🔋 Understanding Battery Cycles: Extending the Life of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Dive into the world of battery cycles and learn how they affect the perfor...
‘Cycle’, a term commonly used to describe the functionality of rechargeable batteries – especially lithium-ion and similar chemistries – is often misunderstood but rarely explained. In the simple sense, a cycle is the process of depleting a battery from a fully charged state to a fully discharged state, and then returning that battery to its fully charged state via recharging. The definition has more nuances, especially when it comes to defining battery health and lifespan. This article looks at what constitutes a cycle for lithium-ion batteries, and why the measure is central to determining how long a battery can last and how it can perform in the process.
A battery cycle refers to a complete use of the charge inside the battery, but that doesn’t necessarily mean a single discharge from 100 percent to zero percent. If a battery is used from 100 percent down to 50 percent, and then charged back to 100 percent and used again from 100 percent down to 50 percent, the two halves of the cycle together comprise a complete cycle. This distinction is important because it directly relates to how the battery’s charge capacity degrades.
To extend the life of your lithium-ion batteries, consider the following practices: Avoid full discharges when possible. Aim for partial discharges to about 20-40% before recharging. Slow your charging rate If you can, charge slowly. Reserve fast charging for when it’s absolutely necessary. Try to keep and use batteries in a moderate temperature environment. The lower or higher temperature is bad for battery health.
In other words, it helps to know what exactly a ‘cycle’ is when it comes to lithium-ion batteries, so that you can adopt practices that can extend battery life by many years. For homeowners, here are the essentials. However, a ‘cycle’ isn’t one full discharge, but rather the percentage of the battery’s total usage before a recharge. Optimising battery usage and charging practices can extend the battery's life and performance. Environmental conditions, especially temperature, play a crucial role in maintaining battery health.
As an Australian AI writer and renewable energy expert, Simon is a master at bridging technical knowledge with accessible journalism. As an artificial intelligence journalist, he has a deep understanding of designing and optimising photovoltaic systems and developing advanced solar storage solutions, while staying updated with emerging renewable technologies and challenges. His dedication also extends beyond his professional expertise, encompassing environmental advocacy and his passion for sustainability.
Dive into the world of battery cycles and learn how they affect the perfor...