The PowerCore 10000 is supposed to be completely discharged at least every four months. Through normal use, mine is now down to what appears to be 25% charge (only one blue light comes on, and it’s blinking). It doesn’t appear to be charging my smartphone any longer, and the blinking light doesn’t stay on. However, I don’t know how the light could come on at all if there’s been a complete discharge. How do I make it discharge all the way?
How does one discharge the PowerCore 10000?
Lithium ion batteries become completely useless if they’re discharged completely, so the PowerCore will try to maintain a reserve charge (which is likely what is powering the light). Lithium ion batteries do not have a “memory effect” and only need to be discharged completely once every few months if the battery gauge seems off. Normally, you can charge it whenever you want.
The advice in the manual (below) is to encourage you to keep the electrons moving. You do not need to deplete the PowerCore completely every 4 months. A partial discharge and recharge is fine. If storing for a long period, try to keep the PowerCore around 50-75%.
Additional information: http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/how_to_prolong_lithium_based_batteries
Similar to a mechanical device that wears out faster with heavy use, the depth of discharge (DoD) determines the cycle count of the battery. The smaller the discharge (low DoD), the longer the battery will last. If at all possible, avoid full discharges and charge the battery more often between uses. Partial discharge on Li-ion is fine. There is no memory and the battery does not need periodic full discharge cycles to prolong life.
5 Likes
Why do you think you need to discharge completely every 4 months? The best practice is to keep your battery between 20-80%. But, if you really want to discharge it completely (can be useful to re-calibrate the battery if you’re experiencing problems), just hook it up to anything that sucks battery. Try putting an HD video on loop on your phone and using that.
I have never done any sort of battery maintenance on any of my Anker Power cores. Some of them frequently go months without use. My 10k one, that lives in the car, still works with no noticeable problems after 3 years.
Personally, I wouldn’t worry too much about it. Just us them when you need them, and charge them back up when you can.
4 Likes
Found a great article that explains some Li-ion basics. Never would have thought storing a battery in a freezer is a good idea if i wasnt going to use it anytime soon.
Http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/how_to_prolong_lithium_based_batteries
Agreed.
I personally now do not exceed $20 for any Powercore.
I use them without thinking, if they die, I get another. Good news is no Powercore has ever died before the 18 month warranty.
Powercore serves me. I do not serve the Powercore.
I have a bigger issue with laptops and tablets in their 2-3 year lifespan their batteries age. Initially I augment with the Powercore, then an Ebay crack-open replacement event, that get them to 4 years usually then die from something else failing.
The problem looming is those spending $60-$100 for Powercore. Massive investment to protect. Not easy.