Factors influencing batteries’ self-discharge rate

XTAR Light

Enlightened
Vendor
Joined
Apr 26, 2010
Messages
713
Location
China
Self-discharge occurs when the battery is not in use. It's a natural process that occurs with all battery types. In the market, there are low self-discharge (LSD) batteries. These kind of batteries have good ability to hold charge over time, ideal for backup batteries. But they usually come with a higher prices. Are you willing for paying more for this feature?

And there are several factors influencing the self-discharge rate on batteries.

*Temperature: Temperature affects the electrochemical reaction inside the battery, which in turn affects the self-discharge rate. Higher temperatures can accelerate self-discharge, causing batteries to lose their charge more quickly. So storing batteries in a cool environment would help reduce self-discharge.

*State of charge: Self-discharge rate increases as the state of charge of the battery decreases. It's suggested to maintain the state of charge of the battery at an optimum level. Such as storing the Li-ion batteries at around 40-60% charge. This range provides a balance between preserving capacity and minimizing self-discharge during storage.

*The internal resistance of the battery: The internal resistance of the battery affects the self-discharge rate, since it determines the amount of current that can be drawn from the battery. It' suggested to choose high quality battery with lower internal resistance.

*Age: As batteries age, their internal components will degrade, leading to increased self-discharge. It needs regular maintenance and replacing the battery after its life cycle.

*Parasitic Load: Some devices connected to the battery, such as circuitry for monitoring or maintaining the battery's charge, can create a small constant drain, causing self-discharge over time.

To manage and minimize self-discharge, it's a good to periodically check and recharge batteries, especially if they are not being used for a long time.
 
Last edited:

XTAR Light

Enlightened
Vendor
Joined
Apr 26, 2010
Messages
713
Location
China
Thanks for your kind comment! Li-ion batteries should be stored in a charged state, maintain a voltage above 2.5V before they start to break down and decompose. According to the Li-ion batteries' chemical features, as permanent capacity loss is greatest at elevated temperatures with the batteries voltage maintained at 4.2 V, you also couldn't maintain them at fully charged 4.2V. For maximizing storage life, ideally, it's best to store the Li-ion batteries at around 40-60% charge. This range provides a balance between preserving capacity and minimizing self-discharge during storage.
 
Top