In the modern era, we have become more familiar with the use of Lithium batteries. Now, it is used not only in cellphones but also in various electric devices like electric vehicles. However, with the wider use of Lithium batteries, the essential question that arises is how do you prolong the life of your Lithium batteries?
Lithium-Ion batteries are sensitive to extreme temperatures; therefore, a higher or a very low temperature will end up reducing your battery life. An optimum temperature not only leads to the battery’s better life but also ensures a positive effect on our surroundings. The by-products released during the production of the batteries have an adverse impact by polluting the environment. Additionally, they even account for greenhouse gas emissions.
Moving further, we have gathered some tips to keep your battery life healthy. But first, let’s have a glance at what exactly a Lithium-Ion battery is.
Lithium-Ion Battery
It is a type of rechargeable battery, also known as a Li-ion battery. In terms of chemistry, lithium ions move from the negative electrode to the positive electrode through the electrolyte while discharging. This process is reversed during charging, where Lithium ions move from positive electrode to negative electrode. These types of batteries are very useful for portable electronic devices and electric vehicles. It is also known to emerge as an important tool for aerospace.
In order to prolong the life of your Li-Ion batteries, it is important to understand your battery fully. So here are some tips to restore and maintain your battery life.
- Knowing the right temperature.
As stated earlier, these types of batteries are sensitive to maximal temperatures. Therefore you are entitled to know the optimum temperature, which is the normal room temperature 20-25°C. Moreover, it is important to note that exposing the battery to an elevated temperature is not advisable after being fully charged. Excessive heat can also reduce the Li-Ion battery life, hence avoid practices like charging your phone in a car when the weather is hot outside.
Maintaining this temperature is basic yet an important factor, to begin with.
- Consequences of fast charging and discharging.
As Arbin Instruments suggest, degradation of the battery can even happen merely due to fast charging. This is because a greater amount of heat is produced due to a high current, which accounts for decreased battery health. Hence, it is an important and wise practice to avoid fast charging and discharging your phone.
- Age of the battery.
While purchasing a battery, always check the date of manufacture. The Li-Ion batteries degenerate automatically over time, no matter if they are used or not or how much they are used. For this reason, it is important to keep in mind the aging factor while selecting a battery.
Therefore, you should always go for a newly manufactured, high-capacity Li-Ion battery to avoid the problems regarding reduced battery life.
- Charging Partially
Sudden rise or fall in the voltage, i.e., fluctuations, can also deteriorate the life of the Li-Ion battery. It is therefore suggested to charge your Li-Ion battery partially. The two extremes should be avoided, which implies that one should refrain from reaching 100% or 0% charge. If your battery hits 100%, unplug your device as soon as possible, and make it a practice to charge your battery no more than 80%.
The tips as mentioned earlier about Li-Ion battery life can be magnificently beneficial if taken care of. Keep using battery checkers to keep track of your battery life, if needed. If you follow these tips carefully, you might end up saving a lot of money in the long run!
