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Batteries in cold weather

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#1 hokkaido53

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Posted 27 January 2018 - 09:58 PM

Last winter, I left my Orion 12v power station outside for three nights. When I tried to use it, I realized that the battery had completely drained and couldn't even be recharged. The temperature on those nights had dropped to single digits.

I did some online research and came upon several articles that stated most batteries can't be left in sub-freezing temperature or they will lose their charge.

Does anyone here agree with that? I'm guessing that some batteries can be left in sub-freezing (or sub-zero) temperatures, but which brands?

Thanks in advance,

Roy in New Mexico



#2 verycoldtoday

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Posted 27 January 2018 - 10:19 PM

Sorry, I will try again!

Just being in cold conditions will not cause a battery to drain. However a battery creates electricity through a chemical reaction. When it is cold the reaction slows way down. A 400AH battery may only deliver 200AH when really cold. An older battery may suffer from internal mechanical problems such as a plate in a lead acid (car) battery breaking off and shorting out the works. There is usually a small line up at auto shops on really cold winter mornings of people getting new car batteries. If your vehicle has a weak battery in the Fall it is best to have the battery replaced then.

If your battery still holds a good charge, whatever you had it hooked up to might be drawing current even if turned off.



#3 t-ara-fan

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Posted 27 January 2018 - 10:22 PM

Capacity%20vs%20Temperature.jpg0

 

 

At single digits in °F your battery will be down to 60-70% of its capacity.  It won't discharge just sitting there. Just ask anyone in Alaska who can still start their car in the morning.   A battery can be recharged at cold temperatures, but it might need a "good" charger. 

 

I had a Celestron power tank a few years ago and it was junk.


Edited by t-ara-fan, 27 January 2018 - 10:24 PM.


#4 Luna-tic

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Posted 27 January 2018 - 10:23 PM

Batteries generally lose charge as they get colder. The chemical reactions slow, voltage drops. Lithium batteries have their own behavior issues in severe cold, different from lead-acid batteries.

 

Note that automotive batteries are rated for "cold-cranking amps"; this is a rating for how much current they can supply to start a car in cold situations, versus normal temperatures.



#5 calypsob

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Posted 27 January 2018 - 10:47 PM

Lithium ion batteries and nimh go nuts in the cold, they drop like flies for me.  My deep cycle battery on the other hand seems to do fine, though I am not really pushing it that hard.  One thing you might consider if it justifies extra power drain is to use one of these https://www.ebay.com...AIAAOSwjlBaN3gY to keep the battery warm.  


Edited by calypsob, 27 January 2018 - 10:47 PM.


#6 Richard O'Neill

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Posted 27 January 2018 - 11:08 PM

For overnight use my battery is kept in an ice chest, surrounded by thick sheets of Styrofoam insulation. If camping for a few days the battery is recharged by a 10 watt solar panel.


Edited by Richard O'Neill, 27 January 2018 - 11:12 PM.


#7 Farfal East

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Posted 27 January 2018 - 11:17 PM

Best to keep batteries inside when not in use. When used an insulated cover will help when that cold.  If lead acid type - promptly recharge to 100%



#8 hokkaido53

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Posted 28 January 2018 - 08:41 AM

Thanks for the quick replies, everyone!

I'm going to bring my batteries inside at night - at least during the winter.

 

Roy



#9 555aaa

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Posted 30 January 2018 - 10:35 AM

Tadiran makes Lithium batteries that work down to -55C.


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