Lithium-Ion Battery Proper Charging Methods: Step-by-Step Guide
2025-06-03
Lithium batteries are one of the most commonly used types of batteries. In the process of using lithium batteries, we will also encounter various problems. In this article, Bonada will introduce the precautions related to lithium battery charging. If you are interested in lithium batteries, you may wish to continue reading.
Lithium-ion battery proper charging methods
1. Charging
The safe working voltage range of lithium batteries is 2.8~4.2V. Below or above this voltage range, the lithium ions in the battery become very unstable and even cause accidents. To ensure that the battery is in a safe range, a special charger is required. These chargers will automatically adjust the charging method according to the current state of the battery.
2. Activation
Before the lithium charger starts charging, it will supply the battery with a small current, and at the same time detect the battery voltage change, and gradually increase the current until the set value. This process can be regarded as an activation or test charging.
3. Constant current variable voltage charging
The charger charges the battery with a constant current. As the battery voltage increases, the charger also increases the charging voltage to speed up the charging speed.
4. Variable current constant voltage charging
When the battery reaches the 4.2V cut-off voltage, the battery is only charged with about 70% of the power (not full). At this time, the charger continues to charge the battery with a constant voltage and a gradually decreasing current. The value is less than 0.1A and the battery voltage continues to rise before stopping charging.
How to safely charge lithium-ion batteries
1. Avoid charging at too high a temperature
If the lithium battery is used in an environment above the specified operating temperature, that is, above 35°C, the battery power will continue to decrease, that is, the battery power supply time will not be as long as usual. If the device is charged at such a temperature, the damage to the battery will be greater. Even if the battery is stored in a hotter environment, it will inevitably cause corresponding damage to the quality of the battery. Therefore, keeping it at a suitable operating temperature is a good way to extend the life of the lithium battery.
2. Avoid charging at too low a temperature
If the lithium battery is used in a low temperature environment, that is, below 4°C, it will also be found that the battery life is reduced. The original lithium battery of some mobile phones cannot even be charged in a low temperature environment. But don't worry too much, this is only a temporary condition. Unlike using it in a high temperature environment, once the temperature rises, the molecules in the battery are heated and the power will be restored to the previous level immediately.
3. Use it frequently
Life is about movement. To maximize the performance of lithium-ion batteries, you need to use them frequently to keep the electrons in the lithium battery in a flowing state. If you don't use lithium batteries frequently, please remember to complete a charging cycle for the lithium battery every month and perform a power calibration, that is, deep discharge and deep charge once.
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