Show CartPost-holiday storing of batteries should not be done without some thought regarding temperature and battery charging capacity. Generally speaking, the recommended storage temperature for most batteries is 15°C (59°F) plus or minus a few degrees. While lead-acid batteries must always be kept at full charge, nickel and lithium-based batteries should be stored at 40% state-of-charge (SoC). This level minimizes age-related capacity loss, yet keeps the battery in operating condition – even with some self-discharge.
Among the lithium-ion family of batteries, cobalt has a slight advantage over manganese (spinel) in terms of storage at elevated temperatures. Nickel-based batteries are also affected by elevated temperature, but to a lesser degree than lithium-ion batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries power most of today’s laptop computers. The battery compartment on many laptop computers rises to about 45°C (113°F) during operation. The combination of high charge level and elevated temperature presents an unfavorable condition for the battery. This explains the short lifespan of many laptop batteries.
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 plus a partial charge on the battery slows this aging process. Nickel-cadmium batteries store reasonably well. Field tests revealed that NiCd batteries that were stored for five years still performed at A plus levels after priming cycles. Alkaline and lithium batteries (primary) can be stored for up to 10 years. The capacity loss is minimal.
The sealed lead-acid battery can be stored for up to two years and still perform at the A plus level as well. A periodic topping charge of these batteries, also referred to as refresh charge, is required to prevent the open cell voltage from dropping below 2.10V.
So, caring for batteries when they are not in use is just as important as caring for them while they are.
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