Add "Battery Care Function" (battery charge limit to 80%) to the late 2019 HP Spectre x360 13t

[one_de]

Nice idea, but there is a major problem:

The device does not stay on power supply when reaching 80%.

This generates a lot of charge cycles over time, I think.

[Zebrz]

Yes it works with the usb-c charging, but if you work with the dock it won't make sense because your dock-connected devices would loose power too often I guess. I know Chargie and it works similiar, only on mains level.

I suggest checking any youtube guide how to prepare the Sonoff, for instance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUfWytrzrJ4

You can flash it with Tasmoda with this tool: https://github.com/itead/Sonoff_Devices_DIY_Tools/tree/master/tool

The Tasmoda firmware which works is here: https://github.com/arendst/Sonoff-Tasmota/releases/download/v6.3.0/sonoff.bin

My powershell script is simple:

DO
{
$loop = 0
$battery = Get-WmiObject -class win32_battery
if ($battery.estimatedchargeremaining -le 40 )
{ $response = Invoke-WebRequest -URI http://sonoff.ip.address/cm?cmnd=Power%20On }
if ($battery.estimatedchargeremaining -ge 50 )
{ $response = Invoke-WebRequest -URI http://sonoff.ip.address/cm?cmnd=Power%20Off }
Start-Sleep -Seconds 60
} while ($loop -le 1)

I wondered about the cycling of the battery also but after losing many batteries while not using them (allways fully charged at the office) I want to check now if this technique would prolong battery life/health. The other drawback is when you finish working with the laptop. If you put it to sleep while charging it would charge to full because the script doesn't work while sleeping. But you can set the Sonoff to turn off charging at specified time if you want.

[Zebrz]

I did some math and backed by this article (and my interest in electric vehicles also) I estimate that my battery is going to last around 4000 cycles when properly used. With my laptop work schedule (8 hours a day full week) I estimate the battery should last 11 years when operated mostly in 40-50% range. I might conclude that the laptop could be operated on battery only without degrading it through it's life time.

That's why this topic is so important - without the HP's battery health option we are going to replace our batteries every 2 years. I even wonder if HP did it on purpose so we would buy their batteries often. This sucks.

[one_de]

I highly doubt that a battery of that type can last for 11 years or 4.000 cycles.

Also the battery is stressed all the time, when the device is used. Being charged or discharged all the time.

Charging generates extra heat inside the battery, what is bad for the battery. 

I think it is a better approach to not use the battery at all while it slowly discharges itself between 80-70% (as an example) while the device is used on external power. 

And that’s why I want the battery care function from HP. 

[Zebrz]

I agree that batteries won't last for 11 years, but the article I gave shows that it's lifespan can be extended even when beeing used/cycled. My overcharged batteries were useless after 2 years (held the charge for couple minutes only). If my battery can sustain my laptop for half the usual time after 3 years I would say the method is worthwhile.

I agree it is a better approach to not use the battery at all but HP doesn't allow that now. I only try to do something about it.

[nnennoo]

Any news here? Just got my Spectre and I'd really like to have this function.

[andresmorago]

We are counting on you guys 

[nnennoo]

Zebrz, I wish I knew how to do that - make me one and send it to Bosnia :))

[Nitrox416]

+1 for pavillon please.

just spent 95 euro for a new battery equal to 1/10 of the laptop, battery died in 3 years and 250 cycle what a shame. Don't think my next one will be an HP to many silly user friendly s**t the isn't really useful

[nnennoo]

They simply gave up on us. 🙂