Charging: The Most Vital Aspect of Lithium-Ion Battery

Lithium-ion batteries (Li-ion) batteries are smaller in size, lighter in weight, and possess high energy density. Adoption of this type of battery is increasing with growing use in smartphones, digital cameras, and power tools. As electric vehicles arrive in the market, its adoption in automobile industry will subsequently increase. This type of battery is the best alternative for nickel batteries used in automobile. So, with an emergence of hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHV), and electrical vehicle (EV), the demand for Li-ion batteries would increase. With technological advancements, manufacturers are incorporating Li-ion battery in their products for meeting demands of sleeker products and longer battery life. Charging Lithium-ion battery is vital aspect for a prolonged battery life.

Charging Li-ion battery:

Li-ion charger, which is a voltage limiting device, has many similarities with lead acid charging system. The difference in Li-ion charging system is higher voltage per cell, absence of trickle, and tighter voltage tolerances. Li-ion charges to 4.20V/cell with tolerance +/–50mV/cell when the traditional cathode materials of cobalt, manganese, nickel, and aluminum is used. The voltage needs to be increased in order to boost the capacity, but charging beyond specified limits would hamper the battery and compromise safety. Protection circuits are built into the pack to restrict exceeding of the voltage. This type of battery has strict voltage limitations and cannot be overcharged. The fully charged battery is indicated when current is dropped to 3 percent of rated current and battery reaches voltage threshold specified by manufacturer.

Guidelines while charging Li-ion battery:

• Charging must be done at the moderate temperature. Do not charge at freezing temperature. 
• Partial charging is better than full charging. 
• Discontinue charging if battery gets warm while charging. 
• Some charge should be applied to an empty battery before storing.   

Summary of charging Li-ion battery:

Charging Lithium-ion battery is simpler than other nickel-based batteries as charging circuit is straightforward. Unlike lead acid batteries, Li-ion batteries do not need saturation, which favors renewable energy storage devices, such as wind turbine and solar panel. In addition, equalizer charger is also not required for Li-ion batteries.

Analysts studying the industry have presented a thorough information on changing market trends and precise statistics of the industry. Allied Market Research has published a report titled, “Lithium-Ion Battery Market” The report provides a detailed analysis of drivers & opportunities, market segmentation, SWOT analysis of key manufacturers, and estimations through 2015 to 2022. 

 

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