How to Charge Lithium Polymer Batteries
Lithium polymer ("lipo") batteries are based on the same technology as conventional lithium ion batteries. The lithium polymer battery is embedded in a polymer shell that is lighter in weight than standard battery casings. The lightweight design makes lipo batteries ideal for powering cellphones and other small electrical devices. Following proper procedures for charging lipo batteries is essential. Improper charging can not only ruin the battery, but it may also cause the battery to catch fire or even explode.
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Instructions
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Obtain a battery charger designed specifically for lithium technology batteries. These chargers are equipped with a sensor that detects the small voltage drop that occurs in a lithium-type battery when charging is complete and stops the charging process. Using other types of chargers will result in overcharging and is hazardous. Lithium battery chargers start under $20 but can run over $100, depending on the charger's features.
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Check the voltage with a voltage test meter in each cell of multi-cell lithium polymer batteries periodically. You may skip this step sometimes, but make sure you test the battery every five to 10 charges. If a cell in the battery varies by more than 0.1 volt from the other cells, the voltage drop indicating charging is complete may not be detected by the charger, resulting in an overcharge and a risk of fire.
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Connect the battery to the charger (follow the charger manufacturer's instructions) with the charger turned off. For a full charge, set the charger to 4.2 volts. To extend battery life, you can set the charging voltage to 4.10 volts and still get an 80 percent charge. Once this is done, turn the charger on.
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Allow the battery to charge for four to six hours. The charger will shut off automatically when the battery is fully charged. Most chargers come with a timer you can use to preset a shutoff time as well for added safety. When charging is complete, turn the charger off and remove the battery.
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Tips & Warnings
Completely draining a lithium polymer battery will not cause damage as with some other types of batteries. Actually, you should run the battery completely down every 30 charges or so. This causes the battery to "reset" and helps ensure proper function.
If you won't be using a lipo battery immediately, charge it to about 40 percent.
Leaving a fully charged lithium ion battery of any type fully charged without using it shortens the life of the battery.
To protect your lipo batteries, store them in a cool, dry area out of direct sunlight and on a nonconducting surface.
References
- Photo Credit battery image by Sergey Juchkov from Fotolia.com
