In recent years, the autonomy of equipment and digital technology has become one of the decisive factors in choosing one or another product model. Batteries in the form of battery packs play the most important role at this site. Their small size, coupled with high operating potential, significantly expand the capabilities of the target device. It remains only to choose the appropriate type of battery. And if LiOn elements were recently popular, today developers are increasingly looking at LiPo blocks. Batteries of this type have a wide range of advantages, although they are not without disadvantages.
General information about the element
LiPo devices belong to the group of modern lithium batteries, which led to their some similarity with ion counterparts. The fundamental difference lies in the type of electrolyte used. If a gel electrochemical composition is used in LiIon cells, a polymer with a lithium-containing mixture is used in LiPo. The concept of a polymer power supply is based on the property of this electrolyte to provide a semiconductor effect when coupled with lithium. As a result, the electrochemical qualities significantly increase the operating efficiency of the LiPo battery. Description of the general principle of operationpolymer cells would be incomplete without a classification by the types of electrolytic solutions that are used in such batteries. In addition to gel-polymer devices, dry electrolytes and non-aqueous saline solutions are also isolated. In the first case, the basis is polyethylene oxide with lithium s alts, and in the second case, non-aqueous s alt mixtures adsorbed in a matrix of polymers with small pores.
Features
One of the main performance indicators of the battery is energy intensity. So, compared to NiCd batteries, this figure for LiPo is exceeded by 4-5 times. At the same time, the number of cycles reaches 600, and the reduction in capacity is 20%. The next characteristic is the amount of discharge current, which may vary depending on the type of element. It is expressed in amps, and the letter "C" indicates the brand of LiPo discharge. Batteries, the characteristics of which are indicated by this value as 3C 1 Ah, have a current value of 3 A. This is the highest value inherent in typical cells. However, there are also models 8-10C, which belong to the category of fast-discharge.
As for the ability to operate batteries in different temperature conditions, LiPo batteries have the largest range. According to the manufacturers, it ranges from -20 to 40 ° C. However, it is still not recommended to abuse the use of devices with such batteries in extreme temperatures.
Charge features
You can charge the elements from DC sources until the momentuntil the battery goes into stabilized voltage mode. In other words, when the replenishment reaches 80%, you can stop the process, but not before. A full charge gains its potential after 2 hours. During this time, in particular, standard 12V LiPo batteries with a capacity of 1500 mAh are charged. When choosing a charger, it should be borne in mind that this task can be performed both with a conventional “computer” device and with a special device for lithium batteries. Obviously, the second option is preferable, if only for reasons of compatibility. Also, depending on the model of the charger, the user can be able to display the amount of charge, data on voltage and current strength. A set of these indicators gives you full control over the charging process.
Positive Feedback
Polymer electrolytes do not offer many advantages over ion batteries, but they are obvious when compared with older generation batteries. In practice, owners of devices with such batteries notice stable voltage maintenance, modest dimensions and large capacity. Suffice it to say that compact single-cell batteries are capable of operating mobile devices for several days with intensive use. In addition, LiPo batteries are characterized by a reduced memory effect. This means that the owner will incur less operating costs during the charging cycles. An important positive feature for ordinary consumers is environmental safety. So far, manufacturers are not able to makebatteries that are completely devoid of toxic substances, but polymer models are the least dangerous in this regard.
Negative reviews
Complete displacement of lithium-ion batteries is still hampered by the shortcomings of the polymer electrolyte, which, among other things, are reflected in normal use. First of all, it is a problem of aging. Such batteries do not "live" for a long time, which is especially noticeable on the example of the same mobile devices. After 3-4 years, the owners note a decrease in capacity. That is, the element remains operational, but the duration of work on a single charge is gradually reduced. Sensitive for many users and the price factor. The fact is that LiPo batteries, due to the need to integrate additional protective circuits, add significantly to the cost. Even compared to lithium-ion models, they cost 10-15% more.
Conclusion
The outlook for the development of LiPo batteries is still ambiguous. The advantages that polymer electrolyte cells can already boast of today are quite enough for a modern user of mobile devices. However, their potential is significantly limited and it is quite possible that hybrid batteries will replace ionic competitors. And yet, 6S LiPo batteries with increased discharge current are capable of delivering unprecedented high semiconductor values. Of course, this applies to the segment of compact devices designed for autonomous portable equipment. Also hope withthe future development of this direction is supported by the resistance of the element to external influences - including temperature. In terms of mechanical strength, they can also compete with a magnesium battery, but if we take into account the preservation of working electrochemical properties, then the LiPo separation will be much higher.
