Storing lithium-ion batteries presents some uncertainty. Li-ion is more delicate than other systems and a voltage applied in reverse can cause permanent damage. A sleeping Li-ion does not reveal the voltage, and boosting must be done with awareness. Advanced chargers and battery analyzers will not service a battery if placed in reverse polarity. When boosting a battery, assure correct polarity. The Cadex “boost” function halts the charge if the voltage does not rise normally. When recharging, such a cell might become unstable, causing excessive heat or show other anomalies. Copper shunts may have formed inside the cells that can lead to a partial or total electrical short. Discard the pack if the voltage does not rise to a normal level within a minute while on boost.ĭo not boost lithium-based batteries back to life that have dwelled below 1.5V/cell for a week or longer. Some over-discharged batteries can be “boosted” to life again. Figure 1: Sleep mode of a lithium-ion battery Figure 1 illustrates the “boost” function graphically.

Boost applies a small charge current to activate the protection circuit and if a correct cell voltage can be reached, the charger starts a normal charge. Without this provision, a charger renders these batteries unserviceable and the packs would be discarded. Some battery chargers and analyzers (including Cadex), feature a wake-up feature or “boost” to reactivate and recharge batteries that have fallen asleep. Depending on the manufacturer, the protection circuit of a Li-ion cuts off between 2.2 and 2.9V/cell(See BU-802b: Elevated Self-discharge)

Slipping into sleep mode can happen when storing a Li-ion pack in a discharged state for any length of time as self-discharge would gradually deplete the remaining charge. This important safeguard also turns the battery off and makes it unusable if over-discharged.

Li-ion batteries contain a protection circuit that shields the battery against abuse.

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