Lithium Battery Life: High Setting, Cold Weather & Insulation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the performance of a lithium battery pack used in ski gloves, particularly focusing on the battery life at different heat settings (high, medium, low) and the effects of cold weather on battery operation. Participants explore potential reasons for the observed discrepancies in battery life across settings and consider the impact of insulation on battery performance.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that the battery lasts shorter on high because more current is drawn, reducing operating time before recharge.
  • Another participant questions why the battery lasts less on low than on medium, suggesting a possible wiring issue with the settings.
  • Concerns are raised about the effect of cold temperatures on battery discharge rates, with one participant suggesting that very cold batteries may discharge quicker.
  • There is a discussion about whether the discharging of cold batteries could generate heat, potentially counteracting the cold effects.
  • One participant mentions that self-discharge is not a significant issue over hours, but internal resistance may vary with temperature.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty regarding the battery's performance on low settings and the effects of temperature on discharge rates. Multiple competing views regarding the reasons for battery life discrepancies remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not confirmed the accuracy of the heat settings or the specific impact of insulation on battery performance. The discussion includes assumptions about temperature effects and internal resistance that are not fully explored.

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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