Battery life

I've read that the average notebook battery will degrade remarkably after about 500 charges or two years use. I'm wondering:
1. If this is actually true.
2. If one would extend this cycle if the battery were completely removed from the notebook when running it on external power.
3. As chemical reactions (and degradation) is related to heat, if it would further preserve batteries if they were stored in a cool arid environment like a refrigerator.

I bought my machine with an extra battery, and I'd like to maximize it's life (I'm pretty cheap... I guess that's evident from this question).

 

being cheap is good. I would love to know the answer to this question as well. I'm just about to buy a new laptop and I was planning to not use the battery at all as this laptop will be mainly used as a desktop. Will the battery last longer if I only use it when I really have to?

 

If I recall, it was more like 300-400 charges.

check out http://batteryuniversity.com/ it may help

 

If you use your battery for seasonal activities only and must store it for extended periods of time, a battery maintainer is recommended. A maintainer is an electronically controlled charger and will not over charge your battery when hooked up for extended periods of time. Your battery will be ready for use when you are and last longer.

If you don't plan on using the battery for a month or more, we recommend storing it in a clean, dry, cool place away from heat and metal objects. NiCad, NiMH and Li-Ion batteries will self-discharge during storage; remember to break them in before use. Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) batteries must be kept at full charge during storage. This is usually achieved by using special trickle chargers. If you do not have a trickle charger, do not attempt to store SLA batteries for more than three months.


The higher the temperature, the more the free flow of ions or self-discharge from the battery. Storing primary batteries (D's, C's, AA's, AAA's, 9 volt, etc.) in a cooler environment slows down this rate of discharge that all batteries experience even when not in use, hence a longer shelf life. However, if this is done, it is important that the batteries be kept as dry as possible by keeping them in an airtight container in the driest part of the refrigerator, the door for example. Long term exposure to moisture inside the refrigerator can cause internal corrosion to the battery. When removing batteries from the refrigerator, allow them to warm up to room temperature before using them in your device.

all from:

http://www.batterymart.com/battery_faq.php

hope this helps, if not, just google "batteries in fridge" like i did!

 

Thank you polish, that was a welcome answer. However, I was under the impression that a refrigerator, by it's very nature, producedan arid environment...not recommended for the storage of cigars.

While not explicit, I take it from your answer that removing the battery when on house power is not a good solution unless the battery is put on a battery maintainer... is that correct?

Again, thanks... good posting.

 

Here is a good guide and info about specific to Li-Ion batteries used in Laptop.

http://batteryuniversity.com/parttwo-34.htm

Some main points are , if you want to store battery, keep about 40% charge and store in dry cool place.

Li-Ion batteries does not have memory effect, but battery gauge may go off calibration typically after 30 charge discharge cycles, so it is good idea to do a complete charge/discharge cycle once in 3 months or so.

Li-Ion batteries typically does not like deep dischare( or complete discharge) like Ni-Cad batteries. So, topping of not a bad idea.

If you really only want to use battery occationally, charge battery about 40% and store in a cool dry place. But I would suggest still use it once in while like once two weeks.

Ofcourse, not always keeping the bettery on laptop increases battery life( if it is convenient), provided you store in cool dry place at 40% charge level.

Here are some points:

# Avoid frequent full discharges because this puts additional strain on the battery. Several partial discharges with frequent recharges are better for lithium-ion than one deep one. Recharging a partially charged lithium-ion does not cause harm because there is no memory. (In this respect, lithium-ion differs from nickel-based batteries.) Short battery life in a laptop is mainly cause by heat rather than charge / discharge patterns.

# Batteries with fuel gauge (laptops) should be calibrated by applying a deliberate full discharge once every 30 charges. Running the pack down in the equipment does this. If ignored, the fuel gauge will become increasingly less accurate and in some cases cut off the device prematurely.

# Keep the lithium-ion battery cool. Avoid a hot car. For prolonged storage, keep the battery at a 40% charge level.

# Consider removing the battery from a laptop when running on fixed power. (Some laptop manufacturers are concerned about dust and moisture accumulating inside the battery casing.)

# Avoid purchasing spare lithium-ion batteries for later use. Observe manufacturing dates. Do not buy old stock, even if sold at clearance prices.

# If you have a spare lithium-ion battery, use one to the fullest and keep the other cool by placing it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze the battery. For best results, store the battery at 40% state-of-charge.

 

while we're on this topic, I hail from Canada, its presently about -15 'C (0 'F). Can laptops (not just batteries) survive this kind of cold? Either on or off? What about extreme heat? What if in the summer 30 'C (90 F') IO leave my NB in the sun for an hour, can that cause damage? I think that kinda heat could melt the plastic body... Any thoughts?

BTW, hope chinna m answered your question, togus, cuz I don't want to hijack your thread.