How to extend battery life?

Whenever a battery is designed and developed, engineers give some time estimation for that battery. It depends on different parameters, and this life can be stated in terms of charge cycles or terms of years/months, especially for rechargeable batteries. However, sometimes, these batteries do not last as long as expected, and that could be because of incorrect usage practices.

So, in this article, we will discuss different things everyone must know to extend the life of their batteries.

Choose the right charger.

The first and most important thing about extending the life of a battery is using the right charger. Although all chargers are made to charge a battery, there are multiple variations and using the wrong one can permanently damage your battery.

1.Understand the compatibility specifications of the charger you are using.

When using a battery, you must choose the right charger for it. There are different technicalities, and the most common ones include:

Pin polarity

Voltage

Current

Using the charger that is nearest to the specification of the manufacturer-provided charger will ensure that the perfect amount of electricity is flowing through your battery in the right direction, and that will ensure to maintain good health in your battery.

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2.Pick the right type of charger.

It is very important to pick the right type of charger. Many people confuse an adapter with a charger and end up damaging their battery. While these two things look the same, they are designed for different purposes.

The adapter is made to provide a consistent supply to keep an electronic device running. On the other hand, chargers have become smart now, and they are adapted according to the battery requirements for different phases of charging.

3.Benefits of Using a Charger That the Manufacturer Provides/Recommends

Every battery gets a charger or recommended charging specifications from the manufacturer. Whether you are buying a stand-alone battery or it is in a product, these charging specifications will always be mentioned by the manufacturer. Using the charger with the right specifications keeps the battery in good health, ensuring that its life is extended. The performance of your battery stays consistent, and it stays safe to use for a long time.

Avoid overcharge and overdischarge.

Among the biggest foes of a battery's life are overcharging and over-discharging. Both can give permanent damage to the battery ruining its performance and overall life. So, it is important to avoid making your battery go through such usage practices.

1.What is the impact of overcharge and overdischarge on a battery

Overcharging is when the battery is charged up to its full capacity, and you still don’t disconnect the charger from it. In that case, the flow of current does not stop through the battery, and it can cause permanent damage to the internals of a battery.

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Over-discharge is a state where the battery is drained to its full rated capacity, but the load is still connected, and it keeps draining energy from the battery. This situation can also cause permanent damage to the battery. In fact, both these can be very dangerous with battery ending in fire or explosion.

2.Monitor battery levels to prevent overcharge and overdischarge.

Whether you are charging the battery or using it, it is recommended that you consistently monitor the state of the battery. In both cases, it will tell if the battery is being used safely or not, and you can disconnect the battery before it reaches the extreme limits.

3.Using intelligent circuits can help.

Today, multiple intelligent battery management circuits are available that can monitor the battery in real-time. They use real-time information to decide how the battery will act and how much current can be drawn or put through the battery for charging it. These circuits also automatically cut off the connection to the battery for better safety. Sometimes, the battery or charger will have this built-in; otherwise, you have to install these by yourself for better safety.

Avoid overheating.

Batteries are designed to be kept and operated under a specific temperature range. When that temperature range is exceeded, the battery will start losing its performance and eventually lose its performance. That’s why it is very important to avoid overheating the battery.

1.Impact of Overheating on a Battery’s Life

Overheating speeds up chemical processes within the battery's cells and causes irreversible damage; overheating drastically reduces a battery's life. Increased internal pressure and electrolyte breakdown brought on by high temperatures limit capacity and degrade performance.

Extended exposure to high temperatures speeds up aging and increases the decomposition of important components. It is essential to reduce the danger of overheating by appropriate use, cooling techniques, and sticking to suggested operating ranges to maximize battery life.

2.Understand what factors are leading to overheating.

The main causes of battery overheating include high charging or discharging currents, poor ventilation while the battery is operating, and extended exposure to high ambient temperatures. Moreover, putting the battery under mechanical stress or using inadequate chargers may also increase the amount of heat produced by the battery.

These stresses may build up and cause a temperature increase, which can speed up chemical processes within the battery cells and eventually reduce their lifespan and performance.

3.How to manage the temperature of your battery to extend its life?

There are multiple ways you can use to manage the temperature of your battery and avoid overheating. These practices can help you extend the life of your battery. So, you must start by using the battery with the right load and chargers to ensure that there is no electrical stress on it. Secondly, you must ensure that the battery is getting good heat dissipation or ventilation, so its temperature does not rise too quickly over continuous usage.

Conclusion

Even when a battery states that it can last for 250 charge cycles, you can make it last a little longer if you follow all the right practices. These include avoiding overcharging and over-discharging the battery, using the right charger, and preventing the battery from overheating. By following these measures, you can get the best value and life from your battery. On the other hand, if you do not follow these effectively, your batteries may retire much sooner than their expected life.