Why battery’s internal resistance decreases with temperature?

In summary, the internal resistance of batteries decreases with temperature due to increased electron mobility, which allows for faster electrochemical reactions. This is consistent with the Arrhenius equation, which states that reaction rate increases with temperature. However, the cell voltage is only weakly dependent on temperature.
  • #1
bobfei
30
0
Hi,

Does battery internal resistance obey the general resistance-temperature rule?

For metal, resistance usually increases with temperature (see wikipedia).

For batteries however, its internal resistance decreases with temperature (also see wikipedia).

Could anyone explain the contradiction?


Bob
 
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  • #2
The resistance of any galvanic cell such as a battery decreases as temperature increases due to increased electron mobility at higher temps.

The increased electron mobility means that the electrochemical reactions inside the cell can happen faster or easier (not sure which one it is, someone else might know) which means the internal resistance is effectively reduced.
 
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  • #3
trollcast said:
The resistance of any galvanic cell such as a battery decreases as temperature increases due to increased electron mobility at higher temps.

The increased electron mobility means that the electrochemical reactions inside the cell can happen faster or easier (not sure which one it is, someone else might know vague) which means the internal resistance is effectively reduced.

Then they are consistent. Thank you!

Bob
 
  • #4
Batteries are chemical devices that rely on chemical reactions to produce their 'electricity'.

Chemical reactions mostly obey the Arrhenius equation which says that the rate of reaction increases with temperature.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arrhenius_equation

So the faster the reactions the better the current transport and the lower the effective resistance.

Note that the cell voltage is only weakly dependent on temperature.
 
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  • #5
Studiot,

I just read the wiki article and got a better understanding. Thanks!

Bob
 

1. Why does the internal resistance of a battery decrease with temperature?

The internal resistance of a battery decreases with temperature due to the increase in mobility of ions within the battery. As the temperature increases, the ions become more energized and are able to move more freely, resulting in a decrease in internal resistance.

2. How does temperature affect the performance of a battery?

Temperature can greatly impact the performance of a battery. As mentioned earlier, an increase in temperature can decrease the internal resistance, resulting in improved performance. However, extremely high temperatures can also cause the battery to overheat and potentially damage it.

3. Does the type of battery affect how temperature affects its internal resistance?

Yes, the type of battery can greatly affect how temperature affects its internal resistance. For example, lithium-ion batteries have a lower internal resistance at higher temperatures compared to nickel-metal hydride batteries. This is due to the differences in chemical reactions and materials used in each type of battery.

4. Can temperature impact the overall lifespan of a battery?

Yes, temperature can have a significant impact on the lifespan of a battery. High temperatures can cause the battery to degrade faster, reducing its overall lifespan. On the other hand, low temperatures can also affect the battery's performance and lifespan, as the chemical reactions within the battery slow down in colder temperatures.

5. How can I optimize the performance of my battery in different temperature conditions?

To optimize the performance of your battery in different temperature conditions, it is important to keep the battery within its recommended operating temperature range. This can help prevent overheating or freezing, which can negatively impact the battery's performance and lifespan. Additionally, using a battery with a lower internal resistance, such as a lithium-ion battery, can also help improve performance in higher temperatures.

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