Table of contents:
- How laptop battery works
- Do I need to remove the battery
- Lithium ion batteries can age
- Is it possible to extend the battery life
2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44
About whether the battery is damaged by constant operation from the power supply and whether it is necessary to constantly remove it from the laptop.
How laptop battery works
There are two main types of batteries - lithium-ion and lithium-polymer. Nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal hydride batteries are no longer used today because they are not as reliable and efficient. Lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries work in much the same way, but they have their own advantages and disadvantages.
For example, the former have a higher power density, but they suffer from wear on the liquid located inside. The latter are usually more reliable, but less energy efficient.
The following two statements apply to both types:
- The battery cannot be overcharged. If you leave your laptop plugged in, it will stop charging when it reaches 100%.
- A complete discharge can permanently damage the battery. This is because lithium batteries, unlike nickel-cadmium batteries, do not have a charge profile.
How the battery generates energy
In lithium batteries, lithium ions are in a free state in a porous anode (negative electrode). When you turn on the power, ions move through the electrolyte from the anode to the cathode (positive electrode).
This process discharges the battery. During charging, the ions move in the opposite direction, reversing the entire process. So the ions are back in the anode, ready for use.
Do I need to remove the battery
Modern batteries are far superior to their older counterparts. They are not susceptible to overcharging and have no problems with charge profiles. Nevertheless, certain difficulties may arise with them.
During strenuous work, a laptop connected to the mains generates more heat. Overheating is one of the main causes of reduced battery life. Therefore, if you are going to play or edit video for a long enough time, then it is better to remove the battery.
It also makes sense to remove the battery if you are not going to use the laptop for a long time, for example a few weeks. In this case, experts recommend charging up to 40% and disconnecting the battery from the device. So the chemical composition of the lithium cell will remain intact.
Lithium ion batteries can age
Despite the fact that such batteries are installed in almost every portable device, they are not perfect and are susceptible to destruction. Over time, the energy-generating ions become less efficient.
The battery has a limited life. The ions get stuck and no longer transfer from the anode to the cathode as efficiently, which reduces the capacity of the battery. Lithium batteries begin to age immediately after release, from the very first charge. The reasons for aging can be the following:
- High voltage. Do not keep the battery charged at all times. Discharge and charge it constantly, but do not deep discharge.
- Heat. If it is above 21 ° C, then chemical reactions begin to occur in the battery, due to which it loses its capacity.
- Low temperature. If it is 0–5 ° C, the battery components may be damaged and the capacity reduced. It is also likely that significant problems will arise when trying to charge the battery.
- Prolonged inactivity. A lithium-ion battery will discharge approximately 8% per month if stored at 21 ° C. If the temperature is higher, then the discharge rate increases. All this leads to a deep discharge.
- Physical blow. The battery can be damaged by a banal drop to the ground.
Is it possible to extend the battery life
You literally can't do this. But there are a number of rules, subject to which the battery will work as long and efficiently as possible:
- Never take matters to a deep detente.
- Always partially discharge the battery and then recharge it again.
- Avoid high temperatures.
- Charge at low voltage if possible.
- Remove the battery if the laptop is plugged into an outlet for a long time.
- Partially charge and discharge the battery - ideally between 20% and 80–85%.
- When idle for a long time, charge the battery to 40% and recharge it periodically.
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