I want to store a battery powered device long term (decades) as a reference article, it will never be switched on or charged again. The problem is that it contains a small LiPo battery that will be very hard to remove.
Is there likely to be any significant risk I need to worry about? Once depleted will the battery be relatively inert?
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First off: I am NOT an electrician. From what I know modern LiPos are much less likely to suffer catastrophic failure. These will lose charge over time, especially if plugged into something. Unless there is a voltmeter to ensure operation only with charged lipos, however, this will be very slow. A Lipo running out in such a way might swell and definitely be damaged beyond repain. It should probably still not burst into flames. So in short: I think you should be fine.
Brilliant, many thanks. With all the old phones in my cupboards I’d hoped this was the answer, but it’s good to get a second opinion.
It should be kept charged at ~3.9V/cell (~65% charge), assuming 3.7V nominal voltage. Best storage temperature is 10°C, if memory serves, or maybe it was the best for charging. Self-discharge rate is ~15%/year at that temperature (~30% at room temp), so if you charge to 4.05V (80%) every 2-3 years, it should last long enough. All values depend on the exact cell chemistry. Learned on Battery University long ago.
My phone is 7 years old and the original battery is fine.
