Battery lifetime

08/11/16

“What factors determine a battery’s lifetime?”

 

What is one of the most important things to consider when purchasing a battery, besides things such as cost, size and type? Why, it would be the lifetime of course. The lifetime of a battery depends on multiple factors. First of all, the temperature of the storage area matters. If the battery is kept in a room at room temperature, then internal reactions will occur, causing self-discharge, which results in a shortened battery life, typically 8-20% of the original lifetime. In order to prevent this, one should keep batteries inside colder areas, as that would slow down all internal reactions. In addition, for renewables, overcharging a battery can lead to internal damage, which can  cause internal decimation and therefore shorten their lifetime. Also, having the battery over discharge can cause drainage.