Conditions of use and expectancy life for Lithium-Ion batteries

Summary

1. Conditions of use for Lithium-Ion batteries
   • Storage
   • Charging/discharging
     • Charging
     • Discharging
   • Lithium-Ion batteries recommendations
   • General warnings
2. Expectancy life for Lithium-Ion batteries
3. Lithium-ion batteries replacement rules
4. Transportation
5. Disposal and recycling
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Conditions of use for Lithium-Ion batteries

1.1. Storage

• To keep at least 80% of the battery initial capacity, the battery should be stored at temperatures and relative humidity which are detailed below :

• Time of storage is 1 year maximum in respect of the storage temperature mentioned above.
• During storage we recommend to charge the battery at approximately 40% charge level.
• We recommend that spare battery packs are charged at least once per year to prevent over-discharge.

1.2. Charging: discharging

The possible charge and discharge temperature ranges define the operational temperature of the battery.

• WARNING: Recommended temperature range to charge the batteries is between 0°C (+32°F) and +45°C (+113°F)
• Charge out of this temperature range will deteriorate performance and may cause non reversible battery damage.
• Do not attempt to charge the battery by any other means than adequate Ingenico terminal and its power supply.
• If the product or battery pack becomes too hot to the touch during charging, disconnect and switch off immediately. Proceed to battery replacement.
• Do not charge or use the battery if any mechanical damage has occurred.

• WARNING: Recommended temperature range to discharge the batteries is between -10°C (+14°F) and +50°C (+122°F).
• Discharge out of this temperature range will deteriorate performance and may cause non reversible battery damage.
• Do not attempt to discharge the battery by any other means than adequate Ingenico terminal.

1.3. Lithium-Ion batteries recommendations

• Frequent full discharges put additional strain on the battery. It is better to achieve several partial discharges with frequent recharges. Recharging a partially charged Lithium-Ion does not cause harm because there is no memory effect (Lithium-Ion batteries differ from Nickel-based batteries).
• It is necessary to provide a periodic calibration to synchronize the fuel gauge with the battery’s state of charge. If not battery is damaged by the effect known as “digital memory”. Because short charges with subsequent discharges do not perform such calibration, it is necessary to achieve a full discharge once a month.
• Do not leave batteries unused for extended periods of time, either in the product or in storage. Lithium-Ion batteries continue to slowly discharge (self-discharge) when not use or while in storage. Routinely check the battery’s charge status.

1.4. General warnings

• The battery packs shall only be used with the Ingenico product for which they were intended to be used.
• To avoid short circuits, make sure the battery pack’s contacts are not exposed when transported outside the intended device.
• Do not subject the battery pack to strong impacts or shocks.
• Do not disassemble or modify the battery.
• Do not short the external contacts on a battery.
• Do not carry or store the batteries together or with metal objects.
• Buy only brand new battery pack.
• Do not use a damaged battery.
• If a battery pack has leaking fluids, do not touch any fluids.
• In case of eye contact with fluid, rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention.
• Do not place the battery on or near fires, heaters, or other high temperature locations.
• Do not expose the battery to water or any other type of liquid, or allow the battery to get wet.

2. Expectancy life for Lithium-Ion batteries

The typical expectancy life given by the Lithium-Ion manufacturer is about 500 cycles of charge ad discharge. A cycle is defined as one fully charge and one fully discharge.

If the various usage conditions such as charge, discharge, ambient temperature, storage etc. are not maintained within the specified ranges, the life expectancy of the battery may be shortened. The battery performance will deteriorate over time even if stored for a long period of time without use.

The loss of capacity (aging) is irreversible. As the battery loses capacity, the length of time it will power the product (run time) decreases. If the batteries cannot maintain a charge for long periods of time, even when they are charged correctly, this may indicate it is time to change the battery.

The maximum life span of a Lithium-Ion battery in ideal conditions of use and storage is about 3 to 4 years. Due to actual storage and use conditions, average life span observed on a large estate is closer to 2,5 years.

3. Lithium-Ion batteries replacement rules

Action to be done for each terminal returned to repair centre (possibly with no relation  to battery pack) :

4. Transportation

• Always check all applicable local, national, and international regulations before transporting Lithium-Ion batteries.
• Transporting an end-of-life, damaged, or recalled battery may, in certain cases, be specifically limited or prohibited.

5. Disposal and recycling

• Lithium-Ion batteries are subject to disposal and recycling regulations that vary by country and region. Always check and follow your applicable regulations before disposing of any battery.
• Many countries prohibit the disposal of waste electronic equipment in standard waste receptacles.
• Place only discharged batteries in a battery collection container.

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can the terminal be left always docked ?
   It is recommended not to keep the terminal permanently docked. The battery life span is shortened by the residual permanent charging current and the fuel gauge become less and less accurate. So it is recommended to do once a month a complete charge-discharge to readjust it.
   > See the question 5)“Is it better to completely discharge the battery before recharge ?”
2. Does the final user need to perform a battery maintenance process ?
   It is recommended to apply once a month a full discharge and charge cycle on each battery pack in use in order to calibrate the fuel gauge indicator.
   See the question 5)“Is it better to completely discharge the battery before recharge ?”
3. What is the battery capacity of a terminal with a full charged battery ?
   The battery capacity is measured in transactions number and depends heavily on the applications which are used, the aging of the battery and the terminal conditions of use.
4. How many hours are needed to charge an empty battery ?
   The required charging time will vary from product to another. See the User Guide of the device.
5. Is it better to completely discharge the battery before recharge ?
   The Lithium-Ion batteries prefer a partial rather than a full discharge. It is better not to discharge them too deeply but charge them more often. Frequent full discharges should be avoided when possible. Because the terminal has a fuel gauge, a deliberate full discharge and charge is recommended every month to adjust this gauge.
6. Is the battery damaged if the terminal is left to auto power off ?
   Two different level of protection prevent Lithium-Ion batteries to be completely discharged. When the battery is low, the terminal is auto powered off by the application before the risky level is reached. A second protection is embedded in Lithium-Ion battery pack that disconnects cells if the voltage level goes under a certain limit. Those two mechanisms are preventing possible damage of the cells.
7. Does “500 cycles of charge and discharge” mean 500 reloads ?
   The battery manufacturer grants 500 cycles of charge and discharge on a tested environment. In the real life the terminal is normally discharged at a current lower than the nominal current and the charge-discharge cycles are partially done. This moderate cycling puts less stress on the battery, resulting in a longer lifespan. The longevity of a battery is often a direct result of the environmental stresses applied.
   Average lifespan observed on field on large estate is about 2,5 years.