Li-ion and Li-Po batteries are a boon to portable recording. They are lighter than other rechargeables and can save you money. Taking good care of them will help prolong their lifespan, though nothing will last forever.
They’re everywhere in smartphones, power tools, laptops, tablets, sound kits and electric vehicles.
Here are some hints to prolong the lifetime of your rechargeable batteries
- Avoid temperature extremes, both high and low, when using or storing lithium-ion batteries. Elevated temperatures can accelerate degradation of almost every battery component and can lead to significant safety risks, including fire or explosion. If a battery is noticeably hot while it’s charging, unplug it. Minimize exposure to low temperatures, especially when charging.
- Minimize the amount of time the battery spends at either 100% or 0% charge. Both extremely high and low “states of charge” stress batteries. Consider using a partial charge that restores the battery to 80% SoC, instead of 100%. If that’s not possible, then unplug the device as soon as it reaches 100%.
- Using “fast chargers” is convenient but will degrade a lithium-ion battery more quickly than standard charging. Discharging a battery too quickly also leads to battery degradation, through many of the same mechanisms.
- Running batteries down completely can shorten their life. If a battery is to be stored try to leave it charged at 20% or more and charge it say monthly to maintain it.
- Avoid use or storage of lithium-ion batteries in high-moisture environments, and avoid mechanical damage such as puncturing. When moving batteries around try to keep them secure
Useful Links:
https://service.shure.com/s/article/Shure-Rechargeable-Battery-Care?language=en_US
https://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/how_to_prolong_lithium_based_batteries
https://www.techrepublic.com/blog/five-apps/five-tips-for-extending-lithium-ion-battery-life/
https://news.umich.edu/tips-for-extending-the-lifetime-of-lithium-ion-batteries/
https://www.protoolreviews.com/lithium-ion-battery-maintenance-tips/