Charging Lithium Batteries in the Cold-Introduction and Charging Temperature

Lithium-ion batteries are one of the greatest inventions. When compared to lithium batteries, lithium-ion batteries have several benefits. For example, a lithium-ion battery is rechargeable and lasts up to a greater extent.

In addition, these batteries are efficient as well. That said, many people wonder whether they can charge their lithium-ion batteries in the cold or not as they think that lower temperatures might shorten the lifespan of ion-based power sources. While this may be true to some extent, there are ranges in which you can charge your lithium-ion battery.

How cold is too cold for batteries?

As stated previously, there are some safe temperature ranges at which you can charge a lithium metal battery. However, charging below these ranges can seriously hurt the efficiency and overall longevity of the lithium-ion battery.

What are the safe charging temperature ranges?

According to the global standard, lithium-ion batteries can be safely charged within the temperature range of 0°C to 45°C. Charging below or above that range can disintegrate the internal mechanism of the Li-ion battery.

The optimal functional temperature of a lithium-ion battery is between 5°C-45°C. According to several types of research, a lithium battery charges fast within this range without any significant changes in its internal resistance.

As a result, this does not cause a lithium metal battery to be damaged over the long run. Moreover, it does not affect the overall efficiency as well.

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Temperature Ranges Stated on a Lithium-ion Battery

Most lithium batteries have a functional temperature range between -20°C to 60°C or -20°C to 55°C. However, it is worth mentioning that the specified temperature ranges are labeled as discharging temperatures.

It means that these are the temperatures at which you can safely discharge or empty the stored energy or electric current of your lithium battery.

It is always advised you should charge or discharge your Li-ion battery within the range and should avoid the minimum and maximum rated temperature threshold.

Can you charge lithium-ion batteries below freezing point?

While lithium batteries are functional at cold temperatures and can withstand temperatures between 32°F to 113°F and –4°F to 140°F, it is not recommended to charge them below freezing point (32°F or 0°C).

You must be wondering why all this happens, right? Well, the answer is “Lithium Plating”, which we will explain in a bit.

High-temperature Battery

Like you cannot charge your lithium battery below freezing point, you can’t charge it above 50°C-55°C. The optimal charging high-temperature ratings are always mentioned by the battery manufacturer. Hence, make sure to go through it before you set up your lithium-ion battery.

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In addition, there is also a maximum discharging temperature for every lithium battery. Most of them have a discharging temperature of up to 60°C.

Although one of the characteristics of a lithium battery is that it is more efficient (higher capacity) at higher temperatures as compared to lower ones, exposing a lithium battery to heat for a certain extent can mess up or burn up the internal electrolyte layer.

Moreover, as extreme hot temperatures can melt the electrolyte layer, a build-up of gas takes place, which over time swells the lithium-ion battery and reduces its longevity.

In addition, there are other disadvantages you can cause to your lithium metal battery when not charging or discharging within the labeled temperature ranges.

Some Effects of Charging or Discharging lithium battery Under High Temperatures

Charging or discharging a Li-ion battery hurts the overall performance of your battery. Take a look.

Short Circuit

When the internal temperature of a Li-ion battery rises, the electrolytic layer gets vaporized. While there is a solid layer of separator between the graphite anode and Lithium oxide cathode, the risk of short circuit significantly increases when the load is connected to the battery.??

All this can cause eminent damage to your health as well. Hence, to avoid all this, ensure looking at the temperature ranges.?

Causes Internal Corrosion?

One of the primary disadvantages of the charging and discharging of Li-ion batteries under high temperatures is it causes internal corrosion of the Li-ion battery. The reason for this is heat causes water loss and drastically fastens the chemical reaction between the metal oxide and graphite.

Is it bad to charge a battery when it’s cold?

The answer to this question depends on what is your current room temperature. Generally, if the room temperature is below 0°C or 32°F (freezing point), you should not charge it.

Moreover, if you live in a relatively colder region, where the temperature tends to drop way below 0°C, it can seriously damage your battery. That said, you can discharge your Li-ion battery when it is -20°C.

Effects of Charging and Discharging a Lithium Metal Battery Below 0°C and -20°C Respectively

Here are some negative effects:

Lithium Plating

Under suitable temperatures, when charging, the Li-ions present in the metal oxide cathode region are attracted towards the graphite-based anode region by the electrons. The ions pass through the electrolyte. When all ions and electrons get enclosed in the graphite's layered structure, a Li-ion battery is charged.

However, when the temperature is below 0°C the internal resistance increases which affect the movement of electron.

Moreover, as there are a smaller number of electrons, fewer Li-ions get attracted towards the anode, and the ones that do are in metal form due to the lower temperature. All this causes reduced diffusion rates on the anode, and thus causes:

1.Reduced battery capacity

2.Reduced longevity

3.Reduced efficiency

4.Higher charging time due to delayed movement of electrons.

Under normal temperature conditions, a lithium-ion battery is around 90-95% efficient of its rated capacity. Moreover, a Li-ion battery is also easy to maintain and does not require acid replacement as in lead acid batteries. In addition, these batteries are 80% efficient even in cold weather (between 0°C to -20°C).

Conclusion

Lithium-ion batteries are more efficient and have revolutionized the world of electricity. Some latest Li-ion batteries can be charged below freezing point. However, they are not yet released worldwide. Until then, make sure to see the temperature rating of your Li-ion battery.?