Methods for storing various types of batteries

Any batteries have a certain service life, which directly depends on how they are used. In certain periods (more often - in winter) they may not be used at all, and then their functionality can be maintained if the owner knows how to store the batteries. There are several types of rechargeable batteries (lead-acid, lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium), which differ in device and chemical components. Accordingly, their storage methods are also somewhat different.

Lead acid batteries

Hearing the name of this type of battery, people immediately remember the car, as well as used on motorcycles or boat engines. Under industrial conditions, such batteries are usually stored without electrolyte. In this case, their shelf life is three years (dry-charged - only 1 year). They can withstand temperatures from minus 30 to plus 40 degrees without damage.

But car owners are dealing with batteries, which are filled with electrolyte. To maintain the performance of such a battery for a long time, it is necessary to monitor its condition and store it correctly in the winter.

In the warm season, when the machine is actively used, the battery does not experience overloads and is always fully charged. The owner of the car is left to periodically check the electrolyte level in banks, as it gradually evaporates. If necessary, add distilled water (since water evaporates mainly, and the acid remains in solution).

Storage of lead acid batteries in winter

In winter, the situation is changing. Many owners use the machine much less frequently, and some put it in the garage or in the parking lot for the entire cold period. In this case, only knowing how to store the battery in cold weather, you can ensure its performance.

Acid batteries do not tolerate low temperatures. Therefore, it is better to put them for long-term storage in places where this figure does not fall below zero in winter, for example, in a cellar or on an insulated balcony. Before placing the car battery in storage, it is necessary to check the electrolyte level in the banks - all plates must be closed.

Lead acid battery

After that, it must be put on charge, since the lead-acid battery should only be fully charged.Terminals should be protected against corrosion by lithol lubrication. The battery should be installed on a horizontal surface and covered with dust. If it is not used for a long period, then once a month it must be charged.

If they constantly leave in winter, then the battery is usually not removed from the car. But it should be remembered that in the cold even an unconnected battery discharges faster, which means that the density of the electrolyte decreases. If it is not recharged in time, the electrolyte can freeze and destroy the plates or the battery case.

Therefore, the battery should be insulated and make sure that it is always fully charged. And during long breaks between trips, it is better to remove it from the car and bring it into the heat.

Insulated battery

In no case during storage should:

• Drain electrolyte from battery. This will not only not help to keep it in the winter, but, on the contrary, will completely disable it.
• Try to increase the density of the electrolyte by adding acid to the cans. This will not give a positive result, but it may very well ruin the battery.
• Keep the battery near heating appliances, as well as at temperatures exceeding plus 30 degrees.
• Lead-acid batteries should not be stored near alkaline batteries.
• Leave discharged for a long time.

Closed-acid lead-acid batteries, which appeared in Russia in the 90s, are used mainly as backup power sources for communication equipment, fire and security alarms and video surveillance. Instead of electrolyte, they use gel. They are hermetically closed, which means that the gel does not dry out. These batteries are constantly in the room, so the question “how to store them correctly” does not arise.

Storage of other types of batteries

A number of devices and tools powered by various types of rechargeable batteries are not always used at home. So, the battery of a screwdriver, drill or electric screwdriver at home can be used only several times a year. Therefore, it is worthwhile to figure out how to properly store such batteries and how long they can lie without use.

Autonomous power tools have become widespread with the advent of nickel-cadmium batteries. They are able to provide long-term use of a screwdriver or a camera, withstanding 3,500 thousand charge-discharge cycles. If a car (lead-acid) battery must be fully charged during storage, then a nickel battery, on the contrary, must be partially (approximately 60%) discharged.

Nickel Cadmium Battery

Accurately measuring the level of charge is not always possible, so it’s easier and better to completely discharge the batteries, and then recharge them a little. It is better to store such batteries at room temperature in a dry place. In winter, they should not be left in unheated rooms. It is better to remove it from a screwdriver or drill, so as not to take up much space, bring it home.

Currently, more modern lithium-ion batteries have appeared, the cost of which is much higher than that of nickel-cadmium, but they have several advantages:

• High capacity.
• As a result, less weight and dimensions.
• It takes less time to charge.
• They have no charge memory effect.

Such batteries are mainly used on phones, tablets. For a power tool, they are still used little because of the high price. Not everyone will agree to lay out for the battery an amount that is comparable to the cost of a screwdriver.

Long-term storage of lithium-ion batteries does not tolerate either a full charge or a zero charge. At the same time, partially discharged (up to 30-50%) such a battery can be safely stored at room temperature for up to a year. If the lithium-ion batteries are fully charged, then after prolonged inactivity, their capacity will significantly decrease. And a battery with a zero charge left in a box or on a shelf for several months will most likely have to be thrown away.

Lithium ion battery

Lithium-ion batteries do not tolerate both high and low temperatures. A camera, tablet or screwdriver accidentally left in the winter for a long time in the garage or in the car, the battery may become unusable. The recommended shelf life of a lithium-ion battery between charges is about 90 days.

You can significantly increase the life of a lithium-ion battery if you use it correctly. It should be noted that such a battery is better to charge without waiting until it becomes completely discharged. In full charge-discharge mode, such batteries can withstand about 600 cycles. And if recharging is carried out with a residual charge of 10-15%, the number of cycles increases to 1700. But on devices where recharging is performed without removing lithium-ion batteries (telephones, tablets, players), it is advisable to perform a complete discharge every three to four months . This is necessary so that the minimum and maximum values ​​of the charge are reset to zero on the device controller.

After long-term storage of batteries of any type, in order to fully restore their capacity, it is necessary to conduct several charge-discharge cycles. Never discharge batteries with a short circuit!