How to extend the service life of power bank？

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The usage of power banks

The usage rate of power bank is an indicator that reflects the frequency of its use in daily life. It is crucial to understand people’s demand for portable charging solutions and the development trend of the power bank market. The following are some survey results and data sources on power bank usage:

Penetration and ownership rate: According to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics, as of the end of 2023, China’s smartphone penetration rate has reached 85.5%. Reference source: National Bureau of Statistics
Frequency of daily use of power banks: According to the “46th China Internet Development Statistical Report” released by the China Internet Information Center, about 70% of smartphone users will purchase at least one power bank. Reference source: China Internet Information Center

Usage in different scenarios: According to a survey by market research organization IDC, 80% of people will carry a portable charger when traveling, on business trips or outdoor activities; about 50% of people will carry a portable charger when going to work, school or going out for a long time. Carry a power bank with you, reference source: IDC
User satisfaction and demand for power banks: According to a survey by consumer research organization JD Power, more than 90% of power bank users said they were satisfied with their usage experience. Reference source: JD Power

The above data and survey results clearly demonstrate the popularity and daily use of portable chargers in modern life. It can be seen that today’s power banks have reached new heights in both usage and retention rates.
High-frequency use will inevitably shorten the life of the portable charger. Back to the topic, so how should we extend the life of the power bank?

The battery cell material of the power bank

The cell material of a power bank is one of the important factors that affects its performance and lifespan. The mainstream portable charger battery core materials mainly include lithium polymer (Li-Po) and lithium ion (Li-ion). Although they are both lithium batteries, their chemical makeup and performance are slightly different.

Lithium polymer (Li-Po) battery: Lithium polymer battery is composed of polymer electrolyte and lithium salt. It is thinner and lighter than lithium-ion battery, so it is widely used in some portable devices. However, lithium polymer batteries are more susceptible to overcharge and overdischarge than lithium ion batteries. Overcharging will cause gas to be generated inside the battery and increase pressure, which may cause the battery to expand, leak, or even explode; while overdischarging will cause incomplete chemical reactions inside the battery, thereby reducing the battery’s capacity and performance. Therefore, lithium polymer batteries have a relatively short life and require more careful use and maintenance.

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery: Lithium-ion battery is one of the most common battery types at present, with the advantages of high energy density, low self-discharge rate and long cycle life. Compared with lithium polymer batteries, lithium-ion batteries are more stable and can withstand more charge and discharge cycles, so they are widely used in some devices that require higher stability. However, lithium-ion batteries still need to be protected from overcharging and over-discharging to extend their service life.

The characteristics of lithium batteries determine their application and lifespan in power banks. Although lithium polymer batteries are thinner and lighter, they are relatively susceptible to overcharging and over-discharging, resulting in a shorter lifespan; while lithium-ion batteries are more stable, but care must be taken to avoid overcharging and over-discharging to extend their service life. . Therefore, choosing a power bank with high-quality batteries can extend the service life of the power bank.

Guidance on daily habits to improve the service life of power bank

Considering the characteristics of lithium batteries, there are a series of measures that can be taken to extend the life of the power bank and maintain its performance.

Avoid extreme temperature environments:

Lithium batteries are temperature sensitive, and both high and low temperatures will adversely affect their performance. High temperatures will accelerate the volatilization of the electrolyte, leading to battery capacity loss and oxidation, thereby shortening battery life; while low temperatures will slow down the rate of chemical reactions inside the battery and affect charge and discharge efficiency. Therefore, portable chargers should try to avoid exposure to high or low temperatures, especially do not leave them in a car or under direct sunlight for a long time.

Avoid full discharge:

It is best to avoid completely discharging lithium batteries before recharging them. Complete discharge will cause uneven polarization inside the lithium battery, resulting in battery capacity loss and internal damage, thereby reducing the service life of the power bank. On the contrary, it is recommended to charge when the power is below 20% para 30% to keep the battery in good condition.

Use the right charger and cable:

Using a quality, reliable charger and cable is crucial to the health of your power bank’s battery. A substandard or low-quality charger may not be able to provide stable current and voltage, causing overcharge or overdischarge, which may damage the battery. In addition, using inappropriate charging cables will also increase resistance, resulting in reduced charging efficiency and battery damage. Therefore, you should choose chargers and charging cables from regular brands that meet safety certification standards for charging.

Regular charge and discharge:

Lithium batteries require regular charge and discharge cycles to maintain their electrochemical activity. Power banks that have not been used for a long time should be charged and discharged at least once every three months to avoid battery self-discharge and electrolyte solidification. In addition, avoid frequent low-power charge and discharge cycles, and try to control the power of the power bank within the range of 20% para 80% to reduce internal battery stress and extend battery life.
These measures are based on the understanding of the characteristics of lithium batteries, which can reduce battery aging and damage, thereby improving the reliability and safety of power banks and ensuring their long-lasting use in daily life.

n addition to good personal usage habits, excellent battery cells can also greatly extend the service life of a power bank. Therefore, choosing a high-quality power bank can increase the service life with twice the result with half the effort. chinajimer uses high-quality lithium batteries to improve charging efficiency while reducing charging temperature and extending the service life of the power bank. Welcome to consult us or visit our website