What is the difference between battery and lithium battery charging and discharging?

A battery is a device that stores chemical energy and turns it into electrical energy. A. Battery works by the movements of electrons from one electrode(cathode) to another(anode) through an external circuit. This flow of electrons produces electric current which is used to power devices etc.

A lithium battery on the other hand is a battery that uses lithium as a major component in it's circuit. This type of battery is rechargeable as it uses the reduction of lithium ions to store energy.

Lithium battery charging should be done carefully as these battery are highly flammable if charging is done wrongly. Avoid charging lithium battery next to any flammable object. While charging you should make sure there is room temperature and no direct sunlight can be on the battery. Avoid covering your lithium  battery when charging to prevent heating as there is heat produced during charging.

While charging lithium batteries along other devices you should make sure there is enough room or space between them to prevent overheating or heat buildup which could be dangerous.

Precautions should be taken while charging lithium batteries , make sure the batteries are watched when charging so as to react quickly in case of an incident. 

For corporate use , there should be cabinets built which are combined with a sensor system that can help damage control Incase of complications during the charging process.

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Discharging a battery is the process of draining a battery its energy or voltage.

Lithium battery discharging means that it's providing electric current through the release of lithium ions from the anode to the cathode. When charging the opposite happens, the cathode releases the lithium ions to the anode storing energy.

Lithium batteries have a low discharge rate compared to other batteries, they discharge at 5% monthly. This also means you can leave these batteries unused for a long time.

What is the difference between charging and discharging a battery?

A battery is composed of two terminals which are made of different metals depending on the type of battery. These terminals are the anode and cathode which are surrounded by a chemical electrolyte that divides the two. The electrolyte is responsible for the flow of electrical charge between the anode and cathode. For example when a battery is connected to a bulb , a chemical reaction occurs between the electrodes which result in the flow of electricity or energy to the bulb making it to light.

Battery charging means charging a battery until it's full of energy to its full or maximum storage.This process involves reduction at the  cathode. Simply means battery charging occurs when the electrons move from cathode to anode and in the process they lead to an increase in energy or electricity thus charging the battery.

Discharging a battery involves electrons released from the  chemical on the anode which moves to the cathode through the electrolyte.An oxidation process occurs which discharges the battery.The electrolyte is important as it ensures the movement of the ions and electrons from each terminal which results to energy and electricity production. Discharging  a battery means that energy produced during charging is converted to  electricity. 

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The main difference between charging and discharging a battery is the process of oxidation and reduction that occurs. As discussed above when charging a battery energy is produced and when discharging electricity is produced hence both charging and discharging process reverses the chemical reaction of the other. For example when discharging a battery, the electrical energy used is switched back to chemical energy that was initially in the battery and later stored.

Should lithium batteries be stored charged or discharged?

It is advised by the manufacturer that lithium batteries be stored in a charged state. Storing these batteries in a discharged state makes them turn into a sleep mode and not usable again.The recommended charge state is to store the batteries with a storage of 40%-50%. When stored this way you can use your batteries immediately after taking them out of storage.

Proper storage of lithium batteries can give you a shelf life of up to 10 years. You should however ensure the temperature and humidity of the storage facility is regulated to achieve the shelf life. The battery should be stored in a cool dry storage facility.It is good to store your lithium batteries with a charge of 40-50% as these batteries self discharge at a 5% rate which decreases to 3% over time .

Storing lithium batteries in a fully charged or fully discharged state can make the battery go bad quickly. The capacity of the battery can be ruined easily if the battery is stored when fully charged.

To answer the question the lithium batteries should always be stored when charged to protect its life and ensure its capacity is not compromised. Storing this battery in a discharged state could force it to get into a sleep mode which could forcefully make the battery inactive and unusable.

What is the discharge of a lithium-ion battery?

The discharge of a lithium-ion battery can go up to 100% and this may not affect the efficiency of the battery overtime.The rate of discharge of the lithium ion battery depends on its use. For example if your battery has a full battery charge of 100 amperes and you only use 40 amperes then your rate of discharge becomes40%.

Many of the lithium ion batteries self discharge monthly ast a very slow rate which could vary from 0.2C to 1C. This self discharge of the lithium ion battery is as a result of chemical reactions taking place within the battery.A lithium ion battery has a depth of discharge which is the energy that has been stored and used in the battery. Many batteries have a manufacturer's recommended depth of discharge and this applies to the lithium ion battery  as well.

The lithium ion battery can use up to 95% depth of discharge , this battery can use its capacity of battery even without having to charge it fully.

Conclusion

We have just learnt that batteries use oxidation and reduction to store energy and produce electricity. Charging of any battery involves the movement of electrons in the electrolyte from anode to cathode and vice versa. For lithium ion batteries its imperative to understand its charging and discharging process and how to store it for a long lasting shelf life.