High voltage lithium ion battery are already an integral part of our homes, powering everything from our home appliances to electric vehicles. However, many users occasionally neglect these batteries without charging them for long periods. In this article, we will analyze the consequences of long-term neglect of charging high voltage lithium ion batteries and provide our users with a guide on protecting their batteries.
Effect of self-discharge on high voltage lithium ion battery
Self-discharge is a natural phenomenon in high voltage lithium ion batteries, where the battery gradually loses charge over time when unused. While all batteries experience self-discharge to some extent, high voltage lithium ion batteries are particularly susceptible due to their high energy density and chemical composition. Discharging causes the battery’s stored energy to deplete, reducing its capacity and overall runtime. This can be problematic for applications that require long-term storage or backup power, as the battery may lose much of its charge over time, reducing its efficiency when needed. When a battery discharges spontaneously, internal components such as electrodes and electrolytes can degrade, leading to byproducts such as lithium plating, gas accumulation, and electrolyte decomposition.
Risk of over-discharge and capacity loss of high voltage lithium ion battery
If not recharged regularly, high voltage lithium ion battery are at risk of over-discharging, in which the battery voltage drops below a critical threshold, triggering irreversible chemical reactions within the battery. These reactions can lead to the formation of inactive lithium compounds, electrode degradation, and electrolyte decomposition, reducing the battery’s capacity and overall performance over time. In addition, excessive discharge can exacerbate battery imbalance, in which individual cells in a battery pack discharge at different rates due to changes in internal resistance, capacity, or state of charge. When a battery pack is over-discharged, weaker cells may reach critical voltage levels before other cells, leading to over-discharge-induced damage, capacity mismatch, and potential battery failure. This may result in reduced overall efficiency, increased internal resistance, and lower energy density of high voltage lithium ion batteries, compromising the performance and safety of the battery system.
Impact on battery health and lifespan
Not charging for long periods can also adversely affect high voltage lithium ion batteries’ health and service life. Over time, the battery gradually loses its ability to retain power effectively. When high-voltage lithium-ion batteries sit idle for long periods without charging, internal chemical reactions and side reactions may occur, forming inactive lithium compounds, electrode degradation, and electrolyte decomposition. Long-term disuse increases the risk of irreversible damage and safety hazards, including lithium plating, electrolyte degradation, and internal short circuits. When lithium-ion batteries are inactive for long periods, metallic lithium can form on the electrode surface, causing dendrite growth, internal short circuits, and thermal runaway. This results in rapid heating, gas escape, and potential battery failure, resulting in safety risks such as deflation and leakage.
Lithium plating and the possibility of safety hazards
Lithium plating and related safety hazards increase when high-voltage lithium-ion batteries are left uncharged for long periods. When a battery’s graphite anode is idle for long periods, the lithium metal deposited there consumes the active anode material, reducing the battery’s overall energy storage capacity and runtime. As lithium plating accumulates over time, it blocks the flow of lithium ions during charge and discharge cycles, causing increased internal resistance, voltage drops, and reduced battery performance. This can result in reduced charge retention, slower charging times, and shorter battery life, compromising battery system availability and reliability.
Impact on device performance and functionality
In addition to the batteries, the consequences of not charging high-voltage lithium-ion batteries can also affect the devices they power. An uncharged battery may cause the device to malfunction, behave erratically, or not turn on. Users may experience issues such as slow performance, unexpected shutdowns, or inability to charge, adversely affecting the overall user experience. Regular charging habits are, therefore, essential to keep your device functional and ensure optimal performance.
The importance of regular charging habits
Prolonged periods without charging can adversely affect high voltage lithium ion batteries’ health, performance, and safety. From self-discharge and capacity loss to the risk of lithium plating and equipment failure, the consequences of long-term abandonment are serious. Therefore, users must develop a regular charging habit to mitigate these risks and maintain the service life and reliability of high voltage lithium ion batteries.
