Things to note when using lithium-ion batteries in cold environments
Inductions:
You may find that in the winter, your phone’s battery drains so quickly that you have to increase the number of times you charge it each day. Or you may feel that the battery is about to die. But in summer, you will find that the battery is suddenly more usable and lasts longer. This is because the use environment of lithium batteries affects the activity of internal electrons, which fundamentally affects the performance of lithium batteries. This is not a problem with the battery itself, but all lithium batteries are affected by temperature (this is a physical phenomenon rather than a quality problem)
It is worth noting that improper use (such as insisting on charging the battery pack in cold temperatures) may cause irreversible damage to the battery pack. Of course, the current BMS may avoid this situation, Some BMSs include a temperature management module, which can use the built-in NTC to detect the ambient temperature. When the temperature is too low, the BMS only allows the battery to discharge but not charge, which fundamentally avoids permanent damage to the battery pack.
We mentioned in another article that from a scientific perspective, charging and discharging lithium batteries in cold conditions will cause permanent damage and danger. If you are interested, you can learn more.
1. How does the cold environment affect the performance of the battery?
When the temperature is below 0 degrees Celsius (about 32 degrees Fahrenheit), scientific research shows that the capacity and efficiency of batteries tend to decrease by 25%-35%. And this has nothing to do with the brand or the type of lithium battery. Almost all batteries (including AGM and lead-acid batteries, gel batteries) will be affected by the cold environment and reduce performance. Under low-temperature conditions, the particles needed for charging and discharging lithium batteries will decrease, resulting in a decrease in the rate of chemical reactions. This microcosmically reveals why the battery’s capacity decreases as the weather gets colder.
2. Since we know that the cold environment affects the performance of lithium batteries, can they still be used in winter?
The answer is yes. Although the low temperature will reduce the chemical activity of the lithium battery, we can still discharge it usually, but the actual capacity will be reduced. We mentioned before that almost all batteries are affected by low-temperature environments, but lithium-ion batteries are the least affected. The only genuine concern is charging. Justlithiumbattery’s EV series lithium batteries are specially designed for cold environments and can be charged at temperatures of -25°C (-13F). Our product engineers designed the heating element inside the battery pack, perfectly integrated with the BMS. Through the built-in 4-10 and NTC lines, the temperature of different positions inside the battery is collected. Then, the BMS controls the heating module between the cells to heat the battery pack physically, and the BMS completely controls the whole process without manual intervention. The heating energy comes from the battery pack itself, so there is no need to use an additional power supply for the heating device. The heating process needs to meet the two conditions of low temperature (below 0 degrees Celsius) and charging simultaneously. When the BMS detects that the user needs to charge, if the low-temperature condition is met simultaneously, the heating device will start immediately. When the temperature is higher than 0 degrees Celsius, the heating process will automatically stop, and the charging port will be opened at the same time. At this time, the battery pack can be charged normally.
3. What are the other advantages of Justlithiumbattery’s EV series lithium batteries?
- Automatic detection & protection function of charging and discharging environment, automatic detection of ambient temperature, including battery cell status, and automatic adjustment when overcharging/over-discharge/short circuit/reverse connection of positive and negative poles/high temperature/low temperature are detected, and control charge and discharge switch
- High cycle life, thanks to the selection of raw material cells (A-level cells produced by first-line manufacturers GOTION or CATL) and scientific structural design and BMS system, by controlling the consistency of cells and active/passive balance design, extremely The service life of the lithium battery is greatly extended. After testing, at room temperature (25°C), if the DoD is controlled within 80% when the number of cycles reaches 5000, the effective capacity of the new battery pack is still 80%. Above. In contrast, the capacity of the same lead-acid battery has dropped to about 60% when the number of cycles reaches 500-800. Assuming that one cycle is used every day, 365 cycles will be consumed per year. If it is a lead-acid battery with a life of 800 cycles, it can be used for 2.19 years. If it is a lithium iron phosphate battery with a life of 5,000 times, it can be used for 13.7 years. Therefore, the theoretical life of lithium batteries can reach more than 6 times that of lead-acid batteries.
-Easy to use, clean, and environmentally friendly. During use, there is no need to consider replenishing the electrolyte as in the past when using traditional lead-acid batteries, and at the same time no other gases will be generated (so the design can be simpler) and tedious daily maintenance is avoided - Smaller size and lighter weight (thanks to the high energy density and compact internal structure design of the LFP square cell)
4. Other precautions for using lithium iron phosphate batteries in cold weather
- It is recommended to check the battery SOC every 1-2 weeks. When it is lower than 30%, it is recommended to charge it in time. It should not exceed 3 months without checking the battery SOC.
- If you need to charge at a low temperature, please move the battery to room temperature and wait for the battery temperature to rise before charging. Or customize Justlithiumbattery’s low-temperature series battery pack. Please get in touch with our expert for consultation.
-Avoid huge changes in the temperature around the battery in a short period. For example, if the battery is originally placed outdoors at a very low temperature, it is suddenly brought indoors at a high temperature, which will easily generate condensation inside, causing damage to the internal structure or collapse of the outer shell. Therefore, the battery needs to be placed in a place where the temperature difference is small Waiting for the heating device to operate normally - When the battery pack’s capacity is reduced due to low temperature, avoid recharging after using up all the power to protect the battery.
Want more tips on using your battery in cold temperatures? Want to know more about how battery heating works? If you are confused about the choice of battery pack or don’t know where to start, please don’t worry. The account manager with rich experience will listen to your specific needs to tailor a solution for you, you can contact us at any time to get it immediately Professional guidance!
Author Profile
Thomas Chen
Thomas Chen is a seasoned expert in the new energy industry, with a focus on lithium battery technology. A Shenzhen University alumnus, class of 2010, Thomas has cultivated a wealth of experience through pivotal roles at EVE and BYD. Renowned for his profound insights into the sector, he possesses a unique aptitude for identifying market trends and understanding customer needs. His articles offer a distinctive perspective, drawn from a rich background in the field.
Inductions:
You may find that in the winter, your phone’s battery drains so quickly that you have to increase the number of times you charge it each day. Or you may feel that the battery is about to die. But in summer, you will find that the battery is suddenly more usable and lasts longer. This is because the use environment of lithium batteries affects the activity of internal electrons, which fundamentally affects the performance of lithium batteries. This is not a problem with the battery itself, but all lithium batteries are affected by temperature (this is a physical phenomenon rather than a quality problem)
It is worth noting that improper use (such as insisting on charging the battery pack in cold temperatures) may cause irreversible damage to the battery pack. Of course, the current BMS may avoid this situation, Some BMSs include a temperature management module, which can use the built-in NTC to detect the ambient temperature. When the temperature is too low, the BMS only allows the battery to discharge but not charge, which fundamentally avoids permanent damage to the battery pack.
We mentioned in another article that from a scientific perspective, charging and discharging lithium batteries in cold conditions will cause permanent damage and danger. If you are interested, you can learn more.
1. How does the cold environment affect the performance of the battery?
When the temperature is below 0 degrees Celsius (about 32 degrees Fahrenheit), scientific research shows that the capacity and efficiency of batteries tend to decrease by 25%-35%. And this has nothing to do with the brand or the type of lithium battery. Almost all batteries (including AGM and lead-acid batteries, gel batteries) will be affected by the cold environment and reduce performance. Under low-temperature conditions, the particles needed for charging and discharging lithium batteries will decrease, resulting in a decrease in the rate of chemical reactions. This microcosmically reveals why the battery’s capacity decreases as the weather gets colder.
2. Since we know that the cold environment affects the performance of lithium batteries, can they still be used in winter?
The answer is yes. Although the low temperature will reduce the chemical activity of the lithium battery, we can still discharge it usually, but the actual capacity will be reduced. We mentioned before that almost all batteries are affected by low-temperature environments, but lithium-ion batteries are the least affected. The only genuine concern is charging. Justlithiumbattery’s EV series lithium batteries are specially designed for cold environments and can be charged at temperatures of -25°C (-13F). Our product engineers designed the heating element inside the battery pack, perfectly integrated with the BMS. Through the built-in 4-10 and NTC lines, the temperature of different positions inside the battery is collected. Then, the BMS controls the heating module between the cells to heat the battery pack physically, and the BMS completely controls the whole process without manual intervention. The heating energy comes from the battery pack itself, so there is no need to use an additional power supply for the heating device. The heating process needs to meet the two conditions of low temperature (below 0 degrees Celsius) and charging simultaneously. When the BMS detects that the user needs to charge, if the low-temperature condition is met simultaneously, the heating device will start immediately. When the temperature is higher than 0 degrees Celsius, the heating process will automatically stop, and the charging port will be opened at the same time. At this time, the battery pack can be charged normally.
3. What are the other advantages of Justlithiumbattery’s EV series lithium batteries?
- Automatic detection & protection function of charging and discharging environment, automatic detection of ambient temperature, including battery cell status, and automatic adjustment when overcharging/over-discharge/short circuit/reverse connection of positive and negative poles/high temperature/low temperature are detected, and control charge and discharge switch
- High cycle life, thanks to the selection of raw material cells (A-level cells produced by first-line manufacturers GOTION or CATL) and scientific structural design and BMS system, by controlling the consistency of cells and active/passive balance design, extremely The service life of the lithium battery is greatly extended. After testing, at room temperature (25°C), if the DoD is controlled within 80% when the number of cycles reaches 5000, the effective capacity of the new battery pack is still 80%. Above. In contrast, the capacity of the same lead-acid battery has dropped to about 60% when the number of cycles reaches 500-800. Assuming that one cycle is used every day, 365 cycles will be consumed per year. If it is a lead-acid battery with a life of 800 cycles, it can be used for 2.19 years. If it is a lithium iron phosphate battery with a life of 5,000 times, it can be used for 13.7 years. Therefore, the theoretical life of lithium batteries can reach more than 6 times that of lead-acid batteries.
-Easy to use, clean, and environmentally friendly. During use, there is no need to consider replenishing the electrolyte as in the past when using traditional lead-acid batteries, and at the same time no other gases will be generated (so the design can be simpler) and tedious daily maintenance is avoided - Smaller size and lighter weight (thanks to the high energy density and compact internal structure design of the LFP square cell)
4. Other precautions for using lithium iron phosphate batteries in cold weather
- It is recommended to check the battery SOC every 1-2 weeks. When it is lower than 30%, it is recommended to charge it in time. It should not exceed 3 months without checking the battery SOC.
- If you need to charge at a low temperature, please move the battery to room temperature and wait for the battery temperature to rise before charging. Or customize Justlithiumbattery’s low-temperature series battery pack. Please get in touch with our expert for consultation.
-Avoid huge changes in the temperature around the battery in a short period. For example, if the battery is originally placed outdoors at a very low temperature, it is suddenly brought indoors at a high temperature, which will easily generate condensation inside, causing damage to the internal structure or collapse of the outer shell. Therefore, the battery needs to be placed in a place where the temperature difference is small Waiting for the heating device to operate normally - When the battery pack’s capacity is reduced due to low temperature, avoid recharging after using up all the power to protect the battery.
Want more tips on using your battery in cold temperatures? Want to know more about how battery heating works? If you are confused about the choice of battery pack or don’t know where to start, please don’t worry. The account manager with rich experience will listen to your specific needs to tailor a solution for you, you can contact us at any time to get it immediately Professional guidance!
Author Profile
Thomas Chen
Thomas Chen is a seasoned expert in the new energy industry, with a focus on lithium battery technology. A Shenzhen University alumnus, class of 2010, Thomas has cultivated a wealth of experience through pivotal roles at EVE and BYD. Renowned for his profound insights into the sector, he possesses a unique aptitude for identifying market trends and understanding customer needs. His articles offer a distinctive perspective, drawn from a rich background in the field.
Leave the first comment
PRESENTATION
how can we help you?
Related Posts
Ultimate Guide to Battery Voltage Chart
January 8, 2024
About Lithium Voltage Range – All you need to know
January 8, 2024
Carbon Battery VS Alkaline Battery
January 8, 2024
What does Ah on the battery label mean?
January 8, 2024
Car battery discharge warning: What should we do?
January 8, 2024
BCI Group Size: Group24 Battery VS Group 27 Battery
January 8, 2024
What is 3V battery?
January 8, 2024
The importance of lithium batteries to 5G development
January 8, 2024
Sodium-ion battery vs lithium-ion battery
January 8, 2024
How do lithium batteries work?
January 8, 2024
Lithium vs Alkaline Batteries: A Complete Guide to show you the difference
January 8, 2024
How do you choose home backup power solutions?
January 8, 2024
