We suppose everyone would have a strange experience like ours; the cellphone would consume the battery quite quickly and it would be drained completely in just half a day. Lithium-ion polymer batteries are mainly utilized in smartphones, and numerous things would influence the performance of the LiPO battery. These things are related to equipment such as RC cars, trucks, and drones. So, let us discuss how the temperature levels affect the efficiency of the battery and why it has an effect on it.

Low Temperatures Can Damage the Battery’s Capacity

The ideal operating temperature level for lithium batteries is 0-35 ℃. The low-temperature conditions will decrease the lithium ions’ activity causing the LiPO battery discharge capacity to be weaker, and the usage time is reduced. If the lithium battery is being used in a low-temperature setting for a brief duration of time, then the damage is not permanent and doesn‘t harm the battery’s capacity. The performance will be back soon. If the battery is discharged and charged in a low-temperature setting for a longer time, the metal lithium will be separated out on the exterior of the battery‘s anode. The battery is protected by this method.

Does Temperature Influence the Efficiency of the LiPO Battery?

Does the battery in a low-temperature or a high temperature environment influence the performance of a battery?

We can observe that when the battery is being used, the higher electric current, the swift voltage decay, and the overload of the high current is most probably causing the battery to be damaged and quickly discharged (security is lowered and life decay is very quick). That is why the ambient temperature level has an exceptional impact on the battery’s performance. The lower temperature level reduces the performance and the discharge platform.

So, how to utilize the batteries in very extreme conditions?

Suggestions for the Winter Season and Low Temperatures

Charging

ü  You should use the producer‘s matching battery charger when you are charging.

ü  After getting the battery from outdoors it can‘t be charged instantly. Charge the battery once the surface temperature level of the battery attains room temperature.

ü  Charging needs to be done at room temperature level (5 degrees C or more, 20 degrees C is great), such as inside your home, vehicles, etc., and a device shouldn’t be charged in a high temperature (≥ 40 ° C) setting.

Discharging

ü  After discharging, the battery needs to be completely insulated (you can use an incubator or a thermos cup). This guarantees that the temperature level of the battery is kept above 10 degrees C (20 degrees C is great).

ü  Compared to the room temperature (almost 20 degrees C), the battery’s life will be substantially reduced in low temperatures. After the low battery alarm goes off, the drone must be returned right away for charging.

ü  When the battery temperature level doesn’t reach 20 degrees C or more, it isn’t appropriate for large maneuvering.

ü  After a battery is packed into an airplane, it is required to examine the remaining battery power from an application, and check whether the voltage info is normal or not.

Suggestions for Summer and Heated Places

Charging

ü  You should use the producer‘s matching battery charger when you are charging.

ü  The charging temperature level ranges from 5-45 degrees C. The upper voltage limit of charging shouldn’t go beyond 4.22 V. The temperature at this charging duration should not surpass 45 degrees C.

ü  The battery can’t be charged shortly after high-temperature discharge or high-temperature levels. The battery‘s surface temperature should be kept lower than 40 degrees C.

ü  Charging must be done at room temperature level (less than 35 degrees C), and the device should be used within 2 days after charging. If it is not used during that time then discharge to the storage voltage on time ( 3.8 to 3.9 V ).

Discharging

ü  The temperature range throughout discharging should be within 45 degrees C.

ü  The battery shouldn’t be exposed to the sunlight prior to and after a discharge. The surface temperature level of the battery prior to discharge should not surpass 45 degrees C.

ü  The discharge current shouldn’t surpass the optimum current written in the specifications.

ü  The lower alarm voltage limit of discharging shouldn’t be less than 3.6 V and the rebound voltage shouldn’t be lower than 3.65 V. The surface temperature level of a battery after a high current discharge should not go above 70 degrees C.

Use Low Temperature and High Temperature Tolerant Lithium Batteries

To make sure that the safety and lifespan of the lithium batteries are good, the battery management system (BMS) is utilized in the battery set of the high temperature lithium batteries to avoid over-discharging, overcharging, high temperature usage, low temperature charging, short circuits, and other security issues. During the quick charging procedure, the temperature level will increase steadily. The surface temperature of the quick charge batteries must not surpass 65 ° C.

Another Battery Choice: The LiFePO4 Option

In various applications, like the e-Bike, camping mobile power stations, the users normally select Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries (LiFePO4). It is a kind of a rechargeable battery. These batteries offer high-powered cell efficiency compatible with several lithium-ion applications to provide extra power and prolong the lifespan. Moreover, it has these 6 benefits:

ü  Good replacement for lead-acid batteries

ü  Great safety attributes and Healthy for the Environment

ü  Extended cycle life than the other lithium-ion options

ü  Great high-temperature resistance

ü  No memory effects

ü  Higher-capacity compared to the exact same size lead-acid battery

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