Putting Battery in Freezer-Introduction and Recharging

Several devices are now supplied power by batteries, which are inserted within those machines. A device will stop functioning if its battery does not work, for which the user will be at a loss. It may not be possible to replace the dead battery at that moment when the device is needed urgently. The option of charging the battery may also not be available in some places, especially when the user is traveling. Hence, it is advised to place the battery in a freezer for a while to make it temporarily usable again.

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Alkaline batteries are of different types, among which AAA battery is most widely used in many devices, like remote control of household appliances. As its diameter is only 10.5 mm and the length is 44.5 mm, it can be used in most electronic devices. It produces a maximum amount of energy despite its small size. It can also be used in devices that are designed to operate with other types of batteries, especially AA battery that has some similar features. Moreover, these batteries are available at very cheap prices.

However, mobile phones mostly use Lithium-ion batteries. The movement of Lithium ions from one electrode to another produces the energy for the operation of mobiles. These rechargeable batteries can also be recharged to some extent by putting them into the freezer. However, longer freezing can damage the battery permanently, which can only be discarded then. Now, new Lithium-ion phosphate batteries are introduced with advanced technologies that will remain safe even at low temperatures. These batteries can be frozen even at -20 degrees C or -4 degrees F for restoring a little part of its charge. So, these batteries are widely preferred for use in off-grid solar energy systems, electric vehicles, and recreational vehicles.  

Putting the battery in a freezer does it help?

Normally, it is believed that the battery can be further damaged due to condensation within a freezer. But certain precautions can prevent it and the subsequent rusting of batteries. The battery should be placed in a plastic bag or simply wrapped in plastic before placing it in the freezer. In this way, the battery will be saved from the condensation of water droplets on its surfaces while the battery comes into life due to low temperature. The battery should be kept in the refrigerator for a long time. After that, it can be taken out so that the battery can return to room temperature and the user can put it back into the device.  However, many people do not support this technique of putting batteries into the freezer for restoring a little bit of their life. They feel that expensive devices cannot be put at risk by inserting frozen batteries into them.

Normally, electrons leak out of the battery even when stored, which is termed a process of self-discharge.  The practice of storing batteries in a freezer helps decrease the duration of self-discharge. But this is not applicable to all kinds of batteries. Alkaline batteries are discharged automatically at approximately 2% in a year when stored at room temperature, which can be lesser when placed in a freezer. As alkaline batteries discharge very quickly at higher temperatures, it is best to store them inside refrigerators in places that experience a hot climate. 

The self-discharge rate is much higher in the cases of Nickel-Cadmium and Nickel-metal hydride batteries, compared to alkaline ones. Thus, it is wise to store these batteries in a freezer, to slow down their pace of discharging per day. It is found that these batteries can retain the charge up to 90% even after a month when stored in frozen condition. However, users must bring the batteries back to the room temperature before putting back into their devices.

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Does putting a battery in the freezer recharge?

The battery can be recharged up to 5% when placed in a refrigerator. Thus, the user can fulfill his urgent need for the device only for a few minutes by this practice. Then the dead battery should be replaced with a new one. Even the best quality batteries can be returned to life for a limited time, by putting them into a refrigerator for several hours. However, the battery should be fully dried by keeping it at room temperature so that the condensation on its surfaces evaporates, leaving the battery completely dry. Wet batteries cannot be used in electronic devices, as they can damage internal machines due to the presence of excess moisture. Batteries can be kept in a freezer where the temperature is not more than -20 degrees C or -4 degrees F. Further lower temperatures can harm a battery, by freezing its liquid electrolyte and stopping the movement of ions between electrodes. 

How long do you put batteries in the freezer?

AA or AAA battery should be kept in the freezer for at least 12 hours to make it partially usable again. The extremely low temperature will restore the life of the battery to some extent, by reducing the normal electrochemical reactions of the battery. A Lithium-ion battery should be kept in the freezer for 24 hours, wrapped tightly in thick plastic. Sometimes, the battery may stop functioning due to overheating of the device caused by continuous use for a long time. The act of putting it into a freezer can cool it down and make it workable again.  

Therefore, the act of putting dead batteries in a freezer is a temporary solution that can be used only in emergencies. However, this technique cannot be used all the time to revive discharged batteries, as that may damage delicate internal parts of electronic devices. When batteries are stored at a freezing point for a long time, the liquid inside the batteries may freeze and expand, causing a rupture in the battery body. So it is advised to take care while freezing batteries in a refrigerator for longer shelf life or restoring charge. Any error or negligence can severely damage the batteries and also the devices in which they will be used.