How to store batteries of different types in winter

Any batteries have a certain lifespan, which directly depends on how they are used. In certain periods( more often - in winter), they can not be used at all and then you can keep them working if the owner knows how to store the batteries. There are several types of batteries( lead-acid, lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium), differing in device and chemical components. Accordingly, the ways of storing them are also somewhat different.

Lead Acid Batteries

Hearing the name of this type of battery, people immediately remember the car, and also used on motorcycles or boat motors. In 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 in which the electrolyte is poured. To keep the battery running for a long time, you need to monitor its condition and store it correctly in the winter.

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

Storage of lead-acid batteries in winter

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

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

After this, it must be put on charge, as the lead-acid battery should only be fully charged. The terminals should be protected against corrosion by lubricating with lithol. The battery should be installed on a horizontal surface and covered with dust. If it is not operated for a long period, then once a month it must be recharged.

If the winter is constantly leaving, then the battery from the car is usually not removed. But it should be remembered that in the frost, even a battery that is not connected is discharged faster, and, therefore, 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 heat.

In no event during storage should:

• Drain the electrolyte from the battery. This will not only not help save it in the winter, but on the contrary, completely disable it.
• Try to increase the density of the electrolyte by adding acid to the jars. This will not give a positive result, but it can also irreparably damage the battery.
• Store battery in the vicinity of heaters, as well as at temperatures in excess of plus 30 degrees.
• Do not store lead-acid batteries near alkaline batteries.
• Leave discharged for a long time.

Closed-cell acid-lead accumulators, which appeared in Russia in the 1990s, are mainly used as backup power sources for communication equipment, fire alarm and video surveillance. Instead of electrolyte, they use a gel. They are hermetically sealed, and, therefore, 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 batteries of other types

A number of instruments and tools that are powered by a different type of battery are not permanently used at home. So, AKB screwdrivers, drills or electric screwdrivers at home can only be used several times a year. Therefore, it is worthwhile to understand how to properly store such batteries and how long they can lie without using.

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

Accurately measuring the level of charging is not always possible, so it's easier and better to completely discharge the batteries, and then recharge them slightly. Store these batteries better at room temperature in a dry place. In winter, you can not leave them in unheated rooms. It is better, taking off with a screwdriver or a drill, so as not to take up much space, bring home.

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

• High capacity.
• As a result - less weight and dimensions.
• Requires less time for charging.
• They have no charge memory effect.

Such batteries are mainly used on phones, tablets. For power tools, they are still being used a little because of the high price. Not every person will agree to lay out for AKB the amount that is comparable to the cost of the purchased screwdriver.

Lithium-ion batteries do not transfer both full charge and zero charge during long-term storage. At the same time, partially discharged( up to 30-50%), such a battery can be stored painlessly at room temperature for up to a year. If the lithium-ion batteries are fully charged, then after a long period of inactivity their capacity will decrease significantly. And left in a drawer or on the shelf for several months a battery with zero charge, most likely, will have to be thrown away.

Lithium-ion batteries do not tolerate both high and low temperatures. By accidentally left in the winter for a long time in a garage or in a car camera, tablet or screwdriver, the battery can come to disrepair. The recommended storage time for a lithium-ion battery between charges is about 90 days.

It is possible to significantly increase the service life of a lithium-ion battery if it is operated correctly. It should be noted that it is better to charge such a battery without waiting for it to be finally discharged. In the full charge-discharge mode, these batteries can withstand about 600 cycles. And if you charge 10-15% with a residual charge, then the number of cycles increases to 1700. But on devices where recharge is performed without removing the lithium-ion batteries( phones, tablets, players), it is desirable to perform a full discharge every three to four months. This is necessary to ensure that the minimum and maximum charge values ​​are reset on the device controller.

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