Very interesting reading Tickmike. I had heard many times that Lithium Ion batteries did not suffer from the 'memory effect'.
I remember a guy at NASA explaining how they calculate their batteries on the Hubble telescope, which went something like this. They aim for a zero balance between charge and discharge of the batteries. Now the batteries are charging whilst the telescope is in sunlight and discharging in the dark. If the the amount of charge in the sunlight is used in the dark then they have a zero balance. This doesn't mean the batteries are fully discharged. In fact when the get anywhere near something like 25% of total capacity then the battery pack is said to be worn out. Of course they cannot just go replace the batteries, so they bring into service another set. I forget how many sets they have. When all the sets have been used this time around then that is it, then end of the Hubble. Unless by some miracle there is another mission of some sort to service the telescope.
Now, if NASA can charge and discharge their batteries in such a manner for 15 years or so then surely us earthlings can do the same, and the people in the know must be right. 'No Memory Effect'. Carry on folks, charge and discharge at will, so to speak.
