Li-ion battery packs

[RPZ57]

Does anyone know whether there is any truth to the idea that storing new Li-ion battery packs in a freezer increases the shelf life?

 

[RPZ57]

Well .. I guess that means "no".

 

[JnglMassiv]

Cooler temperatures do tend to slow the rate at which most chemicals react.
Perhaps you'd like to perform such a test?

 

[RPZ57]

I suppose I have nothing to lose, assuming cold temps do not decrease shelf life. But then I have no idea how long they should last, nor the manufacture date even though they are new in the manufacturer's packing (Icom).

 

[slicerwizard]

Is Google broken again?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium-ion_battery#Storage_temperature_and_charge

 

[N_Jay]

Cold, good.
Freezing, Bad
Full when stored, Bad
Empty when stored, Bad

Store in cold not freezing place with a change between 20% and 60%

Test and recharge when below 20%, or just take out and rotate with in-service batteries.

 

[DaveH]

Check this out. Store in a cool place at 40% charge level.

http://www.batteryuniversity.com/parttwo-34.htm

Dave

 

[RPZ57]

OK: between those two references I received all the answers to my question. My main reason for asking was to decide whether it was worth buying several extras now, using one or two and storing the others. Or just having two or three and using all of them until they shows signs of death, and then buying new again. Looks like it makes more sense to do the latter.

Thanks for replies. No doubt as new materials are used or other cell technologies are developed, we might see longer shelf and service life. Of course there is always the old standby of the drop in spacer adapter and AA (rechargable or not). The biggest hazard right now would be buying "new old stock" and winding up with Li-Ion cells that have already sat too long on the shelf.