As we all know, smart locks require a power source, and for security reasons, the vast majority of smart locks use batteries. For low-power, long-standby devices like smart locks, rechargeable batteries are not a good solution. The most common dry-cell batteries need to be replaced annually, and it can be very inconvenient if you forget to replace them or the low battery alarm malfunctions and you don't have your keys.
The battery used is a lithium battery made of high-polymer materials, which has a large storage capacity and a long operating time. A single charge can last approximately 8-12 months. It also has a low battery reminder function; when the battery is insufficient for 100 door openings and closings, the smart lock will verbally remind the user to charge it in time. The smart lock is a very user-friendly product.
Rechargeable lithium batteries can be charged via USB (using any mobile phone charging cable at home). For the first charge, it is recommended to charge for no more than 12 hours.
If you are away from home for an extended period and the lithium battery runs out of power, you can connect a power bank to temporarily power the smart lock so it can continue to function.
What type of lithium battery does a smart lock use?
Lithium batteries are not a single type of product. Generally speaking, from a chemical system perspective, common systems can be divided into lithium titanate, lithium cobalt oxide, lithium iron phosphate, lithium manganese oxide, ternary hybrid systems, etc.
Among them, the ternary hybrid system, with its moderate cost and strong thermal stability, is particularly suitable for the market demand of door lock products. Some high-end products use a hybrid of lithium cobalt oxide and ternary materials to obtain higher energy. Lithium cobalt oxide performs better, but its price is relatively high.
In terms of product form, there are several main types of lithium batteries on the market: pouch polymer lithium batteries, cylindrical lithium batteries, and aluminum-cased batteries. Among them, pouch polymer lithium batteries are widely used in various consumer electronics due to their unique advantages, including high customizability, high energy density, better discharge performance, more mature technology, and better safety.
01. How to properly charge a lithium battery
Because lithium batteries can be recharged repeatedly, to maximize their lifespan, it is recommended that users first purchase lithium batteries from reputable manufacturers. Secondly, proper charging is also crucial. The following points should generally be noted when charging lithium batteries:
The charging environment needs attention. Generally, the operating temperature of batteries used in smart door locks is between 0-45 degrees Celsius; charging should be avoided at excessively low or high temperatures.
Develop good charging habits: charge your phone promptly and avoid waiting until the battery is very low. Also, avoid charging for extended periods and disconnect the power promptly after charging is complete.
Use compliant chargers; avoid dropping batteries.
02. Does your smart lock use lithium batteries or dry cell batteries?
Generally speaking, smart locks that use dry cell batteries are semi-automatic locks, which have the advantages of being energy-saving and more stable; while those that use lithium batteries are fully automatic locks, especially some products with higher power consumption such as video locks and facial recognition locks.
Currently, the market for dry cell batteries is not very large; lithium batteries will dominate and become the standard in the future. The key factors are the steady increase in the proportion of fully automatic smart locks and the iterative updates of various new functions requiring electric power.
Lithium batteries can be repeatedly charged and used in cycles, and have a long lifespan. Although the initial investment cost is relatively high, their stability and user experience are better than dry cell batteries in the long run. The operating temperature of lithium batteries fully meets the extreme temperature requirements of smart door locks, and they can function normally even in temperatures as low as -20°C.
The lithium battery in the smart lock can last for about a year on a single charge.
