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Because of their increased density, low self-discharge rate, higher full charge voltage, less stress of memory effects, and deep cycle effects, lithium ion batteries are frequently employed. As the name implies, these batteries are made of lithium, a lighter metal with strong electrochemical characteristics and energy density. This is why it is regarded as an ideal metal for the creation of batteries. These batteries are widely utilized in a variety of devices, including toys, power tools, energy storage systems (such as solar panel storage), wireless headphones, phones, gadgets, laptop appliances (both small and large), and even electric vehicles.
In the presence of a strong electrolyte, lithium ion batteries, commonly known as LiBs, work by moving lithium ions from the cathode to the anode. Travel from cathode to anode stores charge current, while movement from anode to cathode releases stored charge power.
Lithium-ion battery upkeep
Lithium Ion batteries, like any other battery, require regular maintenance and careful handling. Good maintenance is essential for using the battery pleasantly for the duration of its useful life. You should follow the following maintenance tips:
Religiously follow the charging directions provided on your battery by taking careful care of temperature and voltage parameters.
Use high-quality chargers from reputable vendors.
Although Lithium Ion batteries can be charged at temperatures ranging from -20°C to 60°C, the best temperature range is between 10°C and 30°C.
Charge the battery at temperatures over 45°C to avoid battery failure and poor battery performance.
Although deep cycle lithium ion batteries are available, it is not recommended that you drain your battery to 100% capacity. You can use the full battery once every three months, but not on a daily basis. After using 80% of the power, you should at least charge it again.
If you need to store your battery, keep it at room temperature and only charge it to 40%.
Do not use at extremely high temperatures.
Avoid overcharging because it reduces the battery’s charge-holding power.
Degradation of lithium-ion batteries
Lithium Ion batteries, like any other battery, degrade over time. Lithium Ion batteries will inevitably degrade. The depreciation begins and continues as soon as you start using your battery. This is because the chemical process that occurs inside the battery is the primary cause of degradation. The parasitic reaction may weaken over time, reducing the battery’s power and charge capacity and, as a result, degrading battery performance. There are two key explanations for the chemical reaction’s decreased strength. One reason is that mobile Lithium Ions are locked in side reactions, reducing the number of ions available to store and discharge charge current, while the second reason is structural disordering, which impairs electrode performance (anode, cathode, or both).
The pace of degradation is influenced by a number of factors. The temperature at which you store your battery, temperature changes, current, charging voltage, discharge voltage, and the level of battery charging and discharging are all common issues. Overcharging the battery is one of the most common and serious issues. Overcharging generates a trickle charging effect if you keep your fully charged battery connected to the charger, and this phenomena is frequently overlooked by owners, becoming a major cause of battery degradation.
If you understand how to control the elements that contribute to battery degradation and decrease the rate of degradation, you can preserve your battery from premature failure and extend its usable life.
As a general rule, the useful life of a well-maintained Lithium Ion battery is 2 to 3 years or 500 charge cycles, whichever comes first.
In this case, one charge cycle means that you charge your battery to full capacity and then use it to its full potential (100%). That does not imply that you must employ all of your power at once. In simpler terms, because the battery should be recharged after consuming 80% of its power, you can charge and discharge the battery power 625 times, or if you charge and consume 100% of the battery’s power (which is not recommended), you can use the battery 500 times.
Fast charging of lithium-ion batteries
When using the quick charging method, a lithium ion battery can be charged in about 10 minutes. When compared to conventional charging, the energy of fast-charged cells is low. To perform fast charging, ensure that the charge temperature is set at 600C or 1400F and then cooled to 240C or 750F to limit battery dwell time at the elevated temperature.
Rapid charging also increases the chance of anode plating, which can cause battery damage. As a result, quick charging is only suggested during the first charge period. To accomplish quick charging without reducing battery life, you must do so in a controlled manner. The cell design is critical in ensuring that the Lithium Ion can absorb the greatest amount of current charge. Whilst it is widely considered that cathode material dictates charge absorption capability, this is not the case. A thin anode with few graphite particles and a high level of porosity benefits in quick charging by providing a larger surface. This method allows you to fast charge power cells, although the energy of such cells is quite low.
Whilst a lithium Ion battery can be charged quickly, it is best to do so only when absolutely necessary because you don’t want to jeopardize your battery life. You should also utilize a fully functional, high-quality charger with advanced choices such as selecting charge time to ensure that you place a less stressful charge for that time.
