Storing batteries in the refrigerator is probably one of the most common pieces of advice you’ll see when it comes to storing batteries.
However, there is actually no scientific reason why batteries should be stored in the refrigerator, meaning that everything is just a work of mouth. So, is it actually a fact or a myth, and does it actually work or not? For this reason, we’ll break this method of “storing batteries” down here in this article.
Why should batteries be stored in the fridge when they are not being used?
Let's begin with why people keep their batteries in the refrigerator in the first place. The basic assumption (which is theoretically correct) is that as the temperature drops, so does the rate of energy release. The self-discharge rate is the rate at which a battery loses a proportion of its stored energy while doing nothing.
Self-discharge is caused by side reactions, which are chemical processes that occur within the battery even when there is no load applied. Although self-discharge cannot be avoided, advances in battery design and production have considerably reduced the amount of energy lost during storage. Here's how much a typical battery type discharges in a month at room temperature (around 65F-80F):
●Nickel Metal Hydride (NiHM) Batteries: In consumer applications, nickel metal hydride batteries have essentially replaced NiCa batteries (especially in the small battery market). NiHM batteries used to discharge quickly, losing up to 30% of their charge every month. NiHM batteries with low self-discharge (LSD) were first released in 2005, with a monthly discharge rate of roughly 1.25 percent, which is comparable to disposable alkaline batteries.
●Alkaline Batteries: The most common disposable batteries are alkaline batteries, which are purchased, used until they die, and then discarded. They're incredibly shelf-stable, losing only 1% of their charge per month on average.
●Nickel-cadmium (NiCa) Batteries: Batteries made of nickel-cadmium (NiCa) are utilized in the following applications: The first rechargeable batteries were nickel-cadmium batteries, which are no longer extensively used. They are no longer commonly purchased for home recharging, despite the fact that they are still used on some portable power tools and for other purposes. Nickel-cadmium batteries lose roughly 10% of their capacity per month on average.
●Lithium-ion Batteries: Lithium-ion batteries have a monthly discharge rate of roughly 5% and are often found in laptops, high-end portable power tools, and mobile devices.
Given the discharge rates, it's obvious why some individuals keep batteries in the fridge for specific applications. Keeping your batteries in the fridge, on the other hand, is almost useless in terms of practicality. The dangers would outweigh any potential benefits from using the method in terms of shelf life. Corrosion and damage can be caused by micro dampness on and within the battery. Extremely low temperatures may cause the batteries to suffer significantly more harm. Even if the battery isn't damaged, you'll have to wait for it to warm up before using it, and if the atmosphere is humid, you'll have to keep it from accumulating moisture.
Can batteries be stored in the refrigerator?
It helps to have a basic understanding of how a battery operates to understand why. We'll stick to standard AA and AAA batteries to keep things simple – no smartphone or laptop batteries here.
For a moment, let's go technical: batteries produce energy as a result of a chemical reaction involving two or more substances inside. Electrons travel from one terminal to the next, passing through the gadget they're powering on their way back to the first.
Even if the batteries aren't plugged in, electrons may escape, reducing the battery's capacity through a process known as self-discharge.
One of the key reasons why so many people keep batteries in the refrigerator is the growing usage of rechargeable batteries. Customers had a bad experience up until a decade ago, and refrigerators were a band-aid solution. In as short as a month, certain rechargeable batteries can lose as much as 20% to 30% of their capacity. After a few months on the shelf, they were practically dead and required a complete recharge.
To slow down the quick depletion of rechargeable batteries, some people proposed storing them in the refrigerator or even the freezer.
It's easy to see why the refrigerator would be suggested as a solution: by slowing down the chemical reaction, you should be able to store batteries for extended periods of time without losing power. Thankfully, batteries can now maintain an 85 percent charge for up to a year without becoming frozen.
How do you break in a new deep cycle battery?
You may or may not be aware that your mobility device's battery needs to be broken in. If the battery's performance drops during this period, don't be afraid. The capacity and performance of your battery will greatly improve after the break-in time.
The initial break-in period for sealed batteries is usually 15-20 discharges and recharges. You might discover that your battery's range is less than what was claimed or guaranteed at the time. This happens rather frequently. The break-in phase gradually activates unused areas of the battery to show the full capability of the battery design due to the unique structure and design of your battery.
Your battery is subjected to the usual demands of use by your mobility equipment during the break-in period. The break-in process is normally complete by the 20th full cycle of the battery. The purpose of the initial phase of break-in is to preserve the battery from unnecessary stress during the first few cycles, allowing it to withstand severe draining for longer periods of time. To put it another way, you're giving up a tiny amount of power up front in exchange for a total lifespan of 1000-1500 cycles.
You won't be startled if your brand-new battery doesn't function as well as you expected right away now that you understand why break-in time is so vital. You should see that the battery has fully opened up after a few weeks.
Post time: Apr-06-2022