Can a dead lithium battery be recharged?

According to the industry experts, Lithium-ion batteries are likely to be in huge demand in the near future. They can power huge machines and inventions across the globe. These cells are designed to last for a life time. It is very much possible to rejuvenate them if they appear to be dead. 

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A dead or non-functional lithium-ion battery can be resurrected by using some convenient, simple tools. But these batteries are stated to be unsuitable if handled inappropriately. Hence, if the plan is to revive a dead cell of this type, ensure it is not a damaged one. Also, you should be aware of what you plan to do.

How do you charge a dead lithium-ion battery?

If discharged lithium-ion batteries are kept inactive for extended periods, there are chances of it getting into sleep mode. Generally, batteries are designed to self-discharge, including lithium-ion ones. However, the latter discharges at a very low rate. A battery charger with special feature will be necessary referred to as ‘boost’. This is to charge the dead battery. A protection circuit is designed in almost every lithium-ion battery that is available in the market today. The circuit shuts automatically if battery gets discharged below normal. 

In some lithium-ion battery chargers or analyzers, boost function applies small current amount to jumpstart this protection circuit. Once appropriate cell voltage is derived battery can avail normal charges. But experts do not recommend boosting lithium-ion batteries especially those discharged for a long time below voltage point. The reason cited is that such cells might get unstable, thereby causing overheating issues. This will only cause the battery to explode as it catches flames, thereby resulting in extensive damage. 

How do you fix a lithium-ion battery that won't charge?

Extreme precaution should be taken while reviving lithium-ion batteries that fail to charge. This is because cells tend to hold plenty of energy. Moreover, electrolyte present in them is extremely flammable. Hence, not taking precaution will only mean causing damage and suffering from injuries. Take adequate safety precautions while handling such cells like wearing goggles, safety gloves, etc. 

Steps to fix a dead lithium-ion battery

Tools used: Some of the tools required are as follows:

oLithium-ion battery charger

oSafety goggles

oPaperclips

oUSB cable

oMultimeter

oAlternate battery having similar features/power source

oCrocodile clips

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Juicing the battery: Wear safety goggles and gloves before starting the procedure. Safety is crucial before experimenting to prevent unwanted serious injuries. Use multimeter to note down proper reading of dead lithium-ion battery. Remember, these cells are designed to fall into sleep mode if not used for some time. It also occurs if the cell is excessively drained compelling you to think that it is dead. If the already discharged cell is left alone in designated load and further discharged, then it gets into sleep mode. The reason is to prevent accepting any further charge. You need to use a healthy battery with similar voltage like that of the dead cell. Keep both in parallel circuit formation. Connect both together in terminals with crocodile clips. Connect together both negative terminals along with positive ones. Make sure to avoid wires from crossing one another to avoid short circuit. You need to leave the cells for approximately fifteen minutes in this particular state. Do monitor the progress constantly. Check out for potential hazard signs like overheating. On completion of this period, note voltage reading. A rise can be noticed in dead lithium-ion battery voltage indicating being ready to derive change. 

?USB Cable as an alternative option: This is another technique that you may use. Take an unused old USB. Make sure it is not damaged. Now cut smaller end. Expose cut end wires and separate them. Connect black wire with negative terminal and red wire with positive terminal. Tape them properly. Take larger USB cable end and plug it into any available power source like the power bank or a computer. The entire set-up should be left alone for a couple of minutes. Monitor the progress made and identify hazardous signs. 

?Charge/discharge battery: Take the lithium-ion battery charge and plug into it the battery. Charge the device to maximum capacity. Usually, the battery will take approximately three hours to get fully charged (to 100% capacity). However, this time is likely to vary based on battery size used). Once the battery has got fully charged, it is time to discharge it. To derive this, insert cell into its load while providing it as well as draining completely. But remember not to exceed below voltage point. 

?Freeze battery: On fully discharge of the battery, place it within an airtight bag. Then seal it properly. Make sure that moisture does not get into the bag in any manner. Store it in a safe place. If you suspect of something wrong, then wipe the battery dry. Keep the bag inside the freezer and allow it to settle for about a full 24 hours. On completing of this stipulated timeframe, take out the battery and defrost it for approximately 8 hours. Make sure that the battery is now in room temperature. 

?Charge battery: After the battery gets back into room temperature, it is time to plug into within the lithium-ion battery. Charge it until it shows 100% capacity. You are likely to witness significant change in the battery’s overall performance. It will also last much longer between charge cycles. 

Can lithium batteries be recharged?

This way, by following the above-mentioned steps, you can charge even dead lithium-ion batteries and use them for a long time. But what if you do not possess the right tools or the idea to undertake this process? In such a case, you may take professional assistance. With some research on the web, you can come across people who are domain experts. They also have the necessary experience and skills to undertake such projects with great ease. Hence, there is no need to throw away a good lithium-ion battery just because it is dead. The truth is that it could be just asleep and needs some reviving, something that you or the experts can do.