What is a "part number"?
A part number is a code the uniquely identifies an inventory item. The purpose of
this code is to help us refer to that specific item without knowing additional information
such as manufacturing machine, machine brand, inventory part size etc.
What is battery capacity?
Battery capacity can be described as the electrical energy content, which is usually
expressed in milliAmpere-Hours (mAH). This is determined by the amount of electrical
energy the battery has capacity to deliver – under stated conditions of temperature,
rate of discharge and final battery voltage, all over a specific time period. As
one might guess, the higher the battery capacity rating, the higher the MaH, and
the longer the battery will last. Thus, for laptop computers and other portable
devices that are used for long periods of time, batteries with higher capacities
are preferred.
What is Volt?
A volt is a measure of electrical pressure or force. Referred to as "V" for voltage,
different volts or voltages will be found in batteries of different chemistries.
For instance, NiCd and NiMH batteries are nickel based, providing a cell voltage
of approximately 1.2 V, while a Li-ion cell provides 3.6V/3.7V.
With that said, the voltage of two battery cells of the same chemistry is always
the same. While their capacities may differ, the voltage always remains the same.
Likewise, it is crucial that the voltage of a cell or a battery pack always mirrors
that of the voltage requirement of the device in which it is used. If there is a
difference between the two, the device will malfunction and enough malfunctions
may also cause permanent damage.
Are Li-ion batteries affected by "Memory Effect"?
Quite simply, no – Lithium ion batteries are not affected by "Memory Effect". Such
an action would result in a drop in the capacity or voltage of a rechargeable battery.
While Li-ion batteries are not impacted by "Memory Effect", it does impact NiCd
and NiMH because they are nickel-based. Thus, laptop users can become quite rustrated
with unexpected downtimes.
What is self-discharge?
When a battery loses its charge when it's not in use, it’s referred to as a self-discharge.
If a battery sits without being used, it will lose its charge, and this self-discharge
is at its highest following a full charge of a battery at full capacity. There are
other factors that impact the rate of self-discharge, including temperature of where
the battery is stored and even the humidity present. And this is true regardless
of battery type or chemistry. Li-ion batteries have the lowest self-discharge rate
– 5% to 10% per month; quite low compared to 20% of the NiCd, 30% of the NiMh.
What is cycle life of a battery?
When you calculate the number of times a battery can be charged and discharged before
it fails, you are measuring battery life cycle. Thus, one battery cycle is defined
as a full charge that is followed by a full discharge.
What is battery life?
Battery life, as one might suspect, is a measure of the number of battery cycles
a battery can provide before it "dies" and needs to be completely replaced. Battery
life varies between chemistries, but Li-Ion batteries generally provide around 500-700
charge/discharge cycles.
What precautious should be taken when storing laptop batteries?
Heat and metal objects do not act well with laptop batteries. Best practices include
removing laptop batteries and storing them in a dry and cool storage space. When
stored, batteries should be discharged to 40%. Prolonged storage of Li-ion batteries
for more than three months is not recommended.
How can I find the laptop battery specifications?
There are several different types and sizes of laptop batteries. To determine what
laptop battery you have, remove the battery from the laptop and look at the bottom
or top of the battery.
