Lithium polymer battery also called Li-Po or Li-polymer is unique in its chemistries. This battery pack replaces traditional porous separator with micro porous electrolyte. Lithium polymer battery offers high energy density –as such, each Li-Po battery has a nominal voltage of 3.6V per cell.
The advantage with lithium-based rechargeable batteries is its tendency for quicker and faster recharge. To charge a Li-polymer after usage, users are encouraged to apply compatible charger that supports each pack cells –this would ensure that all cells electrify at same plane in voltage level, equal in degree and density. The resulting effect is that all cells charge equally –that is, brought to the same state of charge (SOC). To use a wrong charger could mean the configuration may get affected and this by extension may result to overcharge and in turn cause a fire.
Rechargeable lithium polymer can be packaged to fit in a device as thin as ‘identification or credit card’. This is how flexible it could be in shape, size and capacity. Introduced in 1995, the pouch cell, a foil-type case, changed the entire architecture of battery world with completely new design. What changed is the composition and configuration, unlike other battery packs where electrodes –more commonly – is housed in a cylindrical cell which is usually metallic [can-like], steel or aluminum; this particular case is rigid in form and often structured to press the electrodes together. Whereas –as we have it in the pouch cell; foil-tabs in its conductive state were welded to the electrodes, fully sealed, and extended outward. This casing –that is pouch cell –offers alternative solutions to flexibility; crossing the hurdle and offering the opportunity for batteries to come in lightweight packs.
The ability to design lithium polymer battery according to customer’s diversification and individual request has revolutionized information technology [mobile]. For instance, a PL564458 7.4V 1500mAh Rechargeable Polymer Lithium offers host-device the tendency to come in slimmer structure: reason being that this Li-Po battery is flat in design and could easily fit into a thin device. Interestingly, there are no standardized pouch cells each manufacturer designs a pattern that certifies her goal or ambition. Li-polymer offers a solution to any host or application that requires minimum weight battery. It is however true that whilst in use a lithium pouch cells battery could swell –understanding this, manufacturers make cautious plan in design to accommodate such foreseeable expansion.
Pouch cells, the technology behind Lithium polymer battery is constantly improving with ever smaller and yet powerful cells gracing the battery world. Li-Po batteries are often protected by electronic circuit which prevents them from overcharging or over discharging when in use.
Lithium polymer battery needs to be prevented from over temperature, also if electronic circuit designed to protect the battery from overcharge and over discharging when in use is shorter than needed, this may result to opposite reaction; leading to a failure as pouch may be ruptured causing electrolyte to leak. The attendant effect when this happens is that a likely fire is foreseeable.