Storing a leisure battery during the colder months - some DO’s and DON’Ts

Aceleron’s technical team offer some helpful tips on the best way to store a leisure battery in order to maximise its life expectancy and guarantee peak performance for years to come.

Storing a leisure battery during the colder months - some DO’s and DON’Ts

Lithium-ion batteries such as Aceleron’s Essential are often used to provide stable power in a caravan, motorhome or pleasure boat, powering appliances such as a TV, kettle, hob, LED lights and for charging devices such as laptops and phones. They can be charged from a grid-powered charging station or through renewable sources such as solar PV.

With the weather turning cooler, batteries for leisure use tend to be stored away until they are needed again but it’s really important to make sure they are stored correctly if you want them to last.

After all, they are not a low-cost piece of kit and maximising the use of the battery makes more than just financial sense – it is better for the environment too.  

1.  Don’t fully charge or discharge the battery pack

It is not good for the health of the battery to be left either in a discharged state or fully charged for a long period of time. It can cause permanent damage to the battery, making it difficult to regain its previous performance.

The ideal charge capacity for perfect storage conditions is between 40% and 50%.

2.  Store the battery in a dry place

Moisture is the absolute enemy of a leisure battery such as the Essential as it will absorb moisture over time. This will eventually lead to corrosion and a significantly shorter lifespan for the battery.

Instead, store the battery at a moderate temperature which is not exposed to any form of damp - definitely not an outdoor shed, for instance.

3.    Store it at an appropriate temperature 

Battery capacity is reduced significantly at lower temperatures, which is hard to regain when the battery is back in use. Similarly, the lifespan of this type of battery can be massively reduced at higher temperatures - anything over 25°C is generally too warm so avoid storing the battery near a radiator or heating system, for instance.

The optimum temperature for storing the Essential is 5°C to15°C - so avoid keeping it in the garage unless the room is guaranteed not to drop below 0°C. It is also worth insulating it slightly by storing it in the box it came in - or a similar box.

4.  Check charge status periodically 

It’s worth performing a quick health check on the battery from time to time whilst it’s not in use - particularly during more extreme weather conditions.

Aceleron’s Essential battery is equipped with a Battery Management System (BMS) which will tell you at a glance what the charge status is, as well as identify any problems within the unit. It also features temperature sensors which provide additional optimisation and safety.

A period of up to six months is ideal but checking the charge status regularly is definitely advisable.

5.    Keep away from metal objects

It is of paramount importance that the terminals of the battery are protected using the covers provided to avoid any contact with other metal objects.

Metal items such as nails or screws could run the risk of short-circuiting the battery - or worse, causing a fire or electric shock. It’s a simple health and safety consideration and should not be overlooked.

Why Aceleron’s Essential is ideal for leisure applications

Aceleron’s future-proofed battery is unique to the lithium battery market thanks to its patented technology, which means that every individual part right down to a single cell can be accessed and removed if necessary. This gives the product an endless lifespan which is much kinder to the planet and keeps long-term costs down.

It is a group-31 standalone LFP battery which is equipped with a BMS that also includes Bluetooth and CanBus(via RS485) connectivity. It can provide uninterrupted, reliable power at several different voltages (12V, 24V, 48V) and can be used individually or as a battery bank to power anything from onboard electronic equipment and cooking appliances to supplying backup power.

Its state-of-the-art casing includes an ergonomically designed carry handle, rubber feet for stability and the option to safely position it in multiple orientations.

By following this guide, owners of an Essential battery can comfortably store their battery for up to six months without experiencing any long-term damage to the product.  

NB: The Essential recently won a discretionary DAME award for its environmentally friendly design, read more about it here.