Lithium Battery Charging Guide: How to properly charge and protect lithium ion batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are a common and widely used type of battery, and it has become indispensable in people's daily life. How to charge lithium-ion batteries is a important lesson for users.
Jul 20th,2023545 견해
Lithium-ion batteries are a common and widely used type of battery, with rechargeable characteristics that allow them to be made into rechargeable battery pack for various portable electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. In order to optimize the performance and extend the lifespan of lithium-ion batteries, proper charging methods and protection measures are crucial.
When it comes to lithium ion battery how to charge, it is important to understand the basic principles of charging and discharging. Lithium-ion batteries store and release energy through the movement of lithium ions between the positive and negative electrodes. A typical lithium-ion battery consists of positive electrode materials, negative electrode materials, electrolyte, and a separator. During charging, lithium ions are released from the positive electrode material (usually lithium cobalt oxide or lithium iron phosphate), travel through the electrolyte and separator, and become intercalated into the negative electrode material (usually graphite). During discharging, lithium ions migrate back from the negative electrode material to the positive electrode material, releasing the stored energy.
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Depending on different using situation, the battery charging process can be divided into the following four stages.
Stage 1: Trickle charging - Trickle charging is used to precharge (recovery charging) fully discharged battery cells. Trickle charging is used when the battery voltage is below about 3V. The trickle charging current is one-tenth of the constant current charging current, i.e., 0.1C (taking a constant charging current of 1A as an example, the trickle charging current is 100mA).
Stage 2: Constant current charging - When the battery voltage rises above the trickle charging threshold, the charging current is increased for constant current charging. The constant current charging current is between 0.2C and 1.0C. The battery voltage gradually increases during the constant current charging process, with the typical voltage range of 3.0-4.2V for a single-cell battery.
Stage 3: Constant voltage charging - When the battery voltage reaches 4.2V, the constant current charging ends, and the constant voltage charging stage begins. The charging current gradually decreases as the charging process continues, depending on the saturation level of the cells. When it decreases to 0.01C, the charging is considered to be terminated. (C is a representation of current based on the nominal capacity of the battery. For example, if the battery has a capacity of 1000mAh, 1C would be a charging current of 1000mA.)
Stage 4: Charging termination - There are two typical methods for charging termination: using the minimum charging current detection method or using a timer (or a combination of both). The minimum current method monitors the charging current in the constant voltage charging stage and terminates the charging when the current decreases to the range of 0.02C to 0.07C. The second method starts a timer when the constant voltage charging stage begins, and the charging process is terminated after two hours of continuous charging.
Currently, there have been multiple incidents of lithium-ion batteries catching fire or exploding. The most notable example is the Samsung Galaxy Note7, which experienced a global recall due to battery issues from August 24th, 2016, to October 10th, 2016. Samsung suffered not only billions of dollars in losses but also a loss of consumer trust in the Samsung brand.
On January 18, 2016, around 1 am, a fire broke out in an electric four-wheeled vehicle that was being charged in the Cuizhu community, Feixi Road, Hefei City. The fire caused the tires, glass, and other parts to explode, igniting two cars and a motorcycle nearby. Residents in the vicinity quickly reported the incident after being woken up by the noise. By the time the fire was extinguished by the fire department, all four vehicles were reduced to their frames. Preliminary estimates suggest that the fire caused approximately 300,000 yuan in damages.
The incidents mentioned above are just part of these cases, and there have been many safety accidents caused by lithium-ion batteries during charging. As users, we must strengthen our awareness of safety and learn how to charge correctly and maintain lithium batteries.
How to charge correctly:
Use an appropriate charger: The most important thing is to choose a charger suitable for lithium-ion batteries. Using an inappropriate or low-quality charger may cause the battery to overheat, get damaged, or even explode. It is best to use the original charger or certified brand chargers.
Ensure the battery doesn't overheat: During the charging process, try to avoid overheating the battery. Overheating can damage the battery and reduce its lifespan. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid covering or placing devices like phones in non-breathable areas while charging.
Avoid overcharging and over-discharging: Overcharging and over-discharging are common issues with lithium-ion batteries. Overcharging can increase the internal pressure of the battery, leading to liquid overflow and electrolyte decomposition, while over-discharging can reduce the battery capacity and performance. Therefore, it is suggested to start charging the battery when the charge level is below 20% if possible and avoid fully charging it to 100%.
Avoid frequent charging and discharging: Excessive charging and discharging can accelerate battery aging. Therefore, try to avoid frequent charging and discharging and keep the battery of devices like phones within a reasonable charge range.
Charging precautions:
(a) Avoid deep discharge: Try to avoid completely draining the lithium battery, as deep discharge may cause irreversible damage to the battery.
(b) Temperature control: The optimal charging temperature for lithium batteries is typically between 0-45 degrees Celsius. Avoid charging the batteries in extreme hot or cold environments to prevent affecting their performance and safety.
(c) Prevent overcharging: Try to avoid charging lithium batteries beyond their rated voltage to prevent damage or safety risks.
(d) Avoid moisture exposure: Lithium batteries are sensitive to moisture, so make sure to keep the battery and charger away from wet environments.
Following the correct charging methods and protecting lithium-ion batteries are key to ensuring their performance and extending their lifespan. Choosing the right charger, avoiding overcharging and over-discharging, and avoiding high-temperature environments are all important factors for battery safety and performance. Whether it is the safety issue of lithium battery fires and explosions or the economic issue of prolonging battery life, learning the correct charging methods and protection for lithium-ion batteries is beneficial for users.
As China Li-ion Battery Manufacturer and lithium polymer cell solution, Ufine New Energy has a professional team of engineers and production team specializing in producing and customizing lithium batteries and lithium battery pack. Ufine can effectively address and solve charging issues with lithium batteries. When it comes to the safety of using lithium batteries, Ufine New Energy prioritizes the safety of battery users and can be trusted.
