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    The best way to keep an unused battery

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by cosrocket, Jul 30, 2008.

  1. cosrocket

    cosrocket Notebook Evangelist

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    When I purchased my XPS M1330 in Feb. I got 2 batteries, the 6 cell and 9 cell. I've never used the 9 cell battery yet and a friend told me that I should keep it un the refrigerator.
    Does that make sense to anybody?
     
    cosrocket, Jul 30, 2008
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  2. Forte

    Forte NBR's Supreme Angel

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    Yeah, prevents the power from leaking. The point is though you want to store it in a nice cool place, though it doesn't have to be THAT cold. Normal room temperature is fine.
     
    Forte, Jul 30, 2008
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  3. kanehi

    kanehi Notebook Deity

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    With today's battery technology you don't really have to keep it in the fridge. A cool dry place is fine. Also fully charge it once in while. You can also alternate useage.
     
    kanehi, Jul 30, 2008
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  4. Forte

    Forte NBR's Supreme Angel

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    If you are not going to use it for a long period of time, DONT charge it up. Lithium Ion batteries are limited to a number of charges, though very large in number, but if your not actually using the battery for a long time, don't charge it up just to save some charge cycles.
     
    Forte, Jul 30, 2008
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  5. paulsiu

    paulsiu Notebook Geek

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    According to this wiki, you should keep it in the fridge. Higher temperature will often shorten battery life.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium_ion_battery

    Also keep in mind that Lithium Ion battery decay overtime, losing capability even if you don't use it. This is something that is often not made light of, since the battery you buy may have sat on the shelf for a while.
     
    paulsiu, Jul 30, 2008
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  6. Blemish

    Blemish Notebook Consultant

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    My advice would be not to put it in the fridge (if you do, make sure you put it in a sealed bag! And take it out a loooong time before you plan to use it [only use it when it has returned to room temperature]). Why? not cos it doesnt work , but a charged extra battery is a very handy thing to have.
     
    Blemish, Jul 30, 2008
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  7. Phil

    Phil Retired

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    Fridge, at 50% capacity.
     
    Phil, Jul 30, 2008
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  8. akg7091

    akg7091 Notebook Consultant

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    I agree with philflow
    Charge it to 40~60% and store it in the fridge. Do not store it in the chiller/freezer areas though
     
    akg7091, Jul 30, 2008
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  9. kanehi

    kanehi Notebook Deity

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    If you're going to put it in the fridge then I recommend to place it in a ziplock bag (as Forte suggested) airtight and a dissecant to absorb any remaining moisture otherwise it might rust the contacts.
     
    kanehi, Jul 31, 2008
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  10. johnny13oi

    johnny13oi Notebook Evangelist

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    40% is the recommended capacity to leave it at for storage. This way the battery loses less overall life in the long run. If left at 100% at room temperature, 20% of total life is lost over a year compared to only 2% loss at 40% charge level.

    http://www.batteryuniversity.com/parttwo-34.htm
     
    johnny13oi, Jul 31, 2008
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  11. talin

    talin Notebook Prophet

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    Even if it's never been charged before? I would think, storing a "dry" battery would be better than charging it up once and storing it.
     
    talin, Jul 31, 2008
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  12. paper_wastage

    paper_wastage Beat this 7x7x7 Cube

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    no, charging it up (Or making sure its at 40%)

    batteries start to lose their capacity once made, a 'test' charge wont make any difference... 40% is the optimal power for a longtime non-use
     
    paper_wastage, Jul 31, 2008
    #12