Monday, April 02, 2007
Should I Store My Laptop Battery in the Fridge/Refrigerator?
This may sound crazy, but it is logical. Modern laptop batteries, or Lithium Ion laptop batteries start deteriorating or losing charge from the time they leave the production line. There is nothing we can do about it, except reduce this process. Hence, the reason manufacturers supply the battery with very little charge.
Since, this reaction takes place continually, a fully charged laptop battery will lose its charge even when it is not in use. Exposure to extreme heat, like a laptop left in a hot car (not that it would last long in most cities), by a window under direct sunlight or next to a radiator would certainly increase this rate of discharge.
Cooler temperatures, slows down this process. A fridge/refrigerator is an ideal cool storage for a laptop battery. However, you will be doing so at your own risk. Manufacturers warranties would not extend to such storage practices, nor would they recommend it!!!
However, here are some precautions before you rush off to store your laptop battery next to the half-eaten takeaway from the weekend.
A word of warning, DO NOT STORE THE LAPTOP BATTERY IN THE FREEZER, this can be detrimental to the life of the laptop battery.
Since, this reaction takes place continually, a fully charged laptop battery will lose its charge even when it is not in use. Exposure to extreme heat, like a laptop left in a hot car (not that it would last long in most cities), by a window under direct sunlight or next to a radiator would certainly increase this rate of discharge.
Cooler temperatures, slows down this process. A fridge/refrigerator is an ideal cool storage for a laptop battery. However, you will be doing so at your own risk. Manufacturers warranties would not extend to such storage practices, nor would they recommend it!!!
However, here are some precautions before you rush off to store your laptop battery next to the half-eaten takeaway from the weekend.
- The battery should be securely wrapped and should be placed in an airtight container to protect it from condensation and moisture.
- Store the laptop battery when not in use for a very long period of time.
- Always allow the battery to reach room temperature before using it in a laptop.
A word of warning, DO NOT STORE THE LAPTOP BATTERY IN THE FREEZER, this can be detrimental to the life of the laptop battery.
Labels: fridge, laptop battery, refrigerator, self-discharge
Monday, March 12, 2007
Refurbishing Old Laptop Batteries
There are several websites claiming that one can refurbish their old laptop batteries by following a simple set of instructions. This is very true if you have time, some technical knowledge and you are adventurous. It may only apply to a few old laptops, whose batteries were simply constructed. They contained a number of Lithium Ion cells in a particular arrangement and connected together.
However, most modern laptop batteries contain PCBs or smart chips which communicate with the laptop and these need to be properly calibrated for the battery to power the laptop. The availability of good quality Lithium Ion cells may be restricted. These cells are hazardous if they are wired up incorrectly or not handled carefully. Overheating and exposure can cause fire and even explosion. Poor quality Lithium Ion cells will be inexpensive and maybe readily available. However, these cells will not offer the same amount of power and will certainly compromise on the quality.
This method of crude refurbishing may void the manufacturer's warranty and the cost of any repairs caused by the refurbished battery may cost more than a new battery.
Several laptops have compatible or replacement laptop batteries made by reputable manufacturers. These are constructed to high standards and are sold with manufacturers warranty. Since, these batteries are not branded they tend to be cheaper than an original laptop battery.
However, most modern laptop batteries contain PCBs or smart chips which communicate with the laptop and these need to be properly calibrated for the battery to power the laptop. The availability of good quality Lithium Ion cells may be restricted. These cells are hazardous if they are wired up incorrectly or not handled carefully. Overheating and exposure can cause fire and even explosion. Poor quality Lithium Ion cells will be inexpensive and maybe readily available. However, these cells will not offer the same amount of power and will certainly compromise on the quality.
This method of crude refurbishing may void the manufacturer's warranty and the cost of any repairs caused by the refurbished battery may cost more than a new battery.
Several laptops have compatible or replacement laptop batteries made by reputable manufacturers. These are constructed to high standards and are sold with manufacturers warranty. Since, these batteries are not branded they tend to be cheaper than an original laptop battery.
Labels: laptop battery, refurbish battery, replacement
