Battery usage tips
1. A new battery
usually comes in a discharged condition and with a very low capacity.
It is generally recommended to fully charge new battery packs before
use. Refer to the users?guide of your electronic device for charging
instructions.
2. A new battery pack needs to be circled (fully discharged and
recharged) three to five times to reach its optimum performance.
3. Rechargeable battery will undergo self-discharging when left unused
for a long period of time. Thus, it should always be stored in a fully
charged state and kept in a cool, dry and clean place.
4. To maintain the optimum performance of a battery pack, it is highly
recommended to circle (fully discharging and recharging) it at least
once a month.
5. It is normal if a new battery gets warm when being charged or used.
However, close attention should be paid if the battery pack becomes
excessively hot. This may indicate there is a problem with the charging
circuit of the electronic device. So, it is necessary to have it
checked by a qualified technician.
6. New batteries are hard to be charged. Sometimes, your electronic
device may indicate a fully charged condition about 10 to 15 minutes
when the new battery pack is being charged for the first time. When
this happens, remove the battery pack and let it cool down for about 10
to 15 minutes then repeat the charging procedure. Sometimes, a new
battery will suddenly refuse to be charged. If this happens, it is then
suggested to remove the battery from the device and reinsert it.
To better use your battery, please take care of the precautions listed below:
1. Do not modify or disassemble.
2. Do not incinerate or expose battery to excessive heat, which may result in an exposure.
3. Do not expose battery to water or other moist matters.
4. Do not pierce, hit, step on, crush or abuse the battery.
5. Do not place battery in device for a long period of time if device is not being used.
6. Do not short circuit the terminals or store your battery pack with metal objects such as necklaces or hairpins.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Basic knowledge about battery.
The quantity of electricity that can be obtained from a battery in one cycle from full charge to full discharge when the battery is discharged under conditions of rated current level and ambient temperature within the predetermined range.Generally, capacity is expressed in units of mAh (milliampere-hour).
a. What is Nominal Capacity?
The standard capacity designated by a battery manufacturer to identify a particular cell model.
b. What is Nominal Voltage?
The standard voltage used
to express the capacity of a particular battery model. It is generally
equal to its electromotive force or its approximate voltage during
normal operation. Typical Values:
o 1.2 volts per cell for NiCd and NiMH
o 3.6 or 3.7 volts per cell for Lithium Ion or Lithium Polymer
o 3 volts per cell for lithium primary
o 2 volts per cell for sealed lead acid
o 1.5 volts per cell for alkaline and carbon zinc .
c. What is discharge rate?
The discharge rate is the rate at which current is removed from a battery.
When a battery is discharged at a current level "i", for a period until
the end discharge voltage is "h", the discharge is referred to as the
h-hour rate discharge, while "i" is known as the h-hour rate discharge
current. For practical use, nominal capacity is used as standard.
d. What is End-Voltage ?
The voltage that indicates the end limit of discharge. This voltage is
almost equivalent to limitation of practical use. Typical values:
o 1.0 volt per cell for NiCd and NiMH
o 1.75 volts per cell for sealed lead acid
o 2.75 volts per cell for lithium ion and lithium polymer
o 2.0 volts per cell for primary lithium
o 0.9 volts per cell for alkaline and carbon zinc
e. What is Open circuit voltage ?
The voltage between terminals of a battery without any load.
What is Operating voltage ?
The voltage between terminals when a battery is subjected to a load. Usually
expressed by the voltage of the battery at 50% discharge point.
f. What is Polarity Reversal ?
Reversing of polarity of the terminals of a small-capacity cell in a multi- cell battery due to overdischarge.
g. What is Positive Electrode ?
The electrode which has a positive potential. Electric current from
this electrode flows in the external circuit during discharge.
h. What is Negative Electrode ?
The plate which has an electrical potential lower than that of the
other plate during normal cell operation. Electric current from the
external circuit flows into the cell at the negative electrode during
discharge. Also called minus electrode.
i. What is Self-Discharge ?
A decrease in battery capacity which occurs without any current flow to an external circuit. Typical values:
0 ~ 1% per day for NiCd
0 ~ 2% per day for NiMH
0 ~ 0% per day for Lithium Ion and Lithium Polymer .
j. What is Short Circuit ?
Directly connecting the positive electrode (terminal) to the negative electrode (terminal) of the battery.
k. What is Thermistor ?
A circuit element with a negative temperature coefficient. It is built
into batteries and used to detect ambient temperature or battery
temperature. A battery charger may use this device to properly charge a
battery.
l. Resistance of the battery ?
One battery that does not perform well at a 1C discharge rate is the
portable sealed lead-acid. To obtain a reasonably good capacity
reading, manufacturers commonly rate these batteries at 0.05C or 20
hour discharge. Even at this slow discharge rate, a 100% capacity is
hard to attain. To compensate for different readings at various
discharge currents, manufacturers offer a capacity offset. Applying the
offset to correct the capacity readout does not improve battery
performance; it merely adjusts the capacity calculation if discharged
at a higher or lower C-rate than specified. Lithium-ion/polymer
batteries are electronically protected against high load currents.
Depending on battery type, the discharge is limited to between 1C and
2C. This protection makes the lithium ion unsuitable for biomedical
equipment and power tools demanding high inrush currents.
