Rechargeable lithium-ion battery

• Lithium-ion battery fires: What you need to know about safety

  

  Jan 21, 2025

  It’s likely that many of the electronic devices in your home today are powered by lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are found in everything from cell phones and children’s toys to power tools, e-bikes, and even electric cars. These rechargeable batteries are ideal for electronic devices that need to efficiently release large amounts of power in a short period of time, and they are more environmentally friendly and cost-effective than disposable batteries. However, if lithium-ion batteries overheat, become damaged, or are exposed to salt water, they can catch fire and explode.     You may have noticed that there have been many news reports about lithium-ion battery fires in recent years. For example, in 2024, after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, salt water came into contact with lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles and other battery-powered devices such as golf carts and scooters, causing several house fires. If you’ve flown in recent years, you may have also noticed that carrying a spare lithium-ion battery with you has become a requirement for aviation safety. These incidents have heightened public awareness of lithium-ion batteries, but the actual fire risks are not fully understood by everyone.   Why are lithium-ion batteries so popular? One significant advantage of lithium-ion batteries is that they allow for more compact devices. Lithium is the lightest metal element, which allows lithium-ion batteries to store more energy in a relatively small space, making for smaller, lighter electronic devices. For portable devices like mobile phones, lightness and compactness are the top consumer demands. In addition, the rechargeable nature of lithium-ion batteries also makes them more attractive than traditional disposable batteries. Not only can consumers reduce the hassle of frequently purchasing new batteries, but lithium-ion batteries also have no "memory effect." This is different from other types of rechargeable batteries (such as nickel-cadmium batteries), which can cause capacity and voltage to drop if they are recharged without being fully discharged. Lithium-ion batteries avoid this problem, ensuring longer-term efficiency.   Are lithium-ion batteries a fire hazard?     Lithium-ion batteries are generally safe if they are stored, used, and charged properly. To ensure safety, follow these recommendations when using lithium-ion batteries: • Store batteries in a cool, dry place away from flammable items and avoid moisture. Do not expose batteries to sunlight or extreme cold. • Follow the battery storage guidelines provided by the device manufacturer. • Always use the charger that came with the device. Some chargers have a temperature-regulating feature to ensure that the battery doesn't overheat. Using an inappropriate charger can cause the battery to overcharge, which can pose a safety hazard. • Always unplug the power cord after charging is complete to avoid overcharging. • Do not charge your device in bed or under a pillow, and ensure that there is enough air circulation around the device to keep it cool. Also, lithium-ion batteries don't last forever. Typically, they last two to three years, or about 500 charge and discharge cycles. Common signs of battery aging include slower charging, overheating, swelling, or losing power when not in use. If these problems occur, the battery should be replaced as soon as possible, and never replace a lithium-ion battery yourself without the manufacturer's guidance.   What causes lithium-ion battery fires? The root cause of lithium-ion battery fires is a phenomenon called "thermal runaway." When the battery cannot effectively release the heat it generates, its temperature rises rapidly, causing a fire or explosion. Counterfeit batteries are a greater risk because they are usually of poor quality and prone to this problem. Here are some factors that can cause lithium-ion battery fires: • Leaving the battery plugged in after charging is complete • Physical damage to the battery or its casing • Using a charging method that is too fast (usually with a non-designated charger) • Exposing the battery to extreme heat or cold • Exposing the battery to salt water, such as when stored in a basement or garage that could be flooded • Using uncertified batteries   As electric scooters, electric bikes, and other mobility devices become more popular, many fires caused by lithium-ion batteries have occurred in these devices. Residents living in multi-unit housing, especially those who need to charge these battery-powered devices at home, are at an increased risk of fire.

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• lithium-ion batteries: the future power of energy core

  

  Feb 05, 2025

  In an age of portable electronic devices, lithium-ion batteries have become a core component of modern life. With their high energy density, long cycle life, and lightweight size, they are an ideal energy source for smartphones, laptops, electric vehicles, and a variety of wearable devices. This blog will explore the working principle, types, applications, and future development trends of lithium-ion batteries.     Working Principle： A lithium-ion battery is a secondary battery (rechargeable) that uses the movement of lithium ions between the positive and negative electrodes to store and release energy. During charging, lithium ions migrate from the positive electrode through the electrolyte to the negative electrode and embed into it. During discharge, lithium ions return from the negative electrode to the positive electrode, while releasing current for use by the external circuit. This process is accompanied by the flow of electrons in the external circuit to generate electricity.   Types： There are several main types of lithium-ion batteries, including lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4), lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC), and lithium titanate (LTO). Each type has its own unique performance characteristics and application scenarios. For example, lithium iron phosphorus batteries are known for their excellent safety and long life, and are suitable for electric vehicles and energy storage systems; while NMC batteries are widely used in portable electronic products due to their high energy density and good charge and discharge efficiency.   Application：     The application range of lithium battery cells is extremely wide. In the field of consumer electronics, almost all smartphones and tablets use lithium batteries as power sources. In the field of transportation, the development of electric vehicles and electric bicycles has promoted the rapid progress of lithium battery technology. In addition, with the rise of renewable energy, lithium batteries are also playing an increasingly important role in grid energy storage systems, helping to balance energy supply and demand and improve energy utilization efficiency.   Future Development： Looking to the future, there is still huge room for development of lithium battery technology. Researchers are exploring new electrode materials, electrolyte formulations, and manufacturing processes to increase the energy density of batteries, extend service life, and reduce costs. Solid-state battery technology is considered to be an important direction for the next generation of lithium batteries. It uses solid electrolytes instead of traditional liquid electrolytes, which is expected to significantly improve the safety and energy density of batteries.   In addition, with the global emphasis on sustainable development, recycling and reuse of waste lithium batteries has also become a hot topic of research. Effective recycling strategies can not only reduce environmental pollution, but also recycle precious metal resources and promote the recycling of resources.   In short, as a key technology of modern energy, lithium-ion batteries are constantly promoting the progress of science and technology and society. With the continuous innovation and improvement of technology, we have reason to believe that lithium-ion batteries will continue to provide us with more efficient, safe and environmentally friendly energy solutions.

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• How long do the rechargeable AA batteries last?

  

  Feb 18, 2025

  Rechargeable AA batteries are widely used in a variety of electronic devices, from everyday remote controls to professional digital cameras. In order to maximize the benefits of battery investment, it is particularly important to understand their lifespan and the factors that affect their lifespan. This article aims to analyze the types of rechargeable AA batteries, factors that affect their lifespan, average lifespan, and when to replace them.     1. Overview of rechargeable AA batteries and their types     Rechargeable AA batteries can be mainly divided into two categories based on their chemical composition: nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries and lithium batteries.   NiMH batteries: With their ability to be recharged multiple times (generally up to 500 to 1000 times), NiMH batteries have become the mainstream choice in the market. With a nominal voltage of 1.2V, they are known for their stable energy output, especially for high-energy devices such as cameras and game controllers. In addition, low self-discharge versions of NiMH batteries can also maintain power longer when idle. Lithium batteries: Compared with NiMH batteries, lithium batteries usually provide a higher voltage of 1.5V and are known for their long life and low self-discharge rate. Lithium batteries can retain their charge for a long time even when not in use, so they are more suitable for devices that require long-term stable power supply.   2. Key factors affecting the life of AA rechargeable batteries   The life of rechargeable AA batteries is affected by many factors, mainly including battery quality, usage patterns, charging habits and storage conditions.   Battery quality: Batteries from high-quality brands (such as Eneloop,Warriors,Energizer) generally have longer life and better performance than ordinary brands. In the long run, choosing well-known brands can save costs. Usage pattern: High-energy consumption devices (such as digital cameras) generally consume batteries faster than low-energy consumption devices (such as remote controls). Understanding the energy consumption of the device can help choose the right battery type. Charging habits: Follow the manufacturer's charging guidelines and avoid overcharging or using incompatible chargers to extend battery life. Storage conditions: Extreme temperatures have a negative impact on battery life. Batteries should be stored in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight, and stored at room temperature to help maintain performance.     3. Average lifespan of rechargeable AA batteries?   Taking all of the above factors into account, the average lifespan of rechargeable AA batteries is between 2 and 10 years. The specific lifespan depends on the frequency and type of battery used.   Low usage: In rarely used devices (such as backup remote controls), the battery may be close to the upper limit of 10 years of service life. High usage: Frequent use in high-energy devices such as digital cameras and game controllers may reduce the battery life to about 2 years.   4. When to replace rechargeable AA batteries   Knowing when to replace batteries is critical to maintaining device performance. The following situations indicate that the battery needs to be replaced:   Capacity reduction: The device's usage time after a single charge is significantly reduced, which usually means that the battery performance has been greatly reduced. Physical damage: When abnormal conditions such as battery swelling and leakage are found, they should be replaced immediately to avoid potential danger or device damage.   In summary, understanding the type of rechargeable AA batteries, factors affecting lifespan, and replacement time are critical to maximizing battery benefits. Through proper use and storage, battery life can be extended and device performance can be improved.

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