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Charging Of Battery And Discharging Of Battery

Charging Of Battery And Discharging Of Battery

Edited By Vishal kumar | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 05:34 PM IST

Batteries are vital in our daily lives, powering devices like smartphones, laptops, and electric cars. The charging process involves taking energy from an external source, like a wall socket, and storing it as chemical energy within the battery. When you use your device, the discharging process occurs, converting that stored chemical energy back into electrical energy to power the device. Understanding how batteries charge and discharge is essential not just for keeping your devices running efficiently but also for extending their lifespan, ensuring that they are ready when you need them most. This is why practices like not overcharging your phone or properly maintaining an electric car’s battery are so important in everyday life.

This Story also Contains
  1. Emf of a Cell When the Cell is Charging and Discharging
  2. Equation of Cell
  3. Solved Examples Based on Charging of Battery And Discharging of Battery
  4. Summary
Charging Of Battery And Discharging Of Battery
Charging Of Battery And Discharging Of Battery

Emf of a Cell When the Cell is Charging and Discharging

Before moving to the charging and discharging, will study open and closed circuits.

What is an Open Circuit?

No current is taken from the cell. i=0
The potential difference between A and BVAB=E
The potential difference between C and DVCD=0

What is a Short Circuit?

Two terminals of a cell are joined together by a thick conducting wire then,

Maximum current -

i=ErV=0

Equation of Cell

1. When supplying the current: E=V+iR
2. When the cell is being charged: E=ViR

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Solved Examples Based on Charging of Battery And Discharging of Battery

Example 1: The length of a wire of a potentiometer is 100 cm and the e.m.f. of its standard cell is E volt. It is employed to measure the e.m.f. of a battery whose internal resistance is 0.5 $\Omega$ If the balance point is obtained at $l=30$ cm from the positive end, the e.m.f. of the battery is :

1) 30E100.5
2) 30E1000.5
3) 30E1000.5i
4) 30E100

Solution:

Using the principle of potentiometer

i.e Vl VE=lL or V=lLE=30E100

Hence, the answer is option (4).

Example 2: In the given circuit value of current (in A) through the circuit when the switch is open is

1) 0

2) 2

3) 1

4) 4

Solution:

Current through the circuit

i=0

wherein

No current will pass through the resistor

Example 3: The potential difference between points A and B in the given circuit is

1) VAB=E
2) VAB=0
3) VAB>E
4) VAB<E

Solution:

As we learntPotential difference between A and B
VAB=E

wherein

I=0
P.D. across the resistor is zero.
VAB=E

Hence, the answer is option (1).

Example 4: In the given figure current (in A) passing through 5Ω resistor is:

1) 0

2) 2

3) 2.5

4) 5

Solution:

Short circuit -Two terminals of a cell are joined together by a thick conducting wire

Since 10Ω is short-circuited hence no current will pass through 10Ω and 5Ω
So,
I=0 A

Example 5: If the terminal of a battery is short-circuited then the current flowing through it is:

1) zero

2) minimum

3) maximum

4) none of the above

Solution:

When a battery is short-circuited, the terminal voltage is zero. The current passing through the cell is the maximum.

Hence, the answer is option (3).

Summary

Supplying electrical energy to a battery for it to store energy for later use is called charging. The battery receives the input of electricity causing an electrical current to flow through it hence energy is stored in its cells through some chemical reactions. Discharging a battery occurs when one is using it to power a device or an appliance. The device is powered by electrical energy which is changed from the stored chemical energy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is battery discharging?

Battery discharging occurs when the battery provides electrical energy to power a device or appliance.

2. Can discharging a battery completely damage it?

Yes

3. What are the signs that a battery needs replacement?

Decreased runtime, increased charging times, and reduced capacity.

4. How does battery charging work?

Charging involves applying a voltage higher than the battery's voltage to drive current into the battery, causing chemical reactions that store energy.

5. What is the basic principle behind battery charging?
Battery charging involves converting electrical energy from an external source into chemical energy stored within the battery. This process reverses the chemical reactions that occur during discharge, restoring the battery's ability to provide electrical power.
6. Why do batteries have a limited number of charge-discharge cycles?
Batteries have a limited number of charge-discharge cycles due to gradual degradation of the electrode materials and electrolyte. Each cycle causes small irreversible changes in the battery's structure, eventually reducing its capacity and performance.
7. What is the difference between primary and secondary batteries?
Primary batteries are non-rechargeable and can only be used once. Secondary batteries, also known as rechargeable batteries, can be charged and discharged multiple times. The key difference lies in the reversibility of their chemical reactions.
8. How does fast charging work, and what are its potential drawbacks?
Fast charging involves supplying higher currents to the battery to reduce charging time. While convenient, it can generate more heat and potentially accelerate battery degradation. Fast charging may also reduce the overall number of charge cycles a battery can undergo.
9. What is the difference between constant current (CC) and constant voltage (CV) charging?
Constant current (CC) charging maintains a steady current flow into the battery, while constant voltage (CV) charging maintains a fixed voltage across the battery terminals. Many charging protocols use a combination of both, starting with CC and switching to CV as the battery approaches full charge.
10. How does internal resistance affect battery performance during charging and discharging?
Internal resistance opposes the flow of current within the battery. Higher internal resistance leads to greater voltage drop during discharge and more heat generation during both charging and discharging. It reduces the battery's efficiency and available power output.
11. What is the role of a battery management system (BMS) in charging?
A battery management system monitors and controls the charging process to optimize battery performance and safety. It regulates voltage, current, and temperature, prevents overcharging and over-discharging, and balances cells in multi-cell batteries.
12. What is the significance of the charging efficiency of a battery?
Charging efficiency is the ratio of energy stored in the battery to the energy supplied during charging. Higher efficiency means less energy is lost as heat during the charging process. It's important for overall energy conservation and battery longevity.
13. How does the state of charge (SoC) of a battery affect its charging and discharging characteristics?
The state of charge influences charging and discharging rates. A battery at a lower SoC can typically accept charge more quickly, while a nearly full battery charges more slowly. During discharge, voltage and available power may decrease as the SoC drops.
14. How does the internal chemistry of a battery change during charging and discharging?
During charging, the active materials in the electrodes undergo oxidation and reduction reactions, storing energy. The electrolyte facilitates ion movement between electrodes. During discharge, these reactions reverse, releasing stored energy. These processes can cause gradual changes in electrode structure and electrolyte composition over time.
15. How does a battery store energy?
A battery stores energy in chemical form. It contains two electrodes (positive and negative) immersed in an electrolyte. During charging, chemical reactions occur at the electrodes, storing energy that can be later released as electrical energy during discharge.
16. What is the C-rate in battery charging and discharging?
The C-rate is a measure of the rate at which a battery is charged or discharged relative to its capacity. A 1C rate means the battery would be fully charged or discharged in one hour. Higher C-rates indicate faster charging or discharging.
17. What is meant by the "memory effect" in batteries?
The "memory effect" is a phenomenon observed in some rechargeable batteries, particularly nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries. It occurs when a battery is repeatedly recharged after only partial discharge, causing it to "remember" the smaller capacity and lose its ability to fully charge.
18. How does temperature affect battery charging and discharging?
Temperature significantly affects battery performance. High temperatures can increase charging and discharging rates but may also accelerate battery degradation. Low temperatures typically slow down chemical reactions, reducing battery capacity and performance.
19. Why is it important to avoid overcharging a battery?
Overcharging can lead to excessive heat generation, electrolyte decomposition, and potential safety hazards like swelling or even explosion. It also accelerates battery degradation, reducing its overall lifespan and capacity.
20. What is meant by the "self-discharge" of a battery?
Self-discharge is the gradual loss of stored charge in a battery when it's not in use. It occurs due to slow internal chemical reactions. The rate of self-discharge varies among battery types and is influenced by factors like temperature and state of charge.
21. How do smart chargers differ from traditional chargers?
Smart chargers use microprocessors to monitor battery parameters like voltage, temperature, and charge state. They can adjust charging parameters in real-time, use multi-stage charging algorithms, and often include safety features like overcharge protection.
22. How does temperature compensation work in battery charging systems?
Temperature compensation adjusts charging parameters based on battery temperature. As temperature affects battery chemistry and internal resistance, this compensation helps maintain optimal charging conditions across different temperatures, preventing overcharging in hot conditions and ensuring sufficient charging in cold conditions.
23. What is the concept of "charge retention," and how does it relate to battery self-discharge?
Charge retention refers to a battery's ability to maintain its stored charge when not in use. It's inversely related to self-discharge rate. Good charge retention is crucial for applications where batteries may sit unused for extended periods. Different battery chemistries have varying charge retention capabilities.
24. How does the concept of "capacity fade" differ from "power fade" in battery aging?
Capacity fade refers to the loss of a battery's ability to store charge over time, typically measured in ampere-hours. Power fade is the reduction in a battery's ability to deliver high current, affecting its peak power output. Both are aspects of battery aging, but they can occur at different rates and affect battery performance in different ways.
25. How does depth of discharge (DoD) affect battery life?
Depth of discharge refers to how much of a battery's capacity is used before recharging. Generally, shallower discharges (lower DoD) lead to more charge-discharge cycles and longer battery life, while deeper discharges reduce the number of cycles a battery can undergo.
26. How do lithium-ion batteries differ from lead-acid batteries in terms of charging?
Lithium-ion batteries generally charge faster, have higher energy density, and don't require full charges to maintain battery health. Lead-acid batteries typically have slower charging rates, lower energy density, and benefit from regular full charges to prevent sulfation.
27. What is the "trickle charging" method, and when is it used?
Trickle charging involves charging a battery at a very low rate, just enough to compensate for self-discharge. It's often used to maintain the charge of a fully charged battery over long periods of inactivity, such as in emergency backup systems.
28. What is battery balancing, and why is it important in multi-cell battery packs?
Battery balancing ensures that all cells in a multi-cell battery pack have equal voltage and state of charge. It's crucial for maximizing capacity, preventing overcharging of individual cells, and extending the overall lifespan of the battery pack.
29. How does the Peukert effect impact battery discharge?
The Peukert effect describes how a battery's capacity decreases when it's discharged at a higher rate. It's particularly noticeable in lead-acid batteries, where higher discharge rates result in less total energy being extracted from the battery.
30. What is meant by the "C/10 rule" in battery charging?
The C/10 rule suggests charging a battery at a rate of one-tenth its capacity (in ampere-hours) per hour. This conservative approach is often used to maximize battery life and minimize stress on the battery, especially for lead-acid batteries.
31. What is pulse charging, and how does it benefit battery life?
Pulse charging involves applying short bursts of charge current followed by rest periods. This method can help reduce battery heating, improve charge acceptance, and potentially extend battery life by allowing time for chemical reactions to stabilize between pulses.
32. How does the charging process differ for nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries compared to lithium-ion?
NiMH batteries typically use a constant current charging method and rely on temperature or voltage change detection to determine full charge. Lithium-ion batteries usually employ a constant current-constant voltage (CC-CV) charging method and are more sensitive to overcharging.
33. What is the significance of the "float voltage" in battery charging?
Float voltage is the voltage applied to a fully charged battery to maintain its charge without overcharging. It's particularly important in standby power systems where batteries need to remain fully charged for extended periods without degradation.
34. How does battery capacity change over multiple charge-discharge cycles?
Battery capacity typically decreases gradually over multiple charge-discharge cycles. This capacity fade is due to various factors including electrode degradation, electrolyte decomposition, and changes in internal resistance. The rate of capacity loss varies with battery type and usage patterns.
35. What is the "voltage depression" phenomenon in nickel-based batteries?
Voltage depression, also known as the "lazy battery effect," occurs in some nickel-based batteries when they're repeatedly partially discharged and recharged. It results in a temporary reduction in the battery's voltage output, which can be mistaken for reduced capacity.
36. How does the charging process affect the formation of dendrites in lithium-ion batteries?
Dendrite formation in lithium-ion batteries can occur during charging, especially at high rates or low temperatures. Dendrites are needle-like structures that can grow from the anode and potentially cause short circuits. Proper charging protocols and battery design help mitigate this risk.
37. What is the concept of "coulombic efficiency" in battery charging?
Coulombic efficiency is the ratio of charge extracted from a battery during discharge to the charge input during charging. It's a measure of the battery's charge-discharge efficiency, with higher values indicating less energy loss in the process.
38. What is the significance of the "end-of-charge" voltage in battery charging?
The end-of-charge voltage is the maximum voltage a battery reaches when fully charged. It's crucial for preventing overcharging and varies depending on battery chemistry. Exceeding this voltage can lead to electrolyte decomposition, gas formation, and accelerated battery degradation.
39. How does the concept of "charge acceptance" relate to battery charging efficiency?
Charge acceptance refers to a battery's ability to efficiently absorb and store charge. It typically decreases as the battery approaches full charge or if it's charged at very high rates. Good charge acceptance is crucial for efficient and fast charging.
40. What is the "gassing voltage" in lead-acid batteries, and why is it important?
The gassing voltage is the point at which electrolysis of water in the electrolyte begins, producing hydrogen and oxygen gas. In lead-acid batteries, it's important to avoid prolonged charging above this voltage to prevent excessive gas production, which can lead to water loss and potential safety hazards.
41. What is the "shuttle effect" in lithium-sulfur batteries, and how does it affect charging?
The shuttle effect in lithium-sulfur batteries refers to the migration of polysulfides between electrodes during charging and discharging. This can lead to loss of active material, reduced efficiency, and capacity fade. Charging protocols for these batteries must account for this effect to maximize performance and lifespan.
42. How does the concept of "state of health" (SoH) relate to battery charging and discharging?
State of health is a measure of a battery's condition relative to its ideal parameters. It's affected by charging and discharging patterns over time. Proper charging practices can help maintain a good SoH, while factors like overcharging, deep discharging, or operating at extreme temperatures can accelerate SoH decline.
43. What is the role of separators in batteries, and how do they affect the charging process?
Separators in batteries prevent direct contact between positive and negative electrodes while allowing ion flow. During charging, they play a crucial role in maintaining proper ion transport. The integrity and properties of separators can affect charging efficiency and safety, particularly in preventing internal short circuits.
44. How does the concept of "reversible capacity" differ from "irreversible capacity" in battery charging?
Reversible capacity refers to the charge that can be repeatedly stored and released in a battery. Irreversible capacity is the charge consumed in side reactions during initial charging cycles, which doesn't contribute to the usable capacity. Understanding these helps in optimizing initial charging protocols and assessing long-term battery performance.
45. What is the significance of the "formation process" in new batteries?
The formation process involves the initial charge-discharge cycles of a new battery. It's crucial for establishing the battery's internal structure, stabilizing its chemistry, and determining its long-term performance characteristics. Proper formation can significantly impact a battery's capacity, efficiency, and lifespan.
46. How does "impedance" in a battery change during charging and discharging, and why is it important?
Impedance in a battery is its resistance to alternating current flow. It typically increases as the battery ages or degrades. During charging and discharging, impedance can vary based on the state of charge and temperature. Monitoring impedance helps in assessing battery health and optimizing charging strategies.
47. How does the "rate capability" of a battery affect its charging and discharging characteristics?
Rate capability describes a battery's ability to deliver or accept charge at different rates. Batteries with good rate capability can maintain higher efficiency and capacity utilization across a wide range of charge and discharge rates. This is particularly important for applications requiring fast charging or high-power output.
48. What is the "solid electrolyte interphase" (SEI) in lithium-ion batteries, and how does it affect charging?
The SEI is a protective layer that forms on the anode of lithium-ion batteries during initial charging cycles. It's crucial for battery stability and longevity, but its formation consumes some lithium, contributing to initial capacity loss. The quality of the SEI layer affects long-term charging efficiency and battery lifespan.
49. How do "redox flow batteries" differ from conventional batteries in terms of charging and discharging?
Redox flow batteries store energy in liquid electrolytes stored in external tanks. During charging and discharging, these electrolytes are pumped through a cell stack where the electrochemical reactions occur. This design allows for independent scaling of power and energy capacity, and potentially easier "recharging" by simply replacing the electrolyte.
50. What is the significance of "voltage hysteresis" in battery charging and discharging?
Voltage hysteresis refers to the difference in voltage curves between charging and discharging at the same state of charge. It's particularly noticeable in some battery chemistries like lithium iron phosphate. Understanding voltage hysteresis is important for accurate state of charge estimation and efficient charging control.
51. How does the concept of "electrochemical impedance spectroscopy" (EIS) relate to battery charging and health monitoring?
EIS is a technique used to measure the impedance of a battery over a range of frequencies. It provides detailed information about various processes within the battery, including charge transfer, diffusion, and electrode kinetics. EIS can be used to optimize charging protocols and monitor battery health over time.
52. What is "lithium plating," and why is it a concern in fast charging of lithium-ion batteries?
Lithium plating is the deposition of metallic lithium on the anode surface, typically during fast charging or charging at low temperatures. It can lead to capacity loss, increased internal resistance, and potential safety hazards. Proper charging protocols, especially for fast charging, must be designed to minimize the risk of lithium plating.
53. What is the "constant power" charging method, and how does it differ from constant current or constant voltage charging?
Constant power charging maintains a steady power input to the battery, adjusting current and voltage as needed. Unlike constant current or constant voltage methods, it can provide a balance between charging speed and efficiency throughout the charging process. This method is particularly useful in applications where the available charging power is limited.
54. How do "solid-state batteries" differ from conventional liquid electrolyte batteries in terms of charging characteristics?
Solid-state batteries use a solid electrolyte instead of a liquid one. This can allow for faster charging rates, improved safety (less risk of leakage or flammability), and potentially higher energy density. However, they may have different temperature sensitivities and require specialized charging protocols to manage issues like interfacial resistance between the solid electrolyte and electrodes.
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