Instructions
1. How to charge a new battery,
It's important to note that lithium batteries can enter a dormant state if left unused for a while. This can result in lower capacity and shorter usage time than normal. However, activating a lithium battery is relatively easy. All it takes is 3-5 regular charge and discharge cycles to restore its normal capacity. In contrast to other battery types, lithium batteries have almost no memory effect. Therefore, there's no need for any special methods or equipment to activate a new lithium battery in a user's mobile phone.
The issue of "activation" of lithium batteries has been a cause of concern for many users. Some claim that the battery must be charged for more than 12 hours, repeated three times in order to activate it. However, this statement is a continuation of the guidelines for nickel batteries, not lithium batteries. The charging and discharging characteristics of these two types of batteries are very different. It is important to note that overcharging and overdischarging can cause damage to lithium batteries, especially liquid lithium-ion batteries. Therefore, it is essential to charge the battery using the standard time and method, and to avoid charging it for more than 12 hours. Serious official technical materials also emphasize the importance of following these guidelines to avoid damaging the battery. So, it is best not to rely on misinformation and instead trust the guidance of experts when charging lithium batteries.
Additionally, it is important to note that both the lithium battery and charger have built-in mechanisms to prevent overcharging. Once the battery reaches its full capacity, the charging process automatically ceases. Unlike nickel batteries, there is no practice of "trickle" charging for extended periods in lithium battery chargers. Therefore, if your lithium battery is fully charged, it remains inactive on the charger. However, it is crucial to understand that the battery's charging and discharging protection circuit may not remain constant, and the quality of the battery itself is not always fail-safe. Hence, relying on constant charging poses a potential risk to the battery's overall health and safety. This is another valid reason why we discourage prolonged charging sessions.
It's important to note that lithium batteries shouldn't be overdischarged, as this can be extremely harmful to them. Additionally, it's worth mentioning that lithium batteries aren't well-suited to this kind of use. When they're overdischarged, these batteries won't perform properly, and this can lead to long-term damage. As such, it's crucial to ensure that your lithium batteries are properly maintained and that they receive regular care and attention. By keeping them in good condition, you'll be able to extend their lifespan and get the most out of your investment in these powerful energy storage devices.
2. When should charging start in normal use
It is a common misconception that using up the battery of your mobile phone and then recharging it fully will extend its lifespan. However, this belief has no basis with regards to lithium batteries. Experiments have yielded data about the charge-discharge cycle of a lithium-ion battery, and the results indicate that the number of charging and discharging cycles is what affects the battery's lifespan. It is recommended that you use your phone's battery as needed, without worrying about draining it completely before recharging.
Cycle life (50%DOD)>1000 times
Cycle life (100%DOD)>500 times
One important abbreviation to note is DOD, which stands for Depth of Discharge. Looking at the table provided, it is clear that the number of charge cycles is affected by the level of discharge, with a longer cycle life observed at 10% DOD compared to 100% DOD. Although the former has a lower total charge capacity (100 versus 200), the statement made by an earlier commenter needs to be clarified. Typically, it is recommended to charge a battery only when the remaining power is nearly depleted, but if the battery is unlikely to last for a whole day, it is prudent to start charging it in advance. Carrying a charger to the office is also an option.
The principle of recharging your remaining battery power doesn't mean you have to push it to the limits. It's a common misconception that you should "use up the battery as much as possible," but this only applies to nickel batteries to prevent the memory effect. Unfortunately, this belief has also been mistakenly applied to lithium batteries.
Let me give you an example to illustrate the consequences. Imagine someone ignoring the warning of low battery on their mobile phone and continuing to use it until it eventually shuts down automatically. Later, when they try to charge and power it on again, the phone becomes unresponsive and requires professional repair. In this case, the battery's voltage dropped too low due to over-discharge, preventing it from charging and starting normally.
It's essential to understand that lithium batteries operate differently, and deep discharge can harm their performance. Instead of letting your battery drain completely, it's better to recharge it before it reaches critically low levels. This will help maintain the battery's health and ensure proper charging and functioning of your device.