A variety of household appliances are most often brought to work by means of batteries. Most of all, a 18650 battery is suitable in this case. These are unique products with a number of advantages. Often they are used in electronic cigarettes, LED flashlights. What types are and their features can be found in this article.
18650 battery: what is it and its types
18650 battery
The 18650 is a lithium-ion type battery, shaped and sized like a finger-type battery. The capacity of this type ranges from 1600-3600 mAh, the output voltage is 3.7 V. In order to better understand the features of such a battery, you should compare it with a standard AAA or AA battery. Its voltage is 1.2 or 1.5 V.
Batteries of the described type are used to bring into operation equipment requiring large capacity cells. For example, this is an electric bicycle, portable charging for a phone, laptop, flashlight and so on.
Note! Battery life is quite long. So that the device does not deteriorate, its charge should be 50%. It is in this form that the product can lie for about a month. The battery should be stored in a room with a moderate temperature (too large or small indicators adversely affect the device). Optimum are +15 - +17 degrees.
Many people wonder what the numbers 18650 mean. In fact, everything is very simple. The first two digits are the diameter, 65 is the length of the battery in millimeters.
The following types of 18650 batteries exist, depending on the chemical indicator:
1. Lithium Manganese (Lithium Manganese Oxide). These include LiMn2O4, IMR, LiNiMnCoO2, NMC, INR, LiMnO2.
2. Lithium-cobalt (Lithium Cobalt Oxide). These are batteries NCR, ICR, LiCoO2.
3. Lithium iron phosphate (Lithium Iron Phosphate or ferrophosphate). It may be called LFP, LiFePO4, IFR.
All of these species are related to lithium ion batteries. Therefore, we can say with accuracy that the technology of their production is the same.
Lithium cobalt types
Lithium cobalt batteries
This type of battery has the highest capacity. But, despite this, with such batteries you need to behave quite carefully, because the lithium-cobalt system is quite dangerous and unpredictable. Such batteries must not be charged by quick charging. For other types, it is quite safe to use the accelerated method.
Lithium-cobalt batteries cannot be used in appliances that place a heavy load on the battery. If you know that a technique can land a battery in half an hour, refuse to use lithium-cobalt products in it. Otherwise, you will need to quickly eliminate the electrolyte ignition.
This type is now widely used for electronic cigarettes. At the same time, approach the issue of choice with particular responsibility, because fakes are very common. The upper limit voltage indicator that can be used to charge a 18650 battery is considered to be 4.2 V. With a higher voltage indicator, the battery can recharge, which is best avoided. It is forbidden to use too powerful charges, because their work negatively affects the chemical aspect of the battery. The device not only deteriorates, it can explode or burn out, so it is better not to allow violations.
Therefore before charge the battery, it’s better to purchase a smart charger.It has various parameters, as well as adjustable current strength.
Lithium Manganese Types
Lithium manganese batteries
This is the best battery type 18650, which are quite popular among users. They differ in stable operation in comparison with the previous view described by us. Most lithium-manganese batteries are not equipped with a charging controller, and manufacturers write on the products that they are safe.
The advantage of this type of battery is the ability to work quietly and for a long time with low resistance. In fact, this is also not too good, however, comparing them with cobalt, we can say that manganese batteries have a longer battery life. Lithium-manganese batteries are created with an excellent ratio of capacity and power. But despite this, their volume is less than that of similar cobalt ones. Charging restrictions. The maximum voltage will be 4.2 volts. The amperage should also be regulated: a high supply at times worsens the condition of the battery, and can also lead to an explosion of the battery. The current strength directly affects the charging speed.
Advice! It is best to buy a charger for the 18650 Li-ion CV or CC batteries.
As for manganese batteries, they are considered reliable, compared with cobalt, since they can withstand a large discharge (2.5 volts). However, it is better not to bring the batteries to this state.
Graphite is used for the anode of such a battery. If the rules for using the part are not followed (for example, creating a very high charging current or a small resistance), gas may begin to appear on the surface. The properties of manganese batteries described above indicate high quality and operational properties, so they outperform cobalt batteries.
Lithium iron phosphate species
Lithium iron phosphate batteries
Their second name is ferrophosphate. This type is considered to be the safest in comparison with other types of lithium-ion batteries. They possess the stability of chemistry relative to other types. The battery design uses an iron phosphate cathode. It is non-toxic and resistant to high temperatures. Ferrophosphate species do not have a charge controller. They can explode or ignite only if severe damage to the case occurs, and then this is unlikely. The described batteries are immune to various manifestations of incorrect operation (creation of low resistance data).
18650 Battery Charging Rules
Charging the 18650 battery
Operating the 18650, the question arises about the correctness of its charging. The procedure is very simple, but it must be done responsibly, avoiding negligence and technology violations. Proper charging is the key to long battery life.
Note! Full discharge and recharging to the end adversely affects the state of the battery. Charge battery is better up to 90%.
Owners of household appliances, when it comes time to recharge the battery, are interested in how to do it right. It is better to use a special device. The charger starts the process at a set voltage of 0.05 V, gradually increasing it to 4.2. The value should not rise higher, because it harms the performance of the battery.
The current strength allowed for charging should fluctuate in the region of 0.5 - 1 A. These indicators directly affect the charge speed. If you do not need to use the battery urgently, it is better not to speed up the charging process.
In order to fully replenish the product, it will take about 3 hours. After this time, the battery disconnects itself from the device. Thus, you can not worry about overheating the battery and its damage. If your charger does not have a charge control function, you will have to follow the process yourself and turn it off when necessary. It is best to listen to specialists and purchase multifunction devices with a controller. So the charging process will be the safest.
Currently, the purchase of a charger is not a problem. The assortment of shops and outlets has a large number of devices from different manufacturers and different price categories. Experts advise not to take the price as the basis for the choice, but to pay special attention to the characteristics.
Types of Chargers:
- Charging with one socket and a current of no more than 1 A. These are the most inexpensive devices that will help those users who charge batteries only a few times a year.
- Charging with two sockets, creates a voltage of up to 4.2 V. These devices have a special indicator that monitors the operating time.
- Universal charges used for batteries of various chemistry. They can be used not only for lithium, but also for nickel species.
Cost is also an important indicator when choosing a quality battery. Higher value appliances typically have relays, controllers, and indicators. Those who feel their strength and have certain technical and chemical knowledge can make chargers on their own. In this case, it is important to have knowledge regarding the functioning of the electrical circuit and the parameters of the battery.
Popular 18650 Battery Models
Among the many options that are available on the market, only a few are in good demand. Such products are characterized by a long period of operation and reliability.
Panasonic NCR18650B batteries
Consider the most popular battery models and their main characteristics:
- Panasonic NCR18650B - has a capacity of 3400mah. Until recently, this battery held a leading position in terms of volume among other lithium types available on the market. The emergence of medium-current and more capacious batteries replaced Panasonic from the first place. However, now there are buyers for this product. As for the design of this battery, inside it is an anode twisted into a roll, as well as a cathode. Between them, the manufacturer located a separator. All of these elements are housed in a cylinder-shaped housing.
- Samsung INR18650-25R. The capacity of the cell is 2500mah. This battery is designed to operate with high current power. If the load is continuous, then the current strength is 20 A, if it is periodic, then the indicator increases to 100 A. This battery is perfect for an electronic cigarette. Manufacturers recommend using Samsung INR18650-25R batteries in devices that have a built-in protection system, since they themselves do not have this function. Such products are not suitable for flashlights, because they can be excessively discharged, which is unfavorable for them.
Battery Samsung INR18650-25R
- LG 18650 HE2, capacity 2500 mAh. This battery is high current. With its capacity, it can withstand a load of 8 C and provides a current strength of 20 A. Due to such characteristics and operational indicators, the battery model is popular and in demand. In addition, the battery also has a lot of advantages. The most important advanced indicator of the device is the latest chemical composition. It is called NCR or Hybrid IMR. This name speaks for itself: it is a hybrid of ICR and IMR batteries. The battery contains a cobalt cathode and a coating of manganese and nickel. Due to the use of such advanced technology, the battery is discharged to a low voltage, while not losing its operational properties.
- Samsung ICR18650 with a capacity of 2600 mAh 26H. Such a battery has an industrial purpose and is characterized by the absence of a protection board. The battery has a high capacity indicator, so it is often used for screwdrivers, laptops and other household appliances. Samsung is often found in repackaging companies that use them to run their products. Reasonable price and real big battery capacity made them market leaders among 18650 lithium-ion batteries. The battery's positive contact is slightly recessed.
Battery Samsung ICR18650
- KeepPower, 3500mah capacity. Another quality 18650 battery.The Japanese manufacturer used a board designed to protect the battery from short circuit and overcharge to create such a product. The greatest current strength is 5 A, the voltage is 3.7 V.
It is quite possible to charge the batteries without harming them and preserving their operational properties in the future, knowing the characteristics and acceptable voltage and current indicators. The battery will last longer if you treat it carefully.
