Common Problems and Solutions for Lithium-ion Batteries in Daily Use
- 4 min reading time
With the increasing use of lithium batteries as a power source for electric tools, lithium batteries are becoming more and more popular due to their high energy density, lightweight, and environmental friendliness. However, there may be some problems encountered when using lithium batteries. Today, Alloyman will introduce the problems and solutions of lithium batteries.
1. Charging speed slows down
Slow charging speed After a period of use, the charging speed of lithium batteries may slow down, resulting in longer charging time.
Solution:
- Temperature control: Ensure that the environment temperature is suitable during charging, and avoid overheating or overcooling of lithium batteries.
- Replace the charger: It is possible that the internal components of the charger are damaged. We recommend using the original charger that matches the battery to avoid using inappropriate or low-quality chargers.
- Clean the contact points: If the battery or charger is not maintained for a long time, the contact points may become damp, rusty, or passivated. We recommend regularly cleaning the charging plug and device contact points to ensure good current conduction.
2. Capacity attenuation
Capacity degradation After long-term use, the capacity of lithium batteries will gradually decrease, resulting in reduced endurance.
Solution:
- Avoid over-discharge: Do not discharge lithium batteries to a very low level. Try to keep the battery charged and discharged between 20% and 80%.
- Avoid overcharging: Do not charge lithium batteries to a very high level, and avoid overcharging for a long time. Fast charging will accelerate capacity degradation, so use fast charging function moderately.
- Regular calibration: Every few months, perform a full charge and discharge on the lithium battery to calibrate its battery level display accuracy.
3. Overheating and overcharging
Overheating and overcharging During the use of lithium batteries, overheating and overcharging may occur, posing certain safety hazards.
Solution:
- Avoid high-temperature environments: Do not expose lithium batteries to high-temperature environments, especially in summer or during prolonged use. Place them in a cool and well-ventilated area.
- Use original chargers: Use original or certified chargers to ensure the safety and reliability of the charging process.
4. Battery expansion
Battery swelling Lithium batteries naturally expand, but generally not more than 0.1mm. However, overcharging can cause electrolyte decomposition, increase internal pressure, and cause battery swelling. In some extreme cases, abnormal conditions inside the lithium battery (such as short circuits or overheating) can cause excessive heating and electrolyte decomposition, which may result in an explosion and pose a threat to personal safety.
Solution:
- Replace the battery: Natural swelling within a controllable range is generally not a concern. If excessive swelling occurs, we recommend contacting the seller for replacement or purchasing the latest battery.
- Avoid physical damage: Avoid severe impacts, squeezing, or puncturing of lithium batteries to prevent battery loss of control caused by physical damage.
- Proper storage: When not in use for a long time, store lithium batteries in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated place to avoid high temperature and humidity.
5. Battery explosion
Battery explosion Battery explosions generally occur under the following circumstances:
- Overcharging explosion: The protection circuitry malfunctions or the charging voltage is too high, causing electrolyte decomposition and a violent reaction inside the battery, leading to a rapid increase in internal pressure and battery explosion.
- Overcurrent explosion: The protection circuitry malfunctions or the detection cabinet malfunctions, causing excessive charging current, which prevents lithium ions from being embedded in time. Lithium metal forms on the surface of the electrode, penetrating the separator and causing a direct short circuit between the positive and negative electrodes, resulting in an explosion (a rare occurrence).
- Over-discharge explosion: Over-discharging or excessive current discharge (above 3C) can easily cause the dissolution and deposition of copper foil from the negative electrode onto the separator, leading to a direct short circuit between the positive and negative electrodes and an explosion.
Solution:
- Replace the battery: If a battery explosion occurs, it should be replaced promptly or a new battery should be purchased.
- Avoid overcharging or overdischarging. Use the correct voltage charger to avoid mismatched voltages.
- Proper storage: Avoid severe impacts on lithium batteries; when not in use for a long time, store lithium batteries in a dry and cool place.