Lithium polymer (LiPo) batteries are amazingly famous because of their lightweight style, high energy thickness, and flexibility in fuelling everything from robots to electric vehicles and remote-controlled (RC) toys. Nonetheless, with any innovation, there are a lot of myths and misinterpretations encompassing their utilization, particularly with regard to charging them. Misconception of how to appropriately charge LiPo batteries can prompt poor performance, decreased life expectancy, and, surprisingly, hazardous circumstances.
In this blog, we’ll see some of the most widely recognized LiPo battery charging myths, offering the realities you really want to keep up with and take advantage of your batteries securely. Whether you’re a well-prepared specialist or new to LiPo-fuelled devices, it’s crucial for reality with regards to how to deal with and charge these batteries appropriately.
“It’s Fine to Leave My LiPo Battery on the Charger Overnight”
The Truth: Overcharging is a Big No!
One of the most constant myths about LiPo batteries is that you can leave them charging overnight with practically no issue. This thing is most certainly not a protected practice. While present-day chargers have overcharge insurance, it’s as yet dangerous to leave a LiPo battery unattended for extended periods.
LiPo batteries are intended to be charged to a particular voltage, normally around 4.2 volts per cell. Overcharging can push the voltage past this protected breaking point, which lessens the battery’s life expectancy as well as increases the risk of swelling, overheating, or, in any event, bursting into flames.
To stay away from this, consistently screen the charging system or utilize a charger that has programmed cut-off highlights. Many high-quality chargers will consequently quit charging once the battery arrives at the full limit, so it’s more secure to turn off the charger once the cycle is finished. Even better, a few chargers incorporate a “storage” mode that charges the battery to around 3.8 volts per cell, which is the best voltage for putting away LiPos.
“You Ought to Constantly Completely Release Your LiPo Battery Prior to Charging”
The Truth: Incomplete Discharge is Okay!
This myth starts from more established battery innovations, where completely releasing a battery prior to re-energizing assisted with aligning the battery. Notwithstanding, this isn’t true for LiPo batteries. Completely releasing a LiPo battery can be unsafe and really diminish its life expectancy.
LiPo batteries perform best when they are kept somewhere in the range of 20% and 80% charge. Discharging them the whole way to 0% puts pointless weight on the cells, while charging them to 100 per cent routinely can cause wear and tear over the long haul. Conversely, to some extent, discharging them — express, down to 20-30% — and afterwards energizing them back is the best practice to guarantee long-haul wellbeing and ideal execution.
It’s likewise vital to try not to run the battery excessively low (under 3.0 volts per cell) since profound releases can bring about long-lasting harm. In the event that you’re involving the battery in an RC vehicle or robot, for instance, watch out for the voltage readings and try not to totally deplete the battery.
Any Charger Will Do, as Long as It’s for LiPo Batteries”
The Truth: Consistently Utilize a Charger with LiPo-Explicit Elements
Not all chargers are made equivalent, and involving some unacceptable charger for your LiPo battery can be risky. LiPo chargers are uniquely intended to deal with the charging system for these delicate batteries. They incorporate implicit well-being elements, such as adjusting cells, voltage checking, and overcurrent security.
A cheap, non-dedicated LiPo charger may not be furnished with these highlights and could prompt hazardous charging conditions. Regardless of whether it’s marked as “LiPo-viable,” it may not offer the accuracy or wellbeing measures expected for these sorts of batteries.
Assuming you don’t mess around with LiPo battery care, put resources into a charger that upholds the particular voltage and limit of your battery and provides legitimate adjustments. This resource will guarantee that every cell in the LiPo battery is charged equitably, keeping any one cell from being overcharged or undercharged, which can prompt execution issues or even harm.
Charging a LiPo Battery in a Plastic Sack Will Protect It”
The Truth: Never Charge LiPo Batteries in Enclosed Spaces
A common misconception among specialists is that putting a LiPo battery in a plastic bag or a pouch will safeguard it in case of a fire or heat out of control (a condition where the battery overheats and may burst into flames). While the facts confirm that certain defensive pouches — known as LiPo security sacks — are intended to assist with containing fires, utilizing a simple plastic pack is definitely not a protected arrangement.
LiPo batteries should be charged in a very much ventilated region that is liberated from combustible materials. Security bags are explicitly intended to contain the intensity and keep fires from spreading, yet they are not idiot-proof. A LiPo battery ought to continuously be put on a heat-proof surface (like a substantial or metal surface) while charging. Furthermore, never leave your battery unattended during the charging system, even in a security bag.
Moreover, consistently get the battery and charger far from any burnable materials — charging your LiPo battery on a combustible surface, similar to a rug or wooden table, can be unsafe.
LiPo Batteries Are Fine to Charge at Any Temperature”
The Truth: Temperature Assumes a Major Part in Battery Wellbeing
Many individuals accept that the temperature doesn’t make any difference while charging a LiPo battery. Yet, as a general rule, temperature assumes a basic part in the wellbeing and security of the battery. They are charging a LiPo battery beyond the maker’s suggested temperature range (as a rule between 40°F – 113°F/4°C – 45°C) can essentially harm the cells.
Charging in cool temperatures can make the battery fizzle, prompting a decrease in limit and, generally speaking, execution. Then again, charging a LiPo battery in hot circumstances can increase the chance of thermal runaway, where the battery overheats and possibly bursts into flames.
To forestall this, consistently charge your LiPo batteries in a room-temperature climate, away from direct daylight or intensity sources. Assuming the battery feels hot to the touch during charging, it’s an indication that something is off-base, and you ought to quickly stop the procedure.
Conclusion: Charge Wisely, Remain Safe
LiPo batteries are an amazing power source, however, provided that they are treated with care and regard. By exposing these typical charging myths, you can guarantee the wellbeing, execution, and life span of your LiPo-fuelled gadgets. Continuously utilize the right charger, abstain from overcharging, and watch out for temperature and voltage levels to capitalize on your battery.
Keep in mind that appropriate consideration is the way to protect and durable LiPo battery use. In the event that you’re at any point in uncertainty about your charging practices, consult the manufacturer’s rules or seek suggestions from experienced clients. What’s more, above all, remain protected while partaking in all the marvellous innovation that LiPo batteries power!