I. Lithium Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are a type of battery that uses lithium metal or lithium alloys as the positive/negative electrode materials and a non-aqueous electrolyte solution. The earliest lithium metal battery was proposed and studied by Gilbert N. Lewis in 1912. In the 1970s, MS Whittingham proposed and began researching lithium-ion batteries. Due to the highly reactive chemical properties of lithium metal, its processing, storage, and use require very strict environmental controls. With the development of science and technology, lithium-ion batteries have become mainstream.
Lithium batteries are widely used in energy storage power systems such as hydropower, thermal power, wind power and solar power plants, uninterruptible power supplies for postal and telecommunications, as well as in many fields such as power tools, electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, electric cars, military equipment, and aerospace.
Lithium-ion batteries, with their unique performance advantages, have been widely used in portable electronic devices such as laptops, cameras, and mobile communications. High-capacity lithium-ion batteries have begun trial use in electric vehicles and are expected to become one of the main power sources for electric vehicles in the 21st century, with applications also in satellites, aerospace, and energy storage. With increasing energy shortages and global environmental pressures, lithium batteries are being widely used in the electric vehicle industry, especially with the emergence of lithium iron phosphate batteries, which has further driven the development and application of the lithium battery industry.
II. Precautions for charging lithium batteries
Avoid charging at excessively high temperatures. If lithium batteries are used in environments exceeding the specified operating temperature (above 35°C), the battery capacity will continuously decrease, meaning the battery's operating time will not be as long as usual. Charging devices at such temperatures will cause even greater damage to the battery. Even storing batteries in warm environments will inevitably cause some damage to their quality. Therefore, maintaining a suitable operating temperature is a good way to extend the lifespan of lithium batteries.
Avoid charging at excessively low temperatures. If you use a lithium battery in a low-temperature environment (below 4C), you will also find that the battery life is reduced, and some original lithium batteries in mobile phones may even fail to charge in low temperatures. However, don't worry too much; this is only a temporary situation. Unlike use in high-temperature environments, once the temperature rises, the molecules in the lithium-ion battery are heated, and the battery immediately recovers its previous capacity.
Use it frequently. Life is about movement. To maximize the performance of a lithium-ion battery, use it often to keep the electrons inside constantly flowing. If you don't use the lithium battery frequently, remember to complete a full charging cycle each month, performing a charge calibration by deep discharging and deep charging once.
Avoid overcharging and over-discharging. Since lithium batteries have no memory effect, it is recommended to regularly charge or recharge the battery pack after each or daily ride. This will significantly extend the battery's lifespan. Over-discharging or self-discharging at low voltage will cause the lithium-ion active materials to decompose and be destroyed, while any form of overcharging of a lithium-ion battery will severely damage its performance and may even lead to an explosion.
Charge promptly when the battery is low. After discharging, lithium batteries undergo a sulfation process. Recharging promptly can remove minor sulfation. Therefore, if the battery level drops below 20%, it needs to be charged immediately. When the lithium battery is completely depleted, turn off the power and do not use a boost voltage to prevent severe discharge. Charge it as soon as possible to keep the battery at a full charge level.
Use the compatible charger. There are many types of lithium batteries, and their performance and protection board parameters may vary. To protect lithium batteries and prevent safety hazards, a dedicated charger must be used. **Important Note:** Lead-acid battery chargers cannot be used with lithium batteries.
After fully charging, continue float charging for 1-2 hours. Unlike lead-acid batteries, lithium batteries have a battery protection board. High-end protection boards have a charge balancing function, which means the charger indicator light will turn on after the battery is fully charged. Without unplugging the charger, the protection board will draw energy from the higher-charged batteries to replenish the lower-charged cells. The charger will then start working again. If you're not in a hurry to ride, continue float charging for 1-2 hours after the charging indicator light shows full charge. A standard 6-8 hour charge is sufficient.
