Mobile Productivity

Published on November 27th, 2009 | by Kyith

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How to take care of your smartphone’s Li-ion Batteries

I didn’t come up with this but i saw this article back at GottaBeMobile and i thought it would be reallly help ful to share these information. However, I couldn’t access that article now after such a long time. Should GottaBeMobile feels i am infringing anything do email me and i will take it down.

In this article, I will examine the information (or misinformation) that I commonly find on the internet regarding Li-Ion batteries. By pooling several sources, including that of Hoffart, I hope to debunk the top 5 misconceptions of Li-Ion batteries in an effort to maximize up-time and battery longevity for all your digital devices.

Myth 1: Li-Ion Batteries, like all batteries, have the memory effect and must be completely discharged to alleviate this problem.

The reality is Li-Ion and Li-Ion polymer batteries are built around a technology that is much different than traditional solid metal anode/cathode rechargeable batteries where electrons migrate. Unlike regular batteries, Li-Ion rechargeable batteries have anodes and cathodes that can host the moving Li+ ions. Because of this, there is no common memory effect for Li-Ion batteries. There is, however, a digital memory effect where the circuitry in the battery that communicates with the device will not recalibrate its “fuel gauge” properly, sometimes giving a false reading for maximum capacity and thus results in lower battery run time. To alleviate this problem, it is recommended you do a full cycle discharge/recharge every 30 partial charges.

Myth 2: Keeping your Li-Ion battery constantly charged is a good practice for the prevention of battery degradation.

The reality is Li-Ion batteries are sensitive to heat. Keeping your laptop plugged in, for example, can diminish the life expectancy of your battery. The combination of temperature and battery charge level can negatively affect your battery’s longevity.

Myth 3: Li-Ion Batteries only have 300-500 charges in them before they go belly up.

Although Li-Ion batteries are only good for 300-500 charges, it means full charge cycles. To prolong your battery’s lifetime, avoid full charge/discharge cycles whenever possible. Li-Ion batteries are much more content on partial charges. If you discharge every 30 cycles to prevent digital memory, a Li-Ion battery would easily last 2-3 years.

Myth 4: Li-Ion batteries should be stored after a full charge.

The proper way to store your battery is to discharge it to about 40% and store it in the refrigerator. According to www.batteryuniversity.com, battery capacity decreases over time when stored at full charge. In any case, the worse thing to do is to store a completely depleted battery.

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Myth 5: Fast chargers do no harm to Li-Ion batteries.

The truth is faster chargers put more wear and tear on the battery. The same can be said about discharging. Devices with higher energy draw will deplete the battery faster and correlatively will diminish battery longevity. Here is another chart from www.batteryuniversity.com indicating the longevity of a battery given various charge/discharge rates:

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About the Author

Kyith is a blogger with interest in all things on Wealth Mastery, Technology, Business and Productivity.



  • http://www.laptop-information.info Carroll S. Leedel

    I think your blog is really cool! Keep up the good work! I also got a site about laptops with proper info. My site is mainly about laptop-information , where to buy laptops and alot more! I hope you visit me site soon and ones again thank you for sharing articles on this wonderful blog!

    • http://www.productiveorganizer.com/ Kyith

      thanks.

  • Willy

    Very useful and informative.

  • Prof_paganel715

    Good to know. Thanks !

  • Nutrinoxyz

    really useful mate!

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