It is very practical to carry a power bank with you when you go out. A power bank can keep your devices fully charged and ready for use all day. What do you care about when choosing a power bank? Actually, the performance of portable chargers highly depends on their batteries. In this blog post, we will take you through the essential information about batteries you need to know when choosing a power bank, let’s take a look.
Why Battery Capacity Matters
When choosing a power bank, one of the first things you need to understand is battery capacity.
Battery capacity is a measure of the amount of energy a battery can store, and it determines the device's battery life and battery efficiency. The capacity of a battery is typically measured in milliampere-hours (mAh), which quantifies the total charge a battery can deliver over one hour. Battery capacity is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a power bank, as it determines how long and how many times your power bank can charge your devices.
Understanding Milliampere-Hours
The term mAh stands for milliampere-hour, a unit that describes the amount of electrical charge a battery can hold. To put it simply, the higher the mAh rating, the more power the battery can store. For example, a 10,000 mAh power bank can theoretically provide 5 hours of power if it discharges at a rate of 2,000 milliamps per hour. However, in the actual charging process, part of the electrical energy is inevitably converted into heat energy or consumed in other processes.
The calculation formula of battery capacity is: Capacity (mAh)=Current (mA)×Time (h).
When selecting a power bank, consider the mAh rating in relation to your device's battery capacity. For instance, if your smartphone has a 3,000 mAh battery, a 10,000 mAh power bank can charge it fully about three times before needing a recharge itself. To charge a laptop, it's necessary to choose a power bank with larger capacity. A practical example of a large-capacity power bank is the X DIGI PB2100, which has a capacity of 20,000 mAh and can charge a MacBook Air fully 1 time and an iPhone 15 3.5 times.
What Is Battery Health
Battery Health is a measure of the current performance of a battery relative to its original design performance. It reflects the state of a battery, usually expressed as a percentage. A battery health of 100% means that the battery is in a new state and can provide its original design capacity, while a lower percentage means that the battery's performance and capacity have declined. Over time, batteries degrade and lose their ability to hold charge as efficiently as they once did.
Factors Affecting Battery Health:
Battery Cycle Count:
Every time the battery completes a full charge and discharge cycle, its capacity slightly decreases. With each complete cycle, the battery's health gradually declines.
Storage Conditions:
Batteries should be stored in dry, cool environments. High temperatures accelerate chemical reactions within the battery, shortening its lifespan.
Charging and Discharging Habits:
Keeping the battery in a fully charged state for extended periods accelerates its aging process, reducing its overall usage time.
Battery Management System (BMS):
A Battery Management System can monitor the battery's status, preventing overcharging and over-discharging, thus extending the battery's lifespan.
To maintain good battery health, follow these tips:
Store in a suitable place:
Keep your power bank and devices away from very hot or cold environments, state them in dry, cool place.
Moderate charging cycles:
Try to avoid keeping the battery at 100% charge for a long time. Unplug the charger immediately after it is fully charged. Please charge the battery immediately when the remaining power is low.
Use quality chargers:
Choose a good quality charger that is compatible with your device, cheap or uncertified chargers can damage your power bank and reduce its lifespan.
Regular charging:
Batteries that have not been used for a long time should be checked every few months and be properly charged.
The X DIGI PB2100 power bank features a smart digital display that provides battery health information, including battery temperature, battery cycle count, and overall battery health. This allows you to monitor your battery health in real time and take appropriate measures to maintain it based on this information. The reliable Battery Management System provides real-time protection for the portable charger, making your charging experience safer.
Conclusion
Understanding basic battery knowledge, such as battery capacity, mAh, and battery health, can help you choose the most suitable portable charger and significantly enhance your experience with portable chargers and other battery-powered devices. By taking the measures mentioned in blog for your portable charger and electronic devices, you can maintain your battery health and extend the lifespan. With this knowledge, you will get a better charging experience.