1. What is Cycle Life of Batteries?

Cycle life refers to the number of complete charge/discharge cycles a battery can perform before its capacity falls below a specified percentage of its original capacity. Primary batteries have a cycle life of 1, while secondary batteries can be recharged multiple times.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following equation:

Where:

• Primary Battery — Non-rechargeable battery with cycle life = 1
• Secondary Battery — Rechargeable battery with cycle life = N (N > 1)
• N — Number of charge/discharge cycles before significant degradation

Explanation: The equation differentiates cycle life between primary and secondary batteries.

3. Importance of Cycle Life

Details: Understanding cycle life is crucial for selecting appropriate batteries for applications, estimating battery lifespan, and calculating total cost of ownership.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Select battery type (primary/secondary). For secondary batteries, enter the number of charge/discharge cycles before significant capacity degradation occurs.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between primary and secondary batteries?
A: Primary batteries are single-use (disposable), while secondary batteries can be recharged multiple times.

Q2: What factors affect cycle life of secondary batteries?
A: Chemistry, depth of discharge, temperature, charging rate, and maintenance practices all impact cycle life.

Q3: What are typical cycle lives for common secondary batteries?
A: Lithium-ion: 300-1000 cycles, NiMH: 500-1000 cycles, Lead-acid: 200-300 cycles (varies by usage).

Q4: Can cycle life be extended?
A: Yes, through proper charging practices, avoiding extreme temperatures, and preventing deep discharges.

Q5: How is cycle life typically measured?
A: By cycling the battery until its capacity drops to 80% of its initial rated capacity.