Can a person charge their batteries too often?

[bushmaster]

Let me specify. Using, for instance, a 14500 battery in a mod, I plan on going out for the day on a hike. My battery has been in my mod for several hours but would probably make it through the day easily. I change it out anyway just to be safe and put it on the charger while I'm gone. batteries have a finite number of recharge cycles in them I understand. Have I unnecessarily shortened my battery's lifespan?
I know we shouldn't completely discharge our lithium-ion batteries, but should we usually discharge them most of the way to get the maximum from their potential number of successful recharges?
I'm often guilty of the scenario I've described and look forward to hearing opinions.

 

[banjo]

I have several 14500 batteries for my REO Minis, and I rotate them daily. The worst thing you can do is to discharge your batteries too much. This shortens their life expectancy far more that rotating them before they are fully discharged. you should have at least 4 batteries for each PV.

 

[bushmaster]

I have several 14500 batteries for my REO Minis, and I rotate them daily. The worst thing you can do is to discharge your batteries too much. This shortens their life expectancy far more that rotating them before they are fully discharged. you should have at least 4 batteries for each PV.

I understand that. My question is whether recharging early lessens the number of available charges in a given battery. I see batteries advertised with a certain number of charge cycles--200 for instance. Is this number relatively static regardless if it refers to a 70% charge or a 10% charge? If so, we would be better off not recharging until near complete discharge.
Don't know, just asking.

 

[FreakyStylie]

I understand that. My question is whether recharging early lessens the number of available charges in a given battery. I see batteries advertised with a certain number of charge cycles--200 for instance. Is this number relatively static regardless if it refers to a 70% charge or a 10% charge? If so, we would be better off not recharging until near complete discharge.
Don't know, just asking.

I know that it depends on the type of battery. Take my old notebook for example. It was used as a desktop replacement and maybe saw 10 total hours away from being plugged in. The battery lasted around 2 years which was the norm for that particular battery. It was in a *constant* charge state. I'm sure the charge cycle estimate is just based on the life of that batteries particular chemical makeup. I know for certain that your typical AA batteries will go bad even without being used. I bought a 24 pack and misplaced them. A couple years later, no charge at all.

 

[bushmaster]

Shameless bump.

 

[5cardstud]

Good question. I suppose if there is a certain number of charge cycles then it could. When I go somewhere I just take an extra set along and if they need changing I do it.

 

[bushmaster]

Good question. I suppose if there is a certain number of charge cycles then it could. When I go somewhere I just take an extra set along and if they need changing I do it.

Hey, how the heck ya been, 5cardstud? Ain't spoke to ya for awhile. I'm still chugging trees off the mountains over here in Colville. Thanks for the comeback. Look forward to talking to you again.