Lithium Battery Life: High Setting, Cold Weather & Insulation

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the performance of lithium battery packs used in ski gloves, specifically regarding their operational times across different heat settings. Users report that the battery lasts 2 hours on high, 4 hours on medium, and only 3 hours on low, raising questions about the impact of cold weather and potential insulation. It is established that higher current draw on the high setting reduces battery life, while cold temperatures can affect discharge rates and internal resistance. Insulation may help maintain battery temperature, potentially improving performance.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of lithium battery chemistry and performance characteristics
  • Knowledge of current draw and its effect on battery life
  • Familiarity with temperature effects on battery discharge rates
  • Basic concepts of electrical resistance and its relationship to temperature
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of temperature on lithium battery performance
  • Investigate insulation materials suitable for battery packs
  • Learn about battery management systems for optimizing performance
  • Explore testing methods for measuring battery discharge rates across different settings
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for outdoor enthusiasts, product designers of heated gear, and anyone interested in optimizing lithium battery performance in cold conditions.

Johnny_B
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I got a lithium battery pack for my ski glove. On high it last for 2 hour, 4 hours for medium but on low it only last 3 hours. Why does the battery not working long on high? Does the cold weather affect the batteries from operating at its peaks power. Would it be better if I use some type of extra insulation around the battery pack so the battery would be cold.


thanks for the help.
 
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hi johnny
welcome to the forums :smile:

the battery doesn't last as long on high because more current is being drawn from it, that reduces its operating time before a recharge

not sure why it would operate for less time on low than on medium, unless it's already been used for a while on one of the other power settings ??

cheers
Dave
 
Johnny_B said:
I got a lithium battery pack for my ski glove. On high it last for 2 hour, 4 hours for medium but on low it only last 3 hours. Why does the battery not working long on high? Does the cold weather affect the batteries from operating at its peaks power. Would it be better if I use some type of extra insulation around the battery pack so the battery would be cold.
Hi Johnny_B! First, have you confirmed that the setting marked "LOW" is actually the lowest heat setting; maybe it is wrongly wired and is really the MEDIUM heat setting? :smile:
 
What I meant to ask is why is the batteries not lasting longer on low setting.

I will do a test on each setting today and post up some result so that you can see. Sent from my iPhone using Physics Forums
 
Johnny_B said:
What I meant to ask is why is the batteries not lasting longer on low setting.
Coincidently, that is the very conundrum I was addressing. :smile:

I will do a test on each setting today and post up some result so that you can see.
Good idea!
 
If the batteries are very cold (with "low" setting?), they can discharge quicker. On the other hand, this discharging should make them warmer, stopping the effect...
 
mfb said:
If the batteries are very cold (with "low" setting?), they can discharge quicker. On the other hand, this discharging should make them warmer, stopping the effect...
Are you talking about self-discharge? This over a period of months?
 
Self-discharge is not an issue within hours, but I think the internal resistance depends on the temperature, too.
 

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