22 Years' Battery Customization
Oct 19, 2022 Pageview：595
We all have devices that rely on batteries today. Most don't use just any battery, but rechargeable ones. These batteries are quite useful because you can charge them as many times as possible.
Unfortunately, rechargeable batteries don't last forever. There will come a time when your battery just stops functioning efficiently. Sometimes you will even buy a new battery from the shop, which only works for a short period before losing its capacity.
Many users won't understand what that means, which might surprise them. And that is why we have created this guide today. We will discuss rechargeable batteries, specifically their charge and life cycle.
How to Tell When Rechargeable Batteries Are Dead?
Rechargeable batteries or secondary cells are quite incredible. They carry more capacity than primary cells and can be used severally.
However, your batteries have a lifespan. You need to know when they are dead and replace or recharge them. Today, we want to see how you can tell a dead rechargeable battery.
First, the term 'dead battery can be used to mean two things. One that the battery was charged earlier, but now it's completely discharged after being used for a long time. In that case, the device will indicate by either shutting down or with a low battery signal.
You already know what to do when you have a discharged battery. Simply plug it into a good charger, and you will get more energy to keep running things.
The second meaning of a 'dead battery is that the battery has lost its capacity. In that case, you have no option but to buy a replacement battery.
Consider the following symptoms for the second scenario:
The battery has lasted for over three years.
Rechargeable batteries are designed to last for a few years. The strongest ones can go up to five years without requiring a replacement. Even if a battery is not used and kept on the shelf, it will still expire within its lifespan. Hence, it's important always to check the manufacturing date when buying new batteries. You don't want to end up with a battery that is already dead after spending so much money on it.
Decreased Operating Time
How long did your device last with the battery on a single charge when you first bought it? In most cases, the battery lasts even a day under maximum usage. But as time goes by, it begins to lose this operating time. As a rule of thumb, you should consider buying a new battery if the time is cut by half.
Difficulty Charging
Another good way to tell a dead rechargeable battery is when it starts showing difficulty recharging.?The battery takes too long to charge when compared to others of the same type. Or perhaps the battery takes only a few minutes to read a full charge, but it drains too fast after that.
You need to replace the battery in these three cases as soon as possible. If the battery is in a park, leaving it connected runs the risk of overcharging and damaging the other batteries.
Where the batter never completes a charge or takes too long to charge, you may want to check the terminals first. Try cleaning them, and you should have good batteries again. Also, if the operating time is too short even though you have only used the battery for a short time, it could be an issue with the terminals.
Do Rechargeable Batteries Go Bad If Not Used?
When you buy a new battery, you expect it to last longer when used on your device. After all, the battery has been in storage for a long time and has never been used. But then you realize the batteries are not performing as you expected. The same thing happens if you store your batteries for too long.
So, do secondary batteries go bad when not in use? Yes, unused batteries lose their capacity to hold a charge over time. You can also check the expiration date to know if your batteries have an issue.
Rechargeable batteries include:
Lithium-ion polymer
Rechargeable alkaline batteries
Lithium-ion
Nickel-cadmium
To understand better why these batteries go bad when not in use, we need to look at why they should be kept busy. Here are some reasons why you need to keep charging and discharging that battery:
Its capacity increases when in use. When you keep batteries recharged, their capacity increases. But when you don't use them for a long time, they can lose capacity and efficiency, which affects performance.
Self-discharge.?When batteries are not used, they start limiting their own performance through a phenomenon called self-discharge. The chemical reactions don't stop just because the battery is not connected.
Batteries are meant to be used. Rechargeable batteries are designed to be used as many times as possible. You don't want to waste that opportunity by storing them away.
When used properly, a good rechargeable battery can keep you connected for 5 to 7 years. But that depends on proper maintenance. But when not used, the batteries can only last for 2 to 3 years.
How Do You Know If A Battery Is Rechargeable?
Rechargeable batteries are easy to identify. First, the manufacturer must indicate clearly if the battery is primary or secondary. If it's primary, it will have a warning that states never to recharge the batteries for the risk of explosion. And if the battery is secondary, the instructions will show you how and which chargers to use.
Secondly, there are three main types of rechargeable batteries, NiCd, NiMH, and Li-ion. The most common ones today are lithium-based as the older technologies of NiCd and NiMH are being faced out. So, when you come across a li-ion or any lithium-based battery, you should know it's rechargeable.
When you buy new batteries, ask the dealer specifically for the type you want. Specific batteries are designed for specific devices. Primary cells are single-use and mainly used in smaller gadgets like remote control systems and toys. Rechargeable batteries are for more power-demanding applications.
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