Lithium-ion batteries have a variety of advantages, including their light weight, low self-discharge rate, high full-charge voltage, and lack of memory or deep cycle effects. Moreover, the metal’s electrochemical properties allow for a higher energy density in comparison to other battery metals. This makes lithium an ideal material for crafting batteries. The popularity of these power sources is evident in its widespread use; it can be found in toys, tools, energy storage systems (including solar), wireless headphones, phones, laptops and electronics of all sizes – even electric vehicles.
Lithium-ion battery maintenance
The same as any other battery, Lithium Ion batteries require regular maintenance and care to ensure that they last as long as possible. Here are some tips to ensure the battery lasts as long as possible:
Take special care to follow the charging instructions on your battery by paying close attention to the temperature and voltage.
Use good quality chargers from authentic dealers.
In spite of the fact that lithium ion batteries can be charged in a temperature range of -20°C to 60°C, the most suitable temperature range is between 10°C and 30°C.
Charging the battery above 45°C can result in battery failure and lower battery performance.
It is not advised to drain your Lithium Ion battery to 100% of its capacity every day. You can use 100% battery power once every three months, but not every day. You should put it back to charge after using 80% of its capacity.
Store your battery at room temperature with a 40% charge only if you need to store it.
Please do not use it at very high temperatures.
Overcharging lowers the battery’s charge-holding capacity.
Lithium-ion battery degradation
Lithium Ion batteries are subject to degradation; it is unavoidable and commences when you begin using the battery. This is due to a chemical reaction within the battery, which weakens over time, resulting in a decreased energy storage and diminished power. There are two likely causes behind this weakened reaction: some of the lithium ions may be trapped in side-reactions, decreasing their availability for charging and discharging current, while structural disorder can also have an impact on the electrodes’ functioning.
Lithium-ion battery fast charging
With the fast charging method, we can charge a lithium-ion battery in just 10 minutes. Fast-charged cells use less energy than standard-charged cells. To do fast charging, you have to make sure that the temperature is set at 600C or 1400F, then cooled down to 240C or 750F to limit battery dwell at the elevated temperature.
Fast charging carries the risk of anode plating, which can damage batteries. Therefore, it would be advisable to use fast charging only for the initial charge phase and ensure that it is done in a controlled manner. The material and design of the cell play a major role in how much current can be absorbed by Lithium Ion cells, with the anode’s thinness and large amount of graphite particles providing greater area for fast charging. However, this will result in cells that contain lower power energy.
In spite of the fact that lithium Ion batteries can be charged fast, it is recommended to do so when absolutely necessary in order to ensure the battery lasts as long as possible. You should also use a fully functional good quality charger that offers you advanced options like selecting charge time to ensure that you put a less stressful charge for that time.