Cold Water And Computer Batteries

[Diver Dan 28]

Is it just me? I check my batteries every time before I dive and they are fine at the house. Then after a dive in water below 50° the computer is saying the battery level is low. Does a cold environment really sap that much out of the battery, and why if anyone knows.

 

[Bratface]

Cold water will take the life out of your batteries quicker. Lithium batteries will last longer in cold water. I dive with a Shearwater Petrel which uses a variety of AA batteries. You didn't mention what kind of computer you have so I don't know if lithium would be available for you.

 

[Bratface]

Here's an explanation from abouteducation.com

Question: Why Do Batteries Discharge More Quickly in Cold Weather?

Answer: The electric current generated by a battery is produced when a connection is made between its positive and negative terminals. When the terminals are connected, a chemical reaction is initiated that generates electrons to supply the current of the battery. Lowering the temperature causes chemical reactions to proceed more slowly, so if a battery is used at a low temperature then less current is produced than at a higher temperature. As the batteries run down they quickly reach the point where they cannot deliver enough current to keep up with the demand.