IMR best practices

[pimaxc]

So I have worked with computers for a while and I've heard all of the the theories on how to increase a batteries lifespan with some inconsistancies. Make sure the battery fully cycles regularly, no high temperatures, keep them topped off.

But how should you treat your IMRs to get the best lifespan out of them?

 

[HKJ]

So I have worked with computers for a while and I've heard all of the the theories on how to increase a batteries lifespan with some inconsistancies. Make sure the battery fully cycles regularly, no high temperatures, keep them topped off.

The rules depends on the battery chemistry, LiIon has other rules than NiMH.

But how should you treat your IMRs to get the best lifespan out of them?

IMR has same rules as ICR (i.e. regular LiIon).
They must never be over discharged, that will damage the battery permanently.
A full charge cycle will wear a battery faster, than a shallow cycle, i.e. it is ok to recharge a battery that has only been used a little.
A battery stored at full charge voltage will wear down faster than a battery stored at 40% charge, especially at high temperature this is significant.

For more information see battery university.

 

[reppans]

Some good discussion here, including the link to BU that HKJ mentions.

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=339721

I really like this summary chart from the military testing which kinda incorporates SoC and DoD.

I don't care too much about my flashlight batteries, they're cheap and easily replaceable, but I have adopted new practices for my iToys which all now seem to have non-removeable batteries.

I use a light timer to control when, and how long, I'm charging now.

 

[ElectronGuru]

If you accidentally discharge way far, time is of the essence. The lower the voltage, the sooner the recharge.

 

[snakyjake]

For an alternative to IFR, read up on IFR/LiFePO4​.