Do you ever think about the importance of batteries? The answer is probably no, not really. We can’t blame you. Many of us take these things for granted.
It is most likely that the only time we do think about them is when our gadgets and devices don’t work well and we think about “Maybe something’s wrong with the battery.”
Buying new batteries can be expensive. If you want to save those old batteries so they can still be used and so that you can save money as well, read along. We’ll teach you how to recondition lithium-ion batteries.
Contents
What are Lithium Ion Batteries?
Before we start with the Restoring Lithium-Ion Batteries Technique, let’s first understand what these batteries are. These batteries have become incredibly popular for many types of equipment these days.
The Laptops, PDAs, iPods, and cell phones all make use of these lithium-ion batteries. The main reason for the popularity of these batteries is the power they provide to the equipment. They are rechargeable and are lightweight to allow the equipment ease of use.
=> Ways to restore old laptop batteries then click here.
=> Ways to repair a dead cell phone battery then click here.
Advantages of Using Lithium Ion Batteries
The reasons for the popularity of the lithium batteries are :
・They re lightweight when compared to other types of rechargeable batteries. The electrodes in these batteries are made of light lithium and carbon. Along with that, they are highly reactive which allows the battery to provide power to the equipment. To understand this power element- 1 kilogram of the battery can hold up to 150 watt-hours of electric power.
・These batteries can restore maximum recharge. It loses only 5% of its charge each month while the other batteries are known to lose 20% charge every month.
・They are not susceptible to the memory effect which means that you do not have to wake up the lithium-ion battery often. They also do not need a complete discharge before charging them.
・They can live up to 100 of discharge cycles and do not falter.
What Makes the Lithium-Ion Batteries Lose Effect?
Like any other battery, lithium-ion batteries also come with a limited lifetime. There are some situations where they cease to perform at their optimum level and create problems for the users.
The knowledge of ways to revive lithium-ion batteries comes in handy in such situations. First, let us identify the situations where the battery needs reviving.
・These rechargeable batteries last for only a few years. Their performance starts to deteriorate within a year of manufacturing and goes down from here.
・If they are used at high temperatures, then their performance falls faster. The Lithium-ion batteries degrade much more quickly in such situations and do not provide same power to the equipment like before.
・If a lithium battery is completely discharged, then it is ruined.
・There is a need for an onboard computer to manage the Lithium-Ion battery and in the absence, the performance declines. This makes it expensive than the average cost.
・Sometimes some of the reaction inside the battery may lead to an explosion. There are very rare cases of such events, yet the possibilities are not ruled out.
When the lithium-ion batteries cease to perform properly, they would require reconditioning.
Many of us would immediately think of buying a new battery but remember, that comes at a cost. The better idea is to use these small steps and revive the existing one.
Reconditioning Lithium Ion Battery
Tools needed to ensure that the process starts effectively
・Voltmeter
・Safety Glasses
・Safety Gloves
・USB Cable
・Power Source
・Clips
・Metal Nails
Method 1
Take the reading of the battery using the voltmeter. There is a sleep mode in the Lithium Ion batteries which make the batteries stop charging when it is left to be discharged.
Even when these batteries are inside a device and left to discharge, they fall into that mode and need activation before they start to charge again.
So now if you have a battery that has normal say 3.7v and the reading currently shows only 1v then maybe this is the problem.
To refresh a Lithium-Ion battery, all you need to do is you need to provide a jump start. A new and healthy battery is required, and a circuit should be created.
Use the clips to connect the batteries and observe them for 10 -15 minutes. The batteries should not be left unattended.
They should also not get too hot at this point as they may create a reaction to the heat.
Method 2
Another effective method is to put the battery in the freezer. This may sound weird, but it’s effective. You need to take the Lithium Ion battery out of the equipment.
This should be checked for any traces of leakage, and it should be dusted clean. Now put this battery in a ziplock pouch. Put the pouch in the freezer for about 24 hours.
There should be no moisture inside this ziplock bag so that the battery remains dry. Take the battery out of the freezer but do not use it just yet.
You would want to thaw it first to wake up the lithium battery. Leave it for about 5-6 hours so that it comes back to normal temperature. You do not have to put it outside.
Leave it in the room. Now fully charge this battery with the help of the charger. There will be definite power performance improvement in the battery now.
When you are using any reconditioning method, make sure that you are keeping safety as a priority. The gloves should be on at all times.
There should not be any leakage, and the battery should never be too hot to handle or held by your naked hands.
If the situation seems a little risky, it is best to leave it for some time, or a repair service expert should be consulted.
Keeping the Lithium Battery Healthy
Do not allow the Lithium Ion battery to get hot. Make sure that they are used at average temperatures as the heat directly affects the performance of the battery.
Letting the Lithium Ion battery to discharge by itself is a really bad idea. If the battery is discharged, make sure that it is plugged into charging as soon as possible.
Contrary to popular belief, charge the battery often. Since there are no memory effects, they should be charged even when they are not entirely discharged.
This improves the lifespan of the battery and they last longer than other batteries that are not properly taken care of.
Make sure that you choose original charger for charging these batteries. The quality of the charger affects the quality of the battery.
Here’s the Next Step
So, what do you think now that you know how to recondition a lithium ion battery? Sounds easy, right? Just follow the steps we have provided you above and observe the performance of the battery.
Whenever you perform the reconditioning process, remember to keep safety as a priority. If you feel that it is too risky for you or you do not feel too confident, you can always take your battery to an expert so that he can help you.
If you want to know more about other battery types and how to revive them, just send over your email, and we’d be happy to share them with you.
If you have any questions, leave them in the comments, and we’ll quickly get back to you!
