The DS2788's on-chip algorithms are designed to be used with rechargeable Lithium Ion (Li+) and Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries. If using primary cell batteries (non-rechargeable) the cell aging parameter which the DS2788 automatically implements will not apply as there are no charge cycles. The DS2788 uses Coulomb counting to determine State-of-Charge (SOC) so once the battery has been depleted the cell capacity registers will need to be re-loaded woth initial values upon connecting new batteries.
Some primary cells have an output voltage ranging from 3V to 2V. The DS2788 will not operate below 2.5V so the battery voltage range must be considered when using the DS2788.
App Note 6416 describes how to use the MAX17201/MAX17205 and MAX17211/MAX17215 with primary cells