Lithium batteries are environmentally friendly, energy-intensive, can work for a long time without recharging, are in working condition at low temperatures. Since they are quite energy-intensive, and this compares them favorably with other similar devices, their production is constantly increasing. They are available in cylindrical and prismatic shapes.
They are used in laptops, cell phones and other portable devices. Their operating voltage is about four volts. They work in the temperature range from -20 to + 60 ° . Already there are lithium batteries that can operate at a temperature of -40 ° C. Work is also underway to expand the positive temperature range. Their self-discharge in the first month of operation is 4-6%, then this figure decreases, and over the year they lose up to twenty percent of their capacity. These characteristics are significantly better than the nickel-cadmium version. They can last from 500 to 1000 cycles, but their number depends on the value of the limiting charging voltage.
AA format lithium batteries are used for any equipment that has a special socket for AA batteries. There are lithium-polymer and lithium-ion batteries. The former are safer, have small dimensions and can be of any shape, since they do not have liquid electrolyte in their composition. The case for them is made of metallized polymer. And now, most of the representatives of these batteries are on sale in this particular area with helium electrolyte. The disadvantage is the sensitivity to overcharging, since with an increase in the discharge current the operating voltage decreases. You need to store this device at room temperature, with a full charge, and once a year you need to recharge. Because, if this is not done, then overdischarge may occur. The loss of capacity during storage occurs due to the reaction of the electrolyte with electrodes. For several months of storage, the battery voltage can decrease significantly, as a result, the charger will not be able to charge it.
Charging
Lithium batteries are charged first at direct current to a voltage of 4.2 V, and then at constant voltage. They have low resistance to overdischarge. In this case, the temperature rises inside the case. And it can be depressurized. Therefore, they must be charged to the level recommended by the instruction manual. It is very harmful to increase the voltage during charging, so you can significantly reduce the resource of the device.
Work rules
Lithium batteries have a life of 2-3 years. And it does not depend on how intensively they were exploited. They should not be stored somewhere for long, but are intended for permanent work.
They have special protection against overdischarge and deep discharge, so they can be in the charger and in the included technology at any time.
If the battery is to be stored for 1 month, then it must be fully charged. Storage temperature should be from + 5 ° C to + 20 ° C. If it is stored in a discharged state, then in two months it will completely fail.
The device is better not to be at a temperature below -10 ° C, as this will greatly reduce the operating time of the device working from it. At temperatures below + 5 ° C, it will not be able to fully charge. And at temperatures above +40 ° C, the battery runs out very quickly.