May 11, 2022 Pageview:471
Chargers are a confusing topic for many people. This is because of the different types of batteries on the market.
Which charger to use when you have a lead-acid battery? Which one works best for lithium ones? There is a lot of conflicting information on this issue. Some people say you can use any charger. Others feel you need specific chargers for a specific battery. Which ideas should you follow?
The answer lies in understanding batteries more than the chargers themselves. Batteries come in different chemistries. There are rechargeable batteries, and there are some that as primary (single use).
Rechargeable batteries are lead-acid, Ni-Cad, and lithium-ion. These are the most common types. They vary depending on the chemistry they have.
With that in mind, it might be wise to note that charging them would vary too. Manufacturers often advise that you use recommended chargers for these batteries.
Let us look at chargers for an automobile with li-ion batteries.
Lithium-Ion Automotive Battery Charger
The world of battery-powered automotive has been expanding steadily. Today, there are more electric cars than you would have imagined years ago. As the world tries to restore the earth's ecosystem, these vehicles become more and more reliable.
Lithium batteries are more popular with these cars. This is because they tend to have a slightly higher voltage than lead-acid batteries and other technologies. They also have a slightly narrower operating window on power when they are low on capacity.
There are specific chargers for lithium-ion batteries. They come with features like "fast charging," which work best in boosting the battery without damaging it.
Lithium batteries charge slightly differently. They receive a steady supply of current until a full charge is achieved. The charger will then cut off the power automatically. They don't need 'float' or 'trickle' charging.
Automotive batteries are much larger than those in your device. However, they go through the same charging process. The fast charge comes as the bulk phase, which takes the battery to about 80%. From here, the battery's internal resistance will block any further charging at that rate, reducing the rate of absorption.
Can You Use A Different Charger for Your Li-ion Battery?
Li-Ion batteries are more tolerant of other chargers. But you need to know how to set the charge in the correct spot before starting to charge.
For instance, you can use a lead-acid charger. But you must know how to set the maximum voltage on the charger. This is necessary if the charger does not have an automatic equalization mode.
Most modern chargers come with more advanced features. They let you charge safely if the automatic mode is turned off. Also, you must disconnect the battery as soon as it is charged fully.
To avoid going through all that trouble, we recommend that you just find the specific charger. It will save you a lot of trouble if you don't have to be too careful when charging your battery.
Understand also that li-ion batteries can easily get damaged where a wrong charger is used. And that is why it's important to always choose the specified charger.
Lithium-Ion Automotive Battery Manufacturers
The global lithium-ion battery market hit 39.41 B in 2021. These rechargeable batteries have become the ultimate choice for those who need a good supply of energy. As such, you can expect to see many manufacturers.
Here are the top companies making these batteries:
A123 Systems LLC
This is one of the largest companies manufacturing Li-ion batteries. The company operates as part of the Wanxiang America Corporation. It's known for developing, manufacturing, and supplying nano phosphate li-ion phosphate batteries. It also makes a wide range of energy storage systems. In its portfolio are solutions for electric vehicles.
Automotive Energy Supply Corporation (AESC)
AESC was established in 2007 to offer energy solutions for the modern market. This technology company is driven by AIoT innovations that are changing the battery industry. The company has been at the forefront of renewable energy, focusing on the EV industry. It has also invested heavily in trying to resolve sustainable development challenges.
LG Chem Limited
We all know LG as one of the giants in the technology market. The company was launched in 1947. Today, it's a leading science-driven corporation with a great focus on finding valuable solutions. This global manufacturer leaves nothing to chance when it comes to developing cutting-edge technology.
Panasonic Corporation
Panasonic is an even bigger corporation than LG. Established in 1918, this company has seen the world through different ages of technological evolution. It was known as Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd until 2008 when it changed its name. This company is known for developing a wide variety of lithium-ion batteries. Many consumers recommend it for its solution-oriented products.
Samsung SDI Corporation Limited
You can never discuss large technology companies without mentioning Samsung. Established in 1970 in Yongin-Si, South Korea, this is one of the biggest companies that produce lithium-ion batteries. The company majorly deals in small-sized lithium batteries for portable devices. It's possible that the device you are using now has a battery from Samsung. That is how popular the company is today.
Lithium-Ion Car Battery Replacement
Lithium-ion is without a doubt the biggest battery technology around us. Ask anyone about the best batteries, and they will tell you li-ion. Within the larger umbrella are sub-versions that promise higher energy and better functioning.
For more than a decade now, scientists have been trying to find a better alternative, which leaves many to wonder if there will be a true replacement for this technology.
The most promising technology is sodium batteries. They are designed to replace both lithium and cobalt found in Li-ion cells. The material is cheaper and more eco-friendly.??There are many other new technologies, mostly used in marine and aviation applications.
Despite this progress, we are yet to see a real substitute. It seems even these new technologies are not on the general market yet. Hence, lithium-ion batteries continue to dominate. It is because of li-ion batteries that we have many EVs today.
Leave a message
We’ll get back to you soon