What is Cell balancing in a lithium-ion battery?

The term cell balancing is normally associated with lithium ion batteries in question. It is a procedure that lengthens the lifespan of each cell while enhancing the capacity of a battery pack which is made up of several cells that are often connected in series.

In this blog we are going to discuss the importance and types of cell balancing in a lithium-ion battery.

Importance of cell balancing:

Cell balancing ensures that all cells in a lithium-ion battery pack are charged and discharged equally in the lithium-ion battery. If some cells in the battery are in a state of more discharge than the others then it leads to a hampering of the performance, reduction of battery capacity and even safety concerns.

In lithium-ion batteries, there are multiple  cells that are connected in series to increase voltage. In the process of charging or discharging, some cells may become fully charged or discharged before others, leading to an imbalance in the state of charge (SOC) across the battery pack. Here is where cell balancing comes into the picture. The capacity or SOC levels of the individual cells in the battery pack vary and differ from each other.

Types of Cell balancing

1.Passive cell balancing:

In this method a balancing resistor is connected in parallel with each cell of the lithium ion battery pack. The balancing resistor begins to dissipate the extra energy as each cell’s voltage hits its maximum during charging state, allowing other cells to continue charging.

This method is a simple and cost-effective method, but it is not suitable for high-power applications due to excessive heat generation and reduction in the overall efficiency of the battery pack. Since 100% of the surplus energy from a higher energy cell is wasted as heat in this process, this approach is less advantageous to utilize during discharge due to the clear impact on battery life time.

2.Active cell balancing:

This method is more efficient as compared to the passive approach.

In this case, a dedicated electronic circuit monitors the SOC of each cell and actively transfers energy between cells to balance the SOC.

Here it shuttles the energy between the cells differing in SOC. Even though it is an effective method of cell balancing, there is a requirement of additional electronic components leading to increase in the complexity and cost of the BMS system of the battery.

Summary

Since battery cells are delicate and can be permanently damaged if they overcharged or over-discharged hence it is essential to perform cell balancing when grouping multiple battery cells together to power a device.. When cells with various SOCs are combined, their voltages may drop until the cell with the lowest energy storage reaches its discharge cut off voltage.

Cell balancing is an efficient process that ensures the safety and longevity of lithium-ion battery packs. This helps to prevent overcharging, over-discharging, and thermal runaway, which can cause battery failure and even fire.

Akira is a leading lithium-ion battery manufacturer in India offering durable lithium-ion batteries that run longer and deliver a high performance.

Know Your Two-Wheeler Battery Better: Important Battery Terms

Do you find it hard to buy a new battery for your two-wheeler because the specifications required have unfamiliar terms to understand? Have you faced difficulties in comprehending the battery terms when a seller or mechanic explains it to you? An informed customer is the best buyer and it is the responsibility of any reputed battery manufacturer to provide easy access to information related to their products. In this blog post let’s get to know a few of the basic battery terms in frequent use. This will certainly help you to understand your battery requirements better to make a wise choice in purchasing.

Functions of a battery in a two-wheeler: 

Starting the engine is the most important and most basic function of the battery in two-wheelers and automotive. Whether your two-wheeler is used frequently or kept idle, whether your two-wheeler is being used in a cold climate or hot, you need to start using it. Therefore you need a battery powerful enough and compatible with all these different conditions. Apart from starting, the battery is in use for the purpose of horn and light. However, for e-bikes, rechargeable batteries are the real fuel that functions to pull the vehicle through a motor. There are a few leading two-wheeler lithium-ion battery manufacturers to choose the best battery you need. 

7 basic battery terms

  1. Volt: Since starting the engine is the most important function, the volt is a very important term to understand. Volt is the unit of pressure from an electrical circuit’s power source. This pressure pushes charged electrons (current) towards functions like lighting a bulb or starting an engine. For two-wheelers and cars, 12V batteries are needed. 

In this environmentally conscious age, people are taking a responsible step and opting for e-bikes. For e-bikes, the battery works like fuel and therefore there is a need for more voltage. Usually 48V to 72V batteries are used in e-bikes.

2. Amp-Hour: Because of the volt or pressure generated, amperes of current flows in the electric circuit. Ampere is the unit that measures the rate of flow of electric current and amp-hour or ampere-hour is the amount of energy charge in a battery that allows one ampere of current to flow for one hour. A 12V two-wheeler battery can typically deliver 4.5 amperes/hour. 

In the case of e-bikes amp-hour empowers a controlling function between the battery and motor. Usually a 10Ah battery works well with a 20Ah controller.

3. Cold Cranking Amps: CCA refers to a battery’s capacity to kickstart the engine even in cold climatic conditions. The CCA rating refers to the number of amps a 12-volt battery can deliver at cold temperature while maintaining the voltage.

4. Acid: Sulphuric acid (H2SO4) or a mixture of sulphuric acid and water is used as an acidic substance to form the electrolyte of the battery. Occasional distilled water top up is required to maintain the electrolyte level. The better the battery, the lesser the frequency for top up.

5.Active-material: Active-material refers to the active portion of the battery plates. Depending on the technology used, active-material can be different.

6. Lead-acid batteries: Lead-acid technology is one of the oldest technologies for batteries which is also comparatively cheap. They are a type of rechargeable battery using sponge lead and lead peroxide for conversion of chemical energy to electric power.

7. Lithium-ion batteries: Li-ion is an advanced battery technology that uses lithium-ions to travel between electrodes through the electrolyte to produce power. Though it is a bit costlier, effectiveness is unmatched in terms of energy and power range. Besides, there’s the boon of low maintenance and longer durability.

Choose the best battery for your two-wheeler!

A two-wheeler is your companion to carry out important everyday tasks as well as occasional adventure or romantic rides. To get the best performance and stay hassle-free, you need to choose the perfect battery from a reputed two-wheeler battery manufacturer. Ruchira Green Earth,a lithium-ion battery manufacturer,  has moved a step further towards ecological sustainability by promoting e-vehicles with a range of batteries under the flagship brand Akira. The e-bike batteries by Akira are cost effective as well as best performing.
No more confusion,  the best option! Choose for uninterrupted and powerful rides. Visit us to know more: https://ruchiragreenearth.com/ev-batteries/e-cycle-batteries.

How to take care of your Lithium-ion Battery

Maintenance is always important to increase the life of any product that we have. You might have bought your lithium-ion batteries from a good lithium ion battery manufacturer but you have to maintain it well to ensure its longer life and prevent any damage from happening to it.

As compared to the traditional battery technology, lithium ion batteries stand apart with their advantages that have helped them bring a revolution to the battery industry. They have high energy density, low self discharge, low maintenance along with no to less significant environmental damage. They are widely used in the portable electronic, EV vehicles, UPS, and solar application.

Let’s go through the steps to maintain lithium-ion batteries. Good battery practices will ensure longer life.

1. Don’t keep the batteries 100% charged:

It is advised not to store them at 100% charge which decreases its lifespan.

2.Battery temperature

Battery temperature is essential to maintain a long life. Do not store it at 0 degree celsius or below it. Many batteries have inbuilt sensors that will tell of the temperature extreme conditions. Lower degrees lead to formation of metal plating on the negative electrode that will cause short circuiting in the battery. 

3.Routine check of the battery is important

The batteries lose charge as a result of self discharge hence it is important to keep an eye on the battery status. Check the battery charging time whether it has decreased gradually over the time. 

4.Charge it carefully

Always use the original charger to charge the battery and read all the instructions of the manual carefully. Don’t invest in any fast chargers that claim to fasten up the charging time as they may harm your batteries.

5.Store it properly

Don’t store 100 % charged or completely discharged batteries. Storing the battery separately from the product is recommended. Charge the battery upto 50% of its capacity every month. The storing temperature should be between 4 degree to 20 degree celsius .

5.Keep the battery protected

The batteries should be placed away from direct sunlight and water. Keep it away from fire, gases, and other inflammable substances. Don’t tamper, damage, scratch, throw or open the batteries. Never use a damaged battery. 

Summary

Lithium ion batteries have brought a bringing revolution to the world we live in owing to their various advantages. Hope these tips help you take care of your batteries for a long life and optimum performance. If you are looking for high quality lithium ion batteries, choose Akira, leading lithium ion battery manufacturer. Visit their website at www.ruchiragreenearth.com to explore their wide range.