How many times can an 3.7v 18650 battery use?
Compared with other kinds of chemical batteries, lithium ion battery has longer life. certainly, it still has limited cycle life. In other words, lithium ion battery will be aging like human or any other objects.
18650 Li-ion Battery Cycles
Cycle? When an 18650 li ion battery is charged and discharged, this is counted as one cycle. 18650 lithium-ion batteries are charged up to 4.2V and down to between 2.0V and 3.0V depending on the cell’s specification for cut-off voltage. Example, if your cell nominal capacity is 2500mAh, when it stores ≤2000mAh after 500 cycles, we say the battery has 80% capacity left after 500 cycles, normally it is not suggested to be used after this condition, as the impedance will be higher and capacity is much lower than brand new cell. This relates to “cycle life”, which is the amount of complete charge and discharge cycles that a battery is able to support before it is only able to deliver 80% or less of nominal capacity.
To be safe, never discharge lower than 3V unless you know your cell’s specification.
How to Extend 18650 Battery Charge Cycles
Do not worry, it is still possible to extend cycle.
Lithium ion batteries like 18650 batteries offer a prolonged lifespan if they do not charge to full capacity. If possible, charge the 18650 batteries at a lower amp rating than recommended (also known as trickle charge). Quicker charging times will lower overall performance, means you need new 18650 batteries sooner rather than later. Many battery experts recommend charging icr18650 batteries to 80% of nominal capacity, to improve the cycle life.
Consider only ever running your bateria18650 at 80% of its maximum discharge capacity, helping you to extend the number of cycles you can get out of it and maintain its capacity for a longer period of time. You can even give your battery a bit of tender love and care during the recharging process, opting to charge it at a lower amp than recommended, doing so allows you to retard battery capacity reduction and increase amount of cycle life.
Otherwise, you may have a negative impact on the cycle, especially if you are smashing the life out of your battery! Run it to its limit will only put it under huge strain, destroy internal chemistry and have a substantial impact on its capacity. It will also lose its ability to hold a charge as well. Not ideal.
When should I replace my 18650 battery?
It depends on how you use inr 18650 battery. If you use it frequently, then you should replace it every half year. If you use it not often, then you can replace it every 12 months or even longer.
It is ideal to always monitor the state of the 18650 battery by looking for early signs of wear and tear.
It’s important to keep in mind that over time, the battery will lose its ability to hold a charge as well as it did when it was new. So if you do not use the battery aku often, be sure to recharge it up before use it then you will get the most out of it.
Some common signs that the battery needs to be replaced as below:
Recharge time gets abnormally long, the battery takes a long time to recharge.
The battery becomes over heating when charge or discharge, warmer than normal.
The battery doesn’t hold a charge for as long as it used to.
The battery becomes very hot when in use.
You have used the battery more than three years.
The battery has swollen and it is difficult to fit in your device or charger.
The battery starts to leak acid or electrolyte fluid.
The battery loses voltage faster than normal.
If you notice any of above sign, it is best to substitute the battery to avoid any potential harm to your devices or yourself. 3.7 volt 18650 lithium cylindrical battery is a perfect way to power up your device, however it’s important to use them safely and replace them when necessary so you can continue to use them as long as possible.
Do not throw your batteries away!
Regarding throw batteries away, the answer is simple: never do it! Batteries are pollutants and potentially hazardous. Batteries must be recycled through a special circuit. Many shops and super markets have used battery collection points, bring the batteries with you when you go shopping and put them in the box.
From within your lithium li-ion 18650 battery, recycler extract cobalt, lithium salt concentrate, stainless steel, copper, aluminum and plastic. All them are recycled and reused for other goods. It’s the safest and lowest harm to environment to get rid of your batteries. It will also provide more materials for new battery.
18650 Rechargeable Lithium Battery Pack 3.7V 2600mAh Button Top with BMS PCB
