EN
Many of the things we see and use everyday, like phones, tablets and some toys, use lithium batteries. But did you know there are two types of lithium battery? Yes, that's right. For each variety of lithium battery, there is a specific charger and this is the one that operates most efficiently. How to Choose a Lithium Battery Charger? Today we will cover the various types of lithium battery chargers and how to select a charger for your battery.
Lithium Battery Charger Types
The types of lithium batteries include lithium-ion, lithium-polymer, and LI-FePO4 (lithium iron phosphate). There are three types of charging standards and each type has its own unique features and requires a specific type of charger to charge safely and efficiently.
This means lithium-ion batteries typically use a constant voltage charger. This means that the charger sends the same amount of electricity to the battery until it is fully charged. This Car/Motorcycle Battery Repair Charger prevents overcharging and extends the life of the battery.
So most lithium-polymer batteries are charged using a constant current/constant voltage (CC/CV) charger. This charger initially sends a constant current to the battery until it hits a certain voltage, then switches to constant voltage to complete charging. This protects the battery and ensures complete charging.
LiFePO4 batteries also require a different charging style. They are usually charged with a charger that charges with a constant current until the battery is nearly charged after which it goes into a floating mode of lower voltage to finish charging. And this why the use of the LiFePO4 batteries will be ensure longer life and charge safely.
Choosing the Right Charger
After getting to know the various types of lithium battery chargers, how do we choose the right one? The challenge is matching the charger with the type of batteries.
Apply a steady voltage at an appropriate level for your battery: Find a charger for lithium-ion batteries that provides a constant voltage. Identify a charger which comes with protection features to safeguard your battery against overcharging, etc.
So it is best to use CC/CV charger for lithium-polymer batteries, which sends a constant current at first and then constant voltage. This is to protect your battery while recharging.
LiFePO4 batteries call for charging at a steady current until the battery is charged and dropping to low voltage to finish charging. This extends the life of your battery.
Fast Charging Options
Fast charging is ideal for those in need of a temporary charge. Not all lithium batteries are capable of such charging speeds because high charging power may wear out the battery faster if it is not implemented correctly.
For fast charging lithium batteries such as those with LiCoO2 chemistry, only a Charger designed specifically for fast charging can be used. These chargers are built to charge the battery without doing damage quickly.
Some lithium-ion batteries can be charged with a fast charger which supplies more current than ordinary chargers. But always adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines for your safety.
Due to this, LiFePO4 batteries are generally not advised for fast charging as it can shorten their lifespan. If we want them safe and functioning well, it is better if we charge them slowly.
Extending Your Battery Life
To make your lithium battery work for longer, it is very important to choose the right charger for your battery. So do make sure you use the right charger so you don’t have issues like overheating or overcharging.
Also, good charging practices are a must. Avoid using too generic chargers that are not designed for your type of battery, as they might damage the battery and decrease how long it lasts.
Please do not charge your battery in extreme temperature conditions, which influence its performance and longevity. The ideal temperature for charging is generally from 0°C to 45°C.
The right charger combined with these best practices will significantly increase the lifespan and performance of your lithium battery.
The next big step is to compare charging technologies.
Various charging technologies work best with the different types of lithium battery.
Pulse charging technology is commonly used for lithium-ion batteries. Pulse chargers send electricity in short bursts to the battery, avoiding the risk of overcharging and improving charging efficiency.
But trickle charging technology, which clears a small amount of present to the battery for an extended time period, works well with lithium-polymer batteries. It keeps the battery in good health and prolongs its lifespan.
LiFePO4 batteries can also utilize a desulfation charger, where the battery plates are cleaned, improving the overall performance of the battery. This can cause old batteries to work better and last longer.
To charge lithium batteries safely and efficiently, you have to select an appropriate charger according to the type of battery. Knowing the various chargers available to you, and adhering to best practices for charging your lithium battery, will go a long way in extending the life of your battery, and ensuring that it continues to perform as expected. Any inherited risk or liability is mitigated by the charger for lithium.
