need to store them at 40-50% charge..

Storing lithium-ion cells at 100% charge for long periods of time accelerates their degradation. It is also important that half-discharged batteries do not explode..

  • It is advisable to store batteries at temperatures of 5 … 8 degrees. Relative humidity is not very important, about 50% is recommended.
  • If moisture condensation is possible, we recommend storing the batteries in a plastic bag. Self-discharge is not a big problem as long as the lithium-ion battery is left unattended for so long that it completely discharges.
  • In this case, you can simply throw it away..
  • Every 6 months or so, you should check your batteries and charge them to 40-50%. When charging to this level, it is easiest to use a timer.
  • If you have a 10 Ah battery and need to charge it about 20% with a 2 Amp charger, that means you should charge it within an hour (2 Ah / 2 Amp charger = 1 hour).

Approximate capacity losses depending on the charge level and temperature conditions during storage of the battery are given below:

0 ° С – loss of capacity during storage of a battery with a 40% charge level – 2% / year 25 ° С – loss of capacity during storage of a battery with a 40% charge level – 4% / year 40 ° С – loss of capacity during storage of a battery with 40% charge level – 15% / year

60 ° С – loss of capacity during storage of the battery with a 40% charge level – 25% / year

0 ° С – loss of capacity during storage of a battery with a full charge – 6% / year 25 ° С – loss of capacity during storage of a battery with a full charge – 25% / year 40 ° С – loss of capacity during storage of a battery with a full charge – 35% / year

60 ° С – loss of capacity during storage of the battery with a full charge – 40% / year

Above are the “average” recommendations. Lithium-ion battery manufacturers provide more accurate storage information. So LG Electronics writes about the storage of 18650 2500 mAh batteries:

If you need to drain the battery on an e-bike, it is best to do so under load. Putting your bike on a stand and spinning the wheel at idle is risky as it will overheat the engine.

The best way to charge bulky EV batteries is in a wood-burning stove, fireplace, or a modified ammo box ($ 20 https://lunacycle.com/luna-charge-safe-small-size-lithium-battery-box/). But it is also possible in the garage if you do not have a country house. The smoke from a lithium fire is incredibly toxic and can damage everything in your home..

The batteries used in quadcopters are also “good”. You can easily burn an apartment.

Although some people store their lithium-ion batteries in the refrigerator, this is not recommended because the humidity inside your refrigerator can be quite high, which can cause corrosion problems on the connections and BMS. The best place to store them is cool, dry and out of the reach of gnawing animals. A rat can easily gnaw through the shell and it will end in the same way as if the battery is damaged from a shock.

Never store lithium-ion batteries in your car, where temperatures can get very high on summer days.

Lithium-ion batteries are not as picky as their nickel-metal hydride counterparts, but they still require some maintenance. Adhering to five simple rules. you can not only extend the life cycle of lithium-ion batteries, but also increase the operating time of mobile devices without recharging.

Do not allow full discharge. Lithium-ion batteries do not have a so-called memory effect, so they can and, moreover, need to be charged without waiting for discharge to zero. Many manufacturers calculate the life of a lithium-ion battery by the number of full discharge cycles (up to 0%).

For quality batteries, this is 400-600 cycles. To extend the life of your Li-ion battery, charge your phone more often. Optimally, as soon as the battery charge drops below the 10-20 percent mark, you can put the phone on charge.

This will increase the number of discharge cycles to 1000-1100.

  • Experts describe this process by such an indicator as Depth Of Discharge. If your phone is up to 20% discharged, then the Depth of Discharge is 80%.
  • The table below shows the relationship between the number of discharge cycles of a lithium-ion battery and the Depth of Discharge:
  • However, there are some aspects that we can take into account for the most efficient use of a lithium-ion battery..

How much and how often do we remove the lithium-ion battery? Probably some of us think that the battery mode, which includes unloading and fully charging the lithium-ion battery, provides a longer battery life..

In fact, the opposite is true. A full load causes premature battery wear. The recommendation is that the battery discharge does not exceed 80% of the battery capacity.

Discharge every 3 months. A full charge for a long time is just as harmful to lithium-ion batteries as being constantly discharged to zero..

Due to the extremely unstable charging process (we often charge the phone as needed, and where it works, from USB, from an outlet, from an external battery, etc.), experts recommend completely discharging the battery every 3 months and then charging it to 100% and holding it on charge 8-12 hours.

This helps to clear the so-called high and low battery charge flags. You can read more about this..

  • However, most manufacturers recommend unloading once a month to re-calibrate the battery. But loading a few percent followed by a full load is not recommended. What Does Lithium Ion Battery Discharge / Charge Cycle Mean?
  • It is also worth mentioning that the battery discharge / charge cycle does not refer to battery shutdown and shutdown activity. For example, you can load the battery to 50% and then load it. Only once consumed again, 50% of the capacity is called a fully discharged battery.
  • Store partially charged. The best condition for long-term storage of a lithium-ion battery is between 30 and 50 percent charge at 15 ° C. If the battery is left fully charged, its capacity will decrease significantly over time..

But the battery, which has been gathering dust on the shelf for a long time discharged to zero, most likely is no longer a tenant – it’s time to send it for recycling.

The table below shows how much capacity remains in a lithium-ion battery depending on storage temperature and charge level when stored for 1 year..

Li-ion laptop battery. Energy saving programs and lithium-ion battery. You have probably noticed those who have a laptop that, according to the program used at one time, the cooler produces a higher or lower noise level.

Although the cooler does not appear to be connected to the battery, its operating mode tells us how many computers are required for the programs in use..

The requirement translates to heat release through computer components and energy consumption – and here we get to the battery!

Since fully recharging the battery many times will wear out the battery quickly, the same result can be achieved by quickly discharging the battery using energy saving programs. In addition to the fact that high power consumption leads to rapid battery discharge, there is also a heat transfer coefficient. Read about it in the next section..

Use the original charger. Few people know that in most cases the charger is built directly into mobile devices, and an external power adapter only lowers the voltage and rectifies the current of the household power supply, that is, it does not directly affect the battery.

Some gadgets, such as digital cameras, do not have a built-in charger, and therefore their lithium-ion batteries are inserted into an external “charger”.

This is where the use of an external charger of dubious quality instead of the original one can negatively affect the performance of the battery..

Battery life and lithium-ion battery life. The inside of your laptop is quite warm when in use. This heat affects the battery, hastening wear and tear. Again, how much heat your laptop generates can be guessed by judging the operating mode of the cooler. Of course, the question is this: what can we do about it? How can we fight this heat inside a laptop?

In principle, we cannot do much, but something else can be done. For example, use a vacuum cleaner to clean the exhaust fumes from hot air inside your laptop. We have noticed this over the years of using our personal laptop..

How often does this cleaning work? The question has been asked. We cannot make suggestions for all kinds of laptops, but based on our own experience, we say that a month and a half between two aspirations is a reasonable period..

But you know your laptop best..

Do not overheat. Well, the worst enemy of lithium-ion batteries is high temperature – they cannot stand overheating at all.

Therefore, do not expose mobile devices to direct sunlight or leave them in the immediate vicinity of heat sources such as electric heaters..

  • Maximum permissible temperatures at which it is possible to use lithium-ion batteries: -40 ° C to 50 ° C
  • Just remember to “listen” from time to time. Where and how do we store the lithium-ion battery? There are two aspects that we believe deserve mention.
  • It is about how much the battery needs to be charged, when it is stored, and what are the temperature conditions that the storage location must comply with..

It should be noted that although it is disconnected from any consumer, during storage the battery loses at a low rate of stored energy. Therefore, it is necessary that the battery is not at the bottom of the load.

If they are consumed too much and fall below the critical threshold in terms of voltage, lithium-ion batteries can be permanently affected.

This is why gadgets are scheduled to stop at some point, forcing the user to recharge their batteries before they become unusable..

Modern mobile devices require an autonomous power source. Moreover, this is true both for “high technologies” like smartphones and. and for simpler devices, say, electric drills or multimeters.

Extreme temperatures, both positive and negative, can seriously affect a lithium-ion battery. If you don’t have a place with a low temperature, a colder room may be a better option. In any case, the battery should not be left in the sun or near a heat source..

You shouldn’t let it get 100% before you download it. The charging cycle is complete if you use an amount equivalent to 100% of the battery capacity, but not necessarily one charge.

For example, you can use 75% of the battery capacity in one day and then charge it overnight. If you use 25% the next day, basically you load 100%, and two days form a single charge cycle.

The capacity of any type of battery will decrease after a certain amount of recharging.

There are many types of batteries available. But for portable equipment, Li-Ion is most often used..

Relative ease of production and low cost led to such widespread distribution. This was also facilitated by excellent performance, plus low self-discharge and a large reserve of charge-discharge cycles..

When using lithium-ion batteries, the power drops with each complete charge cycle. This number depends on the product..

Lithium-ion batteries are currently the best solution for electronic devices, be they laptops and smartphones or electric vehicles..

However, they also have a number of disadvantages, among which the most important are insufficient energy density, long charging times, limited lifespan, and fire risks or operational problems at extreme temperatures..

How to restore a Li-ion battery

Despite the fact that the service life of many modern batteries is quite long, there comes a time when the charge of any chemical current source is depleted. The capacity drops, and the battery can no longer work for a long time and properly.

Especially if the discharged power source was stored for a long time without recharging. There are several common ways to bring him back to life..

A remanufactured battery will not last long, but it will buy you time before replacing it..

The Internet describes the most unexpected and sometimes completely illogical methods of Li-Ion battery recovery. For example, there are articles on how you can effectively swing a battery by charging and discharging it multiple times in a row..

Of course, this is a myth, and this “method” should not be used. Also on one of the popular forums, a real life example is described of how one person swung a battery by putting it in the refrigerator..

  • It swelled to a huge size and burst after it was removed from the freezer – naturally, from a temperature drop.
  • To a serious question about how to really swing a cell battery again, you can give a simple and clear answer: take any battery charger with a voltage of 5-12 V and a resistor with a resistance from 330 Ohm to 1 kilo Ohm.
  • The wiring diagram is extremely simple: the “minus” of the power supply is connected to the “minus” of the battery, and the “plus” – to the “plus”, through a resistor.
  • Now you need to connect the charger to the network and regularly check the voltage rise with a multimeter for 10-15 minutes.

The voltage gradually rises, and when it reaches a number of approximately 3.31 V, the phone “finds” the battery and accepts it.

The buildup of Li-ion, disconnected by the controller, with a quick bringing the battery into working condition is also possible. In this case, when measuring the current voltage, its indicator will be about 2.5 V.

The battery is “alive” and can still work for some time, although, at first glance, it looks almost discharged. We restore it like this: for this you need the Imax B6 “people’s charger” and a multimeter. The protective circuit is unsoldered from the battery, it is connected to Imax.

And how to check the voltage is already clear: it is always controlled by a multimeter.

How to Safely Store Lithium Ion (Lipo) Batteries

We swing the battery as carefully as possible. The charging program is put on Li-Po, the charging mode is selected depending on the type of battery: for Li-ion – 3.6 V, or 3.7 V for Li-pol.

Important: during the recovery process, set the Auto parameter – without it, the start will not start due to a low battery charge. The current value is selected using the “” and “-” buttons.

1 A is the safest and most optimal swing current.

When the voltage reaches 3.2-3.3 V, the battery will start its full operation.

Conclusions of the article

The performance of a lithium-ion battery is least impaired under the following storage conditions:

  • – Temperature – about plus 5 degrees Celsius. Decrease to zero is undesirable, because in the absence of control, it may drop below zero. The battery will freeze and become unusable.
  • – Humidity – 50 to 70%. In this range, body fogging and accelerated discharge are practically excluded. For greater assurance, it is recommended to place the elements in a moisture-proof (plastic) bag.
  • – Periodically, once every 6 months, check the voltage at the terminals. Recharge to the required level if necessary.

Note. After recharging the measurement, allow the battery to rest for an hour and a half and only after a pause take measurements.

Rule 4. Charging should be done only with original devices

are not equipped with such a device. That is why their batteries must be removed and charged in an external device. The use of third-party “charging” can negatively affect their condition.

Loss of battery capacity

Storage batteries gradually lose their original electrical charge..

As already noted, the rate of degradation depends on the external temperature and humidity. In addition, according to the data given in the literature, the reduction in potential increases with an increase in the charge level..

So, at 0C and 40 percent of the charge, 2% of the capacity is lost per year. With the same charge and 60 degrees above zero, the annual discharge is 25%.

A fully charged battery with the same temperature indicators loses 6 and 40 %% per year, respectively.

Control criteria

  • You can check the condition of lithium-ion cells by the voltage at their terminals.
  • So for a battery with a nominal value of 4.2 volts, a half charge will correspond to 3.5 volts, and a full discharge will correspond to 2.8 volts..
  • A battery consisting of 10 cells with a total rating of 36 volts. At 40 percent of the charge, a voltage of 34 volts will indicate.