| Looking after a Laptop Battery
If we were asked
what the normal life expectancy of an individual is,
we would relate it to many of his lifestyle factors
like stress, environment, and habits like smoking;
drinking, etc. Same is the case with laptop batteries.
The exact amount of time that it will survive depends
on how it is kept. On an average, a laptop battery
gives good service for around 2 years. As most people
have a laptop today, it is imperative that one has
at least a working knowledge about batteries used
in laptops.
Lithium ion battery and
its properties
First, let us know some of the properties.
Most laptops these days use lithium-ion batteries.
It generally provides 300-500 discharge/charge cycles.
Also, it prefers a partial instead of a full discharge.
Most lithium-ions can’t take more than 4.20
V per cell for safety reasons. Though a higher voltage
applied boosts capacity, it reduces battery life.
Also like other electronic appliances, these should
never be kept in moist areas, as water may ruin the
battery instantaneously, nor in places with high magnetic
or electric fields.
Increasing battery life
Keeping in mind the characteristics
of the battery, several steps can be taken to increase
its life and workability. A lithium-ion battery, once
age and worn out, can never be restored to its initial
state again. A momentary boost may be observed on
heating the battery, as this lowers the internal resistance;
however, the worn conditions revert when the battery
cools down. Hence take the steps mentioned below to
prolong aging.
• Frequent full discharges
must be avoided. Charges must be frequent. A large
battery may be used too to prevent finishing the charge
completely. However, the battery should be fully discharged
once in a while deliberately to maintain accuracy
of fuel gauge.
• A fully charged battery
must not be kept in elevated temperature. If the battery
is fully charged, then the internal temperature may
rise by as much as 45°C while operation .If possible,
keep the battery in cool temperature at 40% state
of charge.
• We must abstain from
using main power in battery. In that case, it will
last for only 12 to 18 months. It is advisable to
remove the battery altogether while running the laptop
on the mains. This also prevents overheating and fire.
However care, must be taken to save the works frequently,
as a power cut may lead to switching off of the laptop,
and the unsaved works will be lost.
• Though it is desirable to
remove the laptop from the mains when not in use,
it is not necessary, as the battery automatically
stops charging when fully charged and not in use.
However, there is the rare case when the adapter may
malfunction. Hence it is better to exercise caution.
• It is preferable to charge
the battery at a slow rate. It also causes less wear
and tear of internal circuitry.
• Do not buy a spare battery
if you do not need it. Do not buy old stock, even
if rebated. If a spare one exists, then keep the spare
one in a refrigerator, or some other cool place, at
40% state of charge, unless required. Do not freeze
the battery though.
Keeping in mind the points
discussed above would help you to prolong the battery
life of your laptop. This is especially important
in the light of the fact that these batteries, once
worn out, cannot be restored again.
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