This phenomenon primarily affects nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal hydride cells. If a battery is repeatedly recharged before it is fully drained, the cell chemistry crystallizes and effectively remembers the smaller capacity. The battery will then show a sudden voltage drop as if it were empty once it reaches that previous discharge point. Lithium-ion cells do not suffer from this issue.
Heard on the job
Cycle those NiCd packs down to a full discharge before putting them on the charger so we don't get memory effect.
Insider tip
To reverse the effect in older nickel-based packs, run them through a few deep discharge and full recharge cycles to break down the crystalline formations on the electrodes.
Also heard as
- battery memory
- lazy battery effect