Rechargable Battery

Rechargable Battery

Rechargeable Battery Basics: Long-Term Storage

You know when you buy food that it will go bad at some point. Luckily, they print these expiration date labels on food and other products to let you know. You also know that there are places where food items should or should not be stored. But, did you know that batteries function in exactly the same way?

Just like food products, these mini power cells are perishable. That means that from the moment they are made, they begin to slowly deteriorate. Don’t worry though, there are ways to keep and store those mini power cells. Here’s what you should do to ensure the battery’s long life.

The best temperature to store a rechargeable battery is around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. As they sit around, they start to lose some of their charge. This is called self-discharge, and it refers to the battery losing capacity without being used. Different types of power cells have different self-discharge rates. The ones containing nickel discharge fastest. This means that any Nickel-Metal Hydrate or Nickel-Cadmium rechargeable battery will self-discharge slightly faster than other types.

You might have heard that it is a good idea to keep your batteries in the refrigerator. This is the case only sometimes. If you live in a moderate environment, where your average room temperature will always be about 60 degrees, there is no need to refrigerate them. It will extend their life very, very slightly, and isn’t really worth the trouble.

Refrigeration is suggested if:

- You live in a very hot environment. Even if stored at 85 degrees, a battery will only lose about 1/20th of its life in one year. If stored in 100 degree temperatures, it will lose more like 1/4th per year.

- You are storing Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) or Nickel-Metal Hydrate (NiMH) power cells. These will lose some of their capacity every day if not stored in the refrigerator or environments at 70 degree room temperature. If you can keep them where it’s cooler than that, you may not have a problem.

If you do refrigerate your batteries, it helps them work better if you keep them in room temperature for a while before using them.

An acid based battery should be stored at full charge. Nickel and Lithium based power cells should be stored at half charge, or 40% charge. This will help keep them from using capacity over time, and you will see a better performance from them when you do use them.

Does it seem like your getting hit with lots of info all at once? Battery technology isn’t easy to understand, so let’s break it down a little. Here is a summary of some basic guidelines to follow:

- The best place to store batteries is in a cool, dry place. If your average room temperature is over 60 degrees and you need long-term storage, or if you are using lithium or nickel based power cells, keep them in the refrigerator. Then, bring them up to room temperature before use. Never keep any kind of power cell in the freezer.

- Store the nickel and lithium based rechargeable battery at about half their charge. Storing them at full charge will drastically shorten their life. It depends on the specific battery type, but in general about half charged or 40% charged is good. Also, don’t store lithium batteries that have no charge. If it is down to 0, charge it a little bit before you store it.

- Lithium batteries don’t keep as well as other types, so buy them as you need them. It’s okay to store an extra to have on hand, but it’s not worth it to buy a bunch and store until you need them. By that time, there won’t be much charge left.

- For heavy duty, lead based power cells, follow the instruction manuals carefully. They will give guidelines for storage including when to periodically charge them and under what conditions they should be stored.

About the Author

Storing power cells long-term can sometimes drain the charge you’re trying to save. Following a few storage tips can have your regular or rechargeable battery powered up when you’re ready. Visit All Battery to see what power cells they have available. www.all-battery.com

Rechargable battery pack for the Xbox 360 controller?

If I get the battery pack, will the batteries last a long time or do they finally wear out after so many recharges? Is it worth buying a battery charge pack?

yes definitely, buy a play and charge kit, its 15 or 20 bucks in some places, very worth it, if not try and find a pair of double aa betteries combo with a charger, try 2 get 1 with a high capacity like 2000 mAH

Battery Recycle

28 pcs AA LR6 2A 1.2V 3000mAh Ni-MH rechargeable battery Cell RC Ultracell U1 $19.36

4 RECHARGEABLE CR123 CR 123 Lithium Battery 3.7V 1300mA $7.30

2 pcs AA LR6 2A 1.2V 3000mAh Ni-MH rechargeable battery Cell RC GO!Green GO1 $1.88

40 pcs AA LR6 2A 1.2V 3000mAh Ni-MH rechargeable battery Cell RC Ultracell U1 $27.13

20 x SubC Sub C 2900mAh NiMH Rechargeable Battery Tab O $37.73

2X New Rechargeable 18650 2400mAh Lithium Battery+AC Charger $8.52

Rechargeable 11.1V 500mAh 25C Li-Po Battery for Rc Model Plane $6.46

10 pcs AA LR6 2A 1.2V 3000mAh Ni-MH rechargeable battery Cell RC Ultracell U1 $7.71

2PK 7.4V 1200mAh Digital Camera Rechargeable Li-ion Battery For Canon LP-E5 7102 $9.00

2000mAh Rechargeable Battery For Nintendo DSi LL NDSILL $6.20

2 pcs MAXUSS AA Ni-MH 2500mAh 1.2V Rechargeable Battery $10.99

4800mAh Ni-MH Rechargeable Battery + Play Charge Cable for Xbox 360 Xbox360 $9.89

150 pcs AA LR6 2A 1.2V 3000mAh Ni-MH rechargeable battery Cell RC GO!Green GO1 $98.36

1900mAh Extrenal Rechargable Battery Charger for iPhone 4S 3GS iPod Touch 4G $10.85

MOLI IMR-26650A 26650 3V Li-ion Lithium Rechargeable Battery 70035 141003 1pc $8.99

Digital Camera new Battery pack for D-LI109 Pentax Rechargeable Lithium-ion NEW $5.29

Rechargeable 7.4V 500mAh 25C Li-Po Battery for Rc Model Plane $4.72

Special External Rechargeable Backup Battery 1500mA For Galaxy Note S2 BK 0212BK $8.00

30 pcs AA LR6 2A 1.2V 3000mAh Ni-MH rechargeable battery Cell RC GO!Green GO1 $20.66

44 pcs AA LR6 2A 1.2V 3000mAh Ni-MH rechargeable battery Cell RC Ultracell U1 $29.72

4 X TrustFire 10440 AAA Rechargeable Battery 3.7V $6.50

Rechargeable 11.1V 900mAh 25C Li-Po Battery for Rc Model Plane $9.49

Rechargeable 7.4V 1500mAh 25C Li-Po Battery for Rc Model Plane $9.50

28 pcs AA LR6 2A 1.2V 3000mAh Ni-MH rechargeable battery Cell RC GO!Green GO1 $19.36

Rechargeable 7.4V 2200mAh 35C Li-Po Battery for Rc Model Plane $15.32

Nikon D700 (body only) FREE 1pc SB-900 speedlight + EN-EL3e rechargeable battery $2,755.00

2x Digital Camera Battery pack for D-LI109 Pentax Rechargeable Lithium-ion NEW $8.99

100 pcs AA LR6 2A 1.2V 3000mAh Ni-MH rechargeable battery Cell RC Ultracell U1 $65.98

Rechargeable 11.1V 2200mAh 35C Li-Po Battery for Rc Model Plane $21.83

BLK 2800mah Power Bank Rechargable Battery Charger for iPad 1/2/3 3rd gen $16.88