Discharging batteries

[Abaddon]

How important is it to discharge batteries after use, and what's the best way to do it?

 

[Neil Rowe]

Re: Discharging batteries

..you dont really have to worry about that with lithium batteries. they have little to no memory at all. you can just leave them as is, and charge the to full capacity when you have the time.

 

[PaulK]

Re: Discharging batteries

The DVX manual (pg. 21) says "Store the battery only when it is fully discharged." I imagine Abaddon is trying to go by what the manual suggests.

 

[Neil Rowe]

Re: Discharging batteries

..sure if you were going to be storing it long term, it wuld be best to discharge it, but are the ramifications of not doing so enough to make anyone really bother..not really. but sure ..the manual knows best

 

[PaulK]

Re: Discharging batteries

Really, so there's relatively little consequence to storing batteries without a full discharge? If so, that's good to know.

I understand how manufacturer recommendations are often a bit extreme.

 

[Neil Rowe]

Re: Discharging batteries

yeah..assuming its a lithiom ion battery , and its stored properly as far as temp, and humidity conditions.. theres really nothing worth worry about. the life cycle isnt going to be dramatically shortened or anything. i would bet that most poeple would not notice a differnce in performance at all.

 

[Abaddon]

Re: Discharging batteries

Tnanks for the info.

 

[d3z]

Re: Discharging batteries

[quote author=PaulK link=board=Events;num=1090342217;start=0#2 date=07/20/04 at 10:07:47]The DVX manual (pg. 21) says "Store the battery only when it is fully discharged." I imagine Abaddon is trying to go by what the manual suggests.[/quote]

I was shocked when I read that in the manual, and actually went to look to make sure they really were Li-ion batteries. Fully discharged is about the worst storage condition for these types of batteries. Fully charged is also "bad". If you really want the best life, they should be stored at about 60% charge.

 

[adolgin]

Re: Discharging batteries

That is 100% correct. I sometimes wonder if the manual writers can be trusted. Reputable Li-Ion battery manufacturers like Anton Bauer charge them to about 40% for storage/shipping. (It does not have to be exact, it is just some happy medium) Discharging the battery completely can cause a problem as it would keep self discharging, eventually causing the undervoltage protection circuit to open up.
Alex Dolgin