What is “Memory Effect”?
Memory effect only happens on Ni-Cd batteries. As in traditional technology a Ni-Cd battery’s negative is agglomeration with thick Ni crystal, if Ni-Cd batteries are recharged before they have been fully discharged, Ni crystal easily gathers to form agglomeration, which makes the primary discharge platform come into being. The battery stores the platform, which will be considered as the end of discharge for the next cycle even though the capacity decides that the battery can be discharged to a lower platform. The battery will store this process in its memory so during the next discharge, the battery only remembers this reduced capacity. Similarly any further incomplete discharge in each use will aggravate the effect makes lower capacity. The effect there are two methods to remove the effect: firstly deep discharge at trickle current (i.e. 0.1C to 0V), secondly several cycles at high currents (e.g. 1C).
Ni-Cd batteries, and to a lesser extent Ni-MH batteries, suffer from what’s called the “memory effect”. What this means is that if a battery is repeatedly only partially discharged before recharging, the battery “forgets” that it has the capacity to further discharge all the way down. To illustrate: If you, on a regular basis, fully charge your battery and then use only 50% of its capacity before the next recharge, eventually the battery will become unaware of its extra 50% capacity which has remained unused. The battery will remain functional, but only at 50% of its original capacity. The way to avoid the dreaded “memory effect” is to fully cycle (fully charge and then fully discharge) the battery at least once every two to three weeks. Batteries can be discharged by unplugging the device’s AC adapter and letting the device run on the battery until it ceases to function. This will ensure your battery remains healthy. Back To Top • What is a battery cycle? Cycle life is measured by the
Memory effect is found in older battery technology, mainly nickel cadium (NiCd) chemistries. What this means is that if a battery is repeatedly only partially discharged before recharging, the battery “forgets” that it has the capacity to further discharge all the way down. To illustrate: If you, on a regular basis, fully charge your battery and then use only 50% of its capacity before the next recharge, eventually the battery will become unaware of its extra 50% capacity which has remained unused. The battery will remain functional, but only at 50% of its original capacity. The way to avoid the dreaded “memory effect” is to fully cycle (fully charge and then fully discharge) the battery at least once every two to three weeks. Batteries can be discharged by unplugging the device’s AC adapter and letting the device run on the battery until it ceases to function. Back to Top What is a Smart Battery? A Smart Battery is one that has a microprocessor within it that collects vital informatio
“Memory Effect” is a condition of reduced battery performance (and eventual failure) due to a battery only using those cells that are fully discharged and charged on a regular basis. In other words, if on a regular basis a NiCd or NiMH battery is only partially discharged before being recharged, it “forgets” that it has usable capacity to further discharge all the way down. The result is degraded battery performance and shorter battery life because the battery is using less than it’s true full capacity. Lithium-ion batteries do not develop “memory effect”. NiMH batteries, while considerably better than their NiCd counterparts, are prone to developing “memory effect.” However, proper care and conditioning over the life of a NiMH battery will significantly reduce the potential negative impacts. (see Battery Tips ).
Ni-Cd batteries, and to a lesser extent Ni-MH batteries, suffer from what’s called the “memory effect”. What this means is that if a battery is repeatedly only partially discharged before recharging, the battery “forgets” that it has the capacity to further discharge all the way down. To illustrate: If you, on a regular basis, fully charge your battery and then use only 50% of its capacity before the next recharge, eventually the battery will become unaware of its extra 50% capacity which has remained unused. The battery will remain functional, but only at 50% of its original capacity. The way to avoid the dreaded “memory effect” is to fully cycle (fully charge and then fully discharge) the battery at least once every two to three weeks. Batteries can be discharged by unplugging the device’s AC adapter and letting the device run on the battery until it ceases to function. This will insure your battery remains healthy.