How to Charge a New Lithium Polymer Battery

It ought to be kept in mind that when utilizing lithium batteries, they will go into the sleep state if they are not being used for some time. During this state, the battery‘s capacity is less than the usual value and the usage time is also reduced. LiPo battery is simple to activate. After the 3 to 5 typical discharge and charge cycles, the LiPo battery can be activated to bring back the normal capacity. These batteries have no memory effect because of their features. That is why when the activation process takes place, no special equipment and methods are required.

As for the activation issue of lithium batteries, there are numerous phrases: the charging time should be more than half a day, and it is duplicated 3 times to activate the battery. These statements are taken from nickel batteries (NiMH and Ni-Cd batteries). Therefore, they are not true.

The discharge and charge features of NiMH and lithium batteries are extremely diverse, and it can be plainly specified that lots of technical documents stress that overcharge and over-discharge will be more damaging to lithium batteries, specifically liquid lithium-ion batteries. That is why always use the conventional method and adequate time to charge these batteries. Don‘t charge them for more than half a day (you can also check if the charging is complete or not).

Furthermore, the LiPo battery or battery charger will immediately stop charging after the battery becomes completely charged, and there‘s no trickle charging that lasts for ten hrs or so for nickel electrical battery chargers. And no one can ensure that the attributes of the battery‘s discharge and charge security circuit will never ever alter and that the quality is foolproof. So your lithium battery will be on the brink of risk for a longer time. This is another factor why we are not in favor of long periods of charging. Additionally, another factor that can‘t be overlooked is that the lithium polymer battery is also not fit for over-discharging. This process is also very harmful to the LiPo battery.

When You Must Charge in Normal Usage

You can frequently see this misconception that the battery needs to be charged as much as possible. In reality, the life of the battery has absolutely nothing to do with this point. Simply put, try to discharge the battery completely. This technique is in fact just utilized on nickel batteries and the main purpose is to prevent the memory effect. Sadly, it is also being shared for lithium batteries.

We personally recommend that the LiPo battery ought to not be overcharged or utilized without electrical energy. The battery will be charged prior to it runs out, which might not damage the battery. The lithium polymer battery ought to be completely charged (typical charging time) and discharged 1 to 2 times after every 3 to 4 months. The long-lasting unused LiPo battery ought to be stored in a dry and cool location. 3.8 V as the storage voltage is ideal. It is harmful to store it at full power since the battery might be damaged. It will also be damaged if it is stored without electricity. You should check the battery after every 3 to 6 months so that it can be recharged at the right time.

Lithium-ion batteries can be divided into polymer lithium-ion batteries and liquid lithium-ion batteries by checking the electrolytes. The electrolyte of polymer lithium-ion batteries does not flow and is colloidal, so there is no leaking issue and it is generally safer.

Maintenance Directions

ü  You should store it at 3.8 V if it will not be utilized for a long time. When the power is quite low, it might over-discharge because of self-discharge.

ü  Prevent low-temperature levels, so as not to impact the battery life or its safety.

ü  Prevent heated environments as they can reduce the lifespan, or cause a fire in serious cases.

ü  Do not frequently deep charge or deep discharge.

ü  Any kind of overcharging of lithium batteries will result in severe damage to the battery‘s performance. You should not overcharge the lithium battery in any case.

ü  While charging, it should not be more than the highest charging voltage, and while discharging, it should not be less than the minimum voltage. No matter what the time is, the lithium battery should be kept over the least operating voltage. Self-discharge or over-discharge reactions at low voltages will destroy or decompose the lithium active material.

ü  Considering that lithium-ion batteries will simply age when not in usage, they must be bought according to your real requirements, and should not be bought in a large quantity.