It doesn't take long to learn what helps preserve the current charge on your battery. What's not well known is how to care for the battery itself, which is just as important. Doing so allows the battery to operate efficiently. Here are a few ways to keep your lithium-ion batteries in good condition.
1: Keep your batteries at room temperature
That means between 20 and 25 degrees C, and not South African Summer room temperature. The worst thing that can happen to a lithium-ion battery is to have a full charge and be subjected to elevated temperatures. So don't leave or charge your battery in your car if it's hot out. Heat is by far the largest factor when it comes to reducing lithium-ion battery life.
2: Allow partial discharges and avoid full ones (usually)
Unlike NiCad batteries, lithium-ion batteries do not have a charge memory. That means deep-discharge cycles are not required. In fact, it's better for the battery to use partial-discharge cycles. In other words, charge your battery frequently. Do not let it run down completely.
3: Avoid completely discharging lithium-ion batteries
If a lithium-ion battery is discharged below 2.5 volts per cell, a safety circuit built into the battery opens and the battery appears to be dead. The original charger will be of no use. Only battery analyzers with the boost function have a chance of recharging the battery.
4: For extended storage, discharge a lithium-ion battery to about 50 percent and store it in a cool place
I've always had an extra battery, but it would never last as long as the original battery. I know now that it's because I was storing the battery fully charged. That means oxidation of lithium-ion is at its highest rate. Storing lithium-ion batteries at 50 percent discharge and in the refrigerator (not freezer) is recommended Keep these things in mind and your battery will last longer. That said, you don't need to lie awake at night worrying about whether your battery is charging. Don't sacrifice practicality just to keep your battery alive—if you're in a situation where you don't have a charger, it's okay to discharge it to 0%, or charge it up to 100% if you want to do so for a long plane ride. Remember that your battery is going to die in a few years, no matter what you do—even if you just let it sit on a shelf. These guidelines are just that—guidelines to keep it healthy for as long as possible.
For further information on Lithium Ion batteries follow this link. Sourced and Adapted from: www.techrepublic.com & www.lifehacker.com
