Extending battery life: tips for proper care

Read on to find out 

• Functionality of rechargeable batteries
• What types of batteries are there?
• Tips for the correct care of the battery 
• Defective battery 

Functionality of rechargeable batteries

Accumulator originates from the Latin language and means to accumulate. And this is exactly what a rechargeable battery does: it collects and stores energy in order to supply the device in which the battery is installed with power at a later point in time.

A rechargeable battery is a rechargeable energy storage device based on the principle of electrochemical reaction. Each battery contains two poles, a negative pole, the so-called cathode, and a positive pole, the so-called anode, which are embedded in an electrolyte. When the battery is charged, electrical energy from the socket is converted into chemical energy. This happens when the anode releases electrons that are absorbed by the cathode, which leads to a chemical transformation of the materials contained in the electrodes. Rechargeable batteries work with different chemical substances, which also determine the name of the respective type, such as lithium-ion batteries. During discharge, the reverse reaction takes place, and the chemical energy is converted back into electrical energy, which supplies the device with electricity.

This charging process can be repeated very often, which makes the rechargeable battery a reusable energy store. In contrast to conventional batteries, rechargeable batteries are more expensive to purchase, but their frequent rechargeability saves money and also helps to protect the environment.

What types of batteries are available

We can no longer imagine our everyday objects without rechargeable batteries. Remote controls, mobile phones, laptops, aroma diffusers and even tools such as jigsaws and impact drills or cars can be operated wirelessly thanks to them. Batteries are also used for emergency power supplies in buildings, both in data centers, for alarm systems and for life support measures in hospitals. Due to the wide range of possible applications, there are many different types of battery, but only a few are used frequently. 

Lead-acid battery
This type of battery is used when considerable power is required, as very high currents are possible for short periods. The lead-acid battery can be found in cars, for example, as a starter battery. It is widely used because it is inexpensive, reliable and robust. The disadvantage of this type of battery is its sensitivity to deep discharge and correspondingly short service life. 

Nickel-cadmium battery (NiCd) 
In the past, nickel-cadmium batteries were used very often. It is particularly robust, charges quickly and can withstand temperature fluctuations better than other batteries. However, since environmental awareness has become more firmly established in the minds of the public, this type of battery is now rarely used. This is because cadmium is a toxic heavy metal. Another disadvantage is the strong memory effect; a loss of capacity caused by premature charging. For this reason, the NiCd battery must always be fully discharged before it is recharged. If it is not fully discharged, it remembers the energy requirement of the last charging process and only charges this amount of energy, which leads to less and less battery life. 

Nickel metal hydride battery (NiMH)
Due to the poor environmental balance of nickel-cadmium batteries, the toxic heavy metal has been replaced by metal hydride. The advantages and disadvantages of this type of battery remain more or less the same despite the replacement. The NiMH battery is more environmentally friendly than other battery types, has a higher energy density than the lead-acid battery and performs well, even at high temperatures. The disadvantages are the high self-discharge rate, which is higher than that of lithium-ion batteries, for example. And the nickel-metal hydride battery is sensitive to overcharging. 

Lithium-ion battery
The lithium-ion battery is the most used for good reason. In terms of long service life and many charging cycles, this type of battery is the most sustainable. Lithium-ion batteries can withstand 300 to 500 charging and discharging cycles before their capacity decreases. This battery has a low self-discharge rate. If it is not used for a long time, it does not lose much of its charge. This type of battery is very light and has a high energy density. This means that the lithium-ion battery can store a lot of energy in a small and lightweight package. This factor is particularly important for devices such as smartphones or laptops, where the weight and size of the battery play an important role.

The disadvantages of this type of battery are the high manufacturing costs and the sensitivity to extreme temperatures and overcharging.

Due to the many advantages, only high-quality lithium-ion batteries are used in our Stadler Form appliances. Our bestsellers Sophie and Sophie little run on batteries. The combination of aroma diffuser and lantern fills the room with a fragrance of your choice and at the same time creates a wonderfully cosy atmosphere thanks to the real shining flame of light. The Nora aroma diffusers and Lucy can also provide many hours of enchanting fragrance in your favourite place thanks to their lithium-ion battery. 

Lithium-ion polymer battery
The lithium-ion polymer battery is a further development of the lithium-ion battery. In principle, the LiPo battery functions identically to the Li-ion battery with the difference that the former has a solid or gel-like cell core instead of a liquid core. This means that it can be molded into any shape and therefore fits into even the smallest and flattest devices. The disadvantage is that this type of battery has a significantly shorter service life than the lithium-ion battery or the metal-hydride battery.

Tips for the correct care of the battery

A few points should be observed to ensure that you can enjoy your battery-powered device for as long as possible. Proper battery care can significantly extend the service life of rechargeable batteries.

• Avoid extreme temperatures: A battery-operated device should neither be exposed to direct sunlight nor left in an excessively hot environment. For example, an aroma diffuser with a rechargeable battery should not be placed on a windowsill in direct sunlight. Devices should also not be used while charging, as the heat accumulates in the device during charging and use. Overheating can massively reduce the performance of the battery or even irreparably damage it. The shelf life of rechargeable batteries is also reduced by overcooling. To avoid excessive cooling, the device should not be used or stored at low temperatures. If the device has become cool, it is advisable to warm it up before use. Undercooling can cause crystals to form on the electrodes, which can also lead to a reduction in battery performance.
• Optimise charging cycles: Each battery has a limited number of charging cycles. If this number is reached, the battery loses capacity. This means that the more often the battery is charged, the faster it loses its maximum capacity. Fully charging and discharging the battery is also harmful. If a battery is always fully charged, its service life is shortened. Ideally, the battery should always be charged between 20 % and 80 %. British and American researchers have discovered that the service life of lithium-ion batteries can be extended with a simple measure when fast charging. If the device is disconnected from the power supply for three minutes during charging, this can help the battery to retain a high charging capacity. The reason for this is that the short charging pause can prevent deposits of metallic lithium on the electrode.
• Regular use: The longer a device is left unused, the higher the probability that the battery life will be shortened or, if it is not used for a very long time, the battery will even become unusable. The battery should be charged regularly to keep the chemical processes in the accumulator stable. We therefore recommend that Stadler Form devices with an integrated rechargeable battery are charged regularly. If the devices are not charged for three years, the battery may become unusable.
• Use the correct charger: Every battery-powered device is supplied with a suitable charging cable. Always use the charger recommended by the manufacturer to prevent overheating or other damage to the battery. Cheap chargers or those with an unsuitable mains voltage can also shorten the battery life enormously.
• Cleaning the appliance: To ensure that the battery-powered device works properly, it is important to look after it. When caring for the battery, always follow the device manufacturer's care instructions to extend the service life of your battery. The battery contacts should be kept clean to ensure a good connection. Both dirt and rust can significantly impair performance or even render the battery unusable. Therefore, clean your battery regularly and protect it from too much moisture and dirt.

Defective battery

A damaged battery can become noticeable through deformations such as dents, dings or a bloated housing. Overheating, sudden dropouts or unusually short operating times can also be warning signs. In such cases, there is an acute risk of fire and explosion, as damaged batteries can become chemically unstable. If you notice such signs, you should immediately disconnect the device from the power supply, switch it off and stop using the battery. Store the battery-powered device away from flammable materials and dispose of the battery properly at a collection point immediately. Never attempt to open or repair the battery yourself.

Follow the simple tips on battery care and you will enjoy your battery-powered Stadler Form appliance for a long time to come.

If you have questions related to indoor room climate, please get in touch with us. Or subscribe to our newsletter to regularly get informed about current topics regarding indoor climate, experience reports or Stadler Form insights.