Frequently lots of people asking about charging various kinds batteries. Here is the table which answers to various kinds of frequently asked questions about charging batteries.
First know the type of battery you are charging, If it is a mobile phone, mostly it will be a Lithium-ion battery.
|
Frequently asked questions |
Nickel-based (NiCd and NiMH) |
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) |
Lead-acid (Sealed or flooded) |
|
How should I prepare my new battery? |
Nickel-based batteries come partially charged. Prime new battery by putting on a 14-16h charge. |
Li-ion comes partially charged. You can use the battery right away and charge it when needed. |
Lead acid comes fully charged. For best result, apply a topping charge to assure full charge. |
|
Can I damage my battery if incorrectly prepared? |
No; without priming, the performance will be low at first, then gradually improve with use. |
No; Li-ion is forgiving to partial and full charge. No priming is needed when new. |
Lead acid needs a fully saturated charge to keep good performance. A charge can take over 10h. |
|
How do I prepare a battery with charge indication? |
Fully charge and discharge battery. Repeat when readings get inaccurate. |
Fully charge and discharge battery. Repeat when readings get inaccurate. |
Larger lead acid use different charge indicator to nickel & lithium-based chemistries. |
|
Should I use up all battery energy before charging? |
Yes, fully discharge once every 1-3 months to prevent memory. It is not necessary to deplete the battery before each charge. Over cycling wears down NiMH. |
No, it is better to recharge more often; avoid frequent full discharges. |
No, it is better to recharge more often; avoid frequent full discharges. Deep cycles wear down the battery. Use a larger battery if full cycles are required. |
|
Should I charge my battery partially or fully? |
Allow full charge without interruptions. Repeated partial charge can cause heat buildup. (Many chargers terminate charge by heat. A fully charged battery will re-heat, causing overcharge.) |
Does not matter. Charging in stages is acceptable. Full charge termination occurs by reading the voltage level and charge current. Charging a full battery is safe and does not cause harm. |
Does not matter. Charging in stages is acceptable. Full charge termination occurs by reading the voltage level and charge current. Charging a full battery is safe and does not cause harm. |
|
- Should I remove the battery from the charger when full? |
Yes, it is best to remove the pack from the charger when full. A prolonged trickle charge to a fully charged battery can be harmful. (Laptops use Lithium-ion) |
It does not matter. The charger automatically cuts the charge current when the battery is full. A laptop may be connected to the AC when not in use. |
A float charge of about 2.27V/cell is advisable. Do not allow the open cell voltage to drop below 2.10V/cell while in storage.(Not used for laptops) |
|
Should the battery be kept charged when not in use? |
Not critical. Manufacturers recommend a 40% charge for long storage. (Open terminal voltage cannot determine state-of-charge.) Store in a cool place. Battery can be fully depleted and recharged. Priming may be needed. |
Best to store at 40% charge or 3.75-3.80V/cell open terminal. Cool storage is more important than state-of-charge. Do not fully deplete battery because Li-ion may turn off its protection circuit. |
IMPORTANT: always keep battery fully charged. A discharged battery causes sulfation (insulating layer in the cell). This condition is often irreversible. |
|
Will the battery heat up during charge? |
Yes, towards full charge. The battery must cool down when ready. Discontinue using a charger that keeps the battery warm on standby. |
No, little heating is generated during charge. A large laptop battery may get lukewarm. Do not allow the battery to heat during charge. |
No, the battery should remain cool or lukewarm to the touch. The battery must remain cold on maintenance charge. |
|
What are the allowable charging temperatures? |
Important: Rechargeable batteries can be used under a wide temperature range. |
||
|
Slow charge (0.1) |
0°C - 45°C (32°F - 113°F) |
0°C - 45°C (32°F - 113°F) 5C° - 45°C (41°F - 113°F) |
0°C - 45°C (32°F - 113°F) |
|
What should I know about chargers? |
Best results are achieved with a fast-charger that terminates the charge by other than temperature alone. Fastest full-charge time: Slightly over 1 hour. |
Charger should apply full charge. Avoid economy chargers that advertise one-hours charge. Fastest full-charge time: 2-3 hours. |
Multi-level charges shorten charge time. Charge must be fully saturated. Failing to do so will gradually decrease the capacity. Fastest full-charge time: 8-14 hours. |
|
Is the battery allowed to heat up during charge? |
Battery gets warm but must cool down on ready |
Battery may get lukewarm towards the end of charge |
Battery may get lukewarm towards the end of charge |
|
Must I remove the battery when full? |
Remove after a few days in charger |
Not necessary; charger turns off |
Depends on charger; needs correct float V |
|
Can I charge with the device on? |
It's best to turn the device off during charge; parasitic load can alter full-charge detection and overcharge battery or cause mini-cycles |
Some UPS systems simultaneous charge and deliver current. |
|
Source : http://batteryuniversity.com