What is the difference between 18650 batteries in terms of labeling and chemistry?

It is difficult to find an area where there are no devices running on electrical energy. Mobile sources include rechargeable batteries and disposable batteries that power the consumer by converting chemical energy into electrical energy. Lithium-ion batteries are electron pairs with active components containing lithium salts. The shape of the battery resembles a disposable AA battery, but is slightly larger, has hundreds of charging cycles, and belongs to Li-ion 18650 batteries.

18650 battery

Many users sometimes confuse this battery with a regular 1.5 volt battery. But this is wrong, his tension is much greater. Yes, and the dimensions are different.

18650 battery what is it?

This is a rechargeable battery with the ability to recharge. Some types have a built-in port and the ability to receive charge from a USB connector. This solution is very convenient.

Thus, from the above definition it becomes clear what kind of tr18650 batteries are.

LG

Batteries of this brand are marked with 2 lines. Line 1 indicates the model and standard size of the 18650 element. The initial 4 characters of the 2nd line indicate the date of manufacture, and in the 1st character the year of manufacture is encrypted, and in the rest - the serial number of the day, can be from 001 to 365. The year is deciphered as follows: Q - 2022, R - 2022, S - 2022, T – 2020, U – 2022.

Since 2022, LG has changed the design of its cells - there is a unique QR code on the outer shell, the font has become smaller, and additional inscriptions about safe use have appeared. But the decoding of the symbols indicating the production date of this product remained unchanged.

18650 battery specifications

Below we present to your attention the main parameters of this battery.

Voltage

After analyzing a number of online stores, a conclusion was made. Most 18650 batteries are 3.6 volts. But there are options with 3.7 V. At the moment of full charging, the voltage increases to 4.2-4.3 V.

How many amps are in a 18650 battery?

The current strength depends on the specific battery model. The number of amperes in a 18650 battery, according to some sources, is from 0.5 A and above.

Battery capacity 18650

The maximum capacity of 18650 batteries reaches 3600 mAh. The minimum is 1500 mAh. Most often, batteries with increased capacity are used for quadcopters and other energy-consuming devices.

How to determine the capacity of a 18650 battery?

This parameter is determined using a special multimeter tester. You can also see it on the label.

The internal resistance of the 18650 Samsung 25R battery, at room temperature conditions, is 0.022-0.025 ohms.

18650 lithium battery dimensions

The dimensions of this power source depend on the manufacturer and the availability of protection. If there are no protective elements, the size will be smaller.

Battery sizes from Robitin 3600 mAh:

• Length: 64.93 mm
• Diameter 18.20 mm

Thus, the 18650 size is significantly larger than a regular AA battery.

Color

The markets can have both the most common colors and exclusive ones. For example, you can find brown 18650 chocolate batteries.

Main advantages

1. Easy to maintain.
2. Low specific gravity.
3. Low self-discharge level.
4. High energy density.
5. The 18650 battery has no memory effect.
6. Service life is from 7-10 years.

Protected and unprotected 18650 batteries

Batteries made using Li-ion technology have rather limited operating conditions. One of the factors influencing their durability and trouble-free operation is the permissible operating voltage range, which was already mentioned above. As a result, batteries can be divided into two more types:

1. Protected . Batteries that have a specialized circuit installed inside the case - a controller, which breaks the circuit when a high or, conversely, low charge level is reached. It is advisable to use such batteries in devices that do not have their own protective controllers (cheap flashlights, simple radios, portable speakers, etc.).
2. Unprotected . Here we are talking about ordinary chemical batteries, the design of which does not contain any additional electrical circuits. They are usually used as part of stacked batteries (for example, for laptops), or in devices whose internal resistance a priori limits the discharge current. In the latter case, the charging current is controlled by the charger.

It should be noted here that the case of most Li-ion batteries is designed in such a way that if gases form inside it (during a short circuit), the membrane of one of the ends ruptures. This approach prevents the accumulation of high pressure and subsequent powerful explosion.

Battery type 18650

There are three main options:

• Lithium iron phosphate, also called ferrophosphate, also LFP, LiFePO4, IFR. (Lithium Iron Phosphate).
• Lithium Manganese Oxide. They are also IMR, LiMn2O4, NMC, LiNiMnCoO2, LiMnO2, INR. High current.
• Lithium Cobalt Oxide. These include LiCoO2, NCR, ICR. They have high capacity.

First

Considered the safest. Their operation is quite stable and with high efficiency. They have an iron phosphate cathode. This means that it has zero toxicity. The battery is tolerant to high temperatures.

The 18650 battery does not have a charge controller. If the case is severely deformed, these batteries may explode or ignite. This happens in very rare cases. 18650 is weakly sensitive to incorrect operation. For example, reducing resistance.

Second

Quite in demand by consumers. They manifest themselves as stably operating batteries. Many manufacturers write that option No. 2 18650 is safe. But in reality this is not entirely true. They don't have a charge controller.

The main advantage of such batteries is that they work with low resistance for a long time. Compared to the cobalt type, manganese ones last longer. Their capacity and current are balanced. The maximum charging current is 4.2 volts. Do not neglect the current strength, this may deteriorate the battery and cause an explosion. The current level affects the charging time.

Can withstand a discharge of 2.5 volts. The anode is made of graphite. With low resistance and high current, gas may escape. These batteries are of sufficient quality and are recommended for widespread use.

Third

It has the largest capacity, unlike those listed above. Their system can be unpredictable. Such 18650 batteries cannot be charged with fast charging. It is prohibited to use in devices that place a large load on the battery.

If you know that certain equipment quickly drains the li 18650 battery, do not put them there. Otherwise, ignition of the electrolyte cannot be avoided. The main device in which they are used at the moment is electronic cigarettes. Charging voltage 4.2 V. If you increase the voltage, overcharging may occur, and this is undesirable. Do not use powerful charges - this may deteriorate the chemical composition of the battery.

Thus, it was only described what types of 18650 batteries there are.

Decoding battery labels

There are no standards in labeling, there are no good 18650 batteries. Each manufacturer puts its own marks. But there is still some decoding.

1) The very first sign means by what technology this battery was developed (I - lithium-ion technology).

2) The next sign is the chemical composition of what the battery is made of (F/C/M/ - iron phosphate chemistry, cobalt, manganese).

3) R - means rechargeable 18650 battery.

The number 18650 means the following form factor:

• The first 2 digits are diameter.
• The next pair tells how long this element is.
• The latest one notifies that the battery is cylindrical in shape.

Letters/numbers are a special marking of energy density (capacity). Each manufacturer writes it differently.

Options:

• Samsung INR18650-20R (lithium-ion battery with manganese chemistry, high current, 2000mah).
• Samsung ICR18650-26F (lithium-ion battery with cobalt chemistry, 2600mah).
• Panasonic NCR18650PF (NCR is a type of cobalt chemistry, this is the middle ground between the first and second options, or LiNiCoO2 chemistry, without the use of manganese. It does not fit existing types, it turned out to be a kind of mixture. The positive side is increased energy density with low thresholds up to 2.5-2 .75V). LiNiMnCoO2 chemistry is used. That is, this high-current IMR is made on the basis of manganese, but the creator left the same mark.
• Sanyo UR18650FM – Sony usually stamps brands in its own way. This is a lithium ion battery with a capacity of 2600 mAh.

How the marking is deciphered

As an example, consider the ICR18650-26F M lithium-ion battery.

1. The first symbol “I” is used on all elements of this type that are created using the same technology;
2. The second letter allows you to understand what material the cathode is made of. For lithium-ion batteries, this can be cobalt - C, manganese - M, iron phosphate - F;
3. The next letter – R – stands for battery;
4. The 18650 numbers can be divided into two blocks: 18 and 65. These are the length and diameter, respectively;
5. The last digit 0 is the shape, that is, the cylinder.

At the same time, the markings of different manufacturers may vary greatly.

Which 18650 battery is better and how to choose it?

Based on safety considerations, the best 18650 batteries are lithium iron phosphate. They are low toxic and less likely to explode. When a battery is needed for a flashlight, any kind will do. But remember, if the charger is not reliable, it is better not to charge a battery that does not have protection.

When choosing an 18650 battery, decide for what purpose it is needed. If you are going to use it in gadgets, for example, in a laptop, bicycle, storage battery, then it is better to give preference to the unprotected option. Such types are produced by Panasonic, Samsung, LG, Sony. They usually have flat side edges.

Protected batteries have a special micro board installed inside the case. This tool prevents the battery from overcharging. In addition, it protects against short circuits. This type of flashlight should be used if there is a series connection of two such batteries.

High-capacity 18650 batteries Panasonic 3600 (NCR18650G) and Sanyo 3500 mAh are good for laptops. The cheapest and most popular are Panasonic 3100 mAh.

When choosing, be guided by the types of batteries indicated in the section above!

What else is worth paying attention to?

• Rated current.
• What kind of heating can there be, how does it heat up?
• Voltage.
• Energy capacity.

Manufacturers rating

There are many companies involved in the production of power supplies, and it would be wrong to use such a descriptive characteristic as “the best”. Here is a rating of models that have proven themselves to be reliable and durable:

Samsung INR18650-25R.

• Samsung ICR18650. Capacity – 2600 mAh, available, but without a protection system. Often counterfeited;
• LG 18650 HE2. The capacity is 2500 mAh, capable of delivering a current of 20 A. The battery practically does not drain completely due to the chemical composition - Hybrid IMR. Therefore, it is in demand for powering electronic cigarettes (vapes);
• Samsung INR18650-25R. Capacity – 2500 mAh, used for powerful devices where various loads are expected. The discharge current parameter is 20 – 100 A;
• Panasonic NCR18650B. Energy capacity – 3400 mAh, discharge current – ​​1.6 – 6 A. Service life – approximately 300 cycles;
• Robiton 18650-3000. Battery with discharge and overcharge protection, capacity 3000 mAh and discharge current 3.5 A.

Other popular models worth highlighting are: Samsung ICR18650-26HM, Olight 18650 ORB-186P36, ANSMANN Li-Ion 18650, Sony 18650 VTC5.

18650 battery device

Inside and outside, this battery has the following structure:

1. Fuse.
2. Gasket.
3. Positive conclusion.
4. Current anode puller.
5. Pressure relief valve.
6. The insulation is usually made of cellophane.
7. Positive electrode.
8. Separator.
9. Isolation.
10. Negative conclusion.
11. Frame.
12. Negative electrode.

Typically, an 18650 battery consists of an anode made of copper and a cathode made of aluminum. The built-in electrodes are separated from each other by a special separator. This unit has a porous structure. It is impregnated with electrolyte. The electrodes are carefully packaged in a dense cylindrical housing. Positively charged lithium ions located in the separator penetrate into the graphite crystal lattice. This element is connected to the negative pole of the battery. An electric current potential is formed at the positive.

Options

Batteries with different capacities are available for sale. This affects the operating time and charging process. Batteries of 1100-2600 mAh have a low capacity. The most popular in this category are products from UltraFire. This manufacturer produces high-quality flashlights. Therefore, consumers reasonably have a question about how to charge the 18650 UltraFire battery.

In this case, it should be noted that devices with a capacity of up to 2600 mAh must be charged with a current of 1.3-2.6 A. This process is carried out in several stages. At the beginning of charging, the battery receives a current that is 0.2-1 of the battery capacity. At this point, the voltage is maintained at about 4.1 V. This stage lasts about an hour.

During the second stage, the voltage is kept at a constant level. For some charger manufacturers, this procedure may be carried out using alternating current. It should also be noted that if there is a graphite electrode in the battery design, it cannot be charged with a current exceeding 4.1 V.

How to charge a 18650 battery?

The 18650 Li-ion battery should be recharged frequently. Otherwise, he may lose his former agility.

1. Charging occurs at a voltage of 0.05 V, and should be completed when the voltage reaches a level of 4.2 volts. This way the battery will be intact.
2. Charging can be carried out at a current of 0.5-1 Ampere. Therefore, it is now clear what current to charge a li ion battery 18650 with. The first value is the most balanced. The second will make the charging process faster. But you should not increase the current unless necessary.
3. 18650 batteries should be recharged in no more than 3 hours. Otherwise the chemistry may suffer. It's good if there is built-in protection. In this case, the battery will turn itself off.
4. You don't want the battery to drain too much. It will be difficult to return to the previous characteristics. It needs to be recharged from time to time.
5. For the first time, 5 charge cycles and 5 discharge cycles should be performed.

How to charge a 18650 battery without a charger?

Without a charger, you can fill the battery with energy only through the USB port. To do this, your battery must have a special connector. Details in the video.

Charger for 18650 batteries

You can charge this battery yourself using a standard charger. Typically, a device with 1 socket is capable of charging with a current of 1 Ampere. Such a device will be convenient for those people who charge once every 12 months.

Connect the 18650 battery charging module strictly, observing the polarity.

Those chargers that have 2 slots for batteries with 4.2 V. If you increase the voltage the battery will die. Fortunately, there is an indicator that monitors the process.

In retail trade you may find mixed types of chargers. They are designed for both 18650 batteries and regular NiCd batteries.

Devices that have a high cost are more richly equipped. They have relays and all possible control indicators. Therefore, charging for 18650 lithium-ion batteries will be more reliable.

What to do if 18650 does not charge?

1. Check the production date, it may have already expired.
2. Think about how many charge and discharge cycles you have already done. If it is more than indicated in the battery characteristics, then it has already served its purpose.
3. Check if the charger is working properly. The wire may have been crushed.
4. Pay attention to the contacts. There is a possibility that the contact between the battery and the tin plate may be damaged. The cause may be plaque, rust or oxidation.
5. Check if there is electricity in the house.

These five points will help you understand why the 18650 battery does not charge.

How to charge a 18650 battery using a phone charger?

The video below provides instructions on how to do this correctly. Here's what you'll need:

1. Mobile charger TR 4056.
2. Battery
3. Soldering iron.
4. Wires.
5. USB cable with suitable connector.
6. Phone charger.

After assembly, all that remains is to connect it to the phone's charger using a USB cable.

But charging 18650 from a solar battery is possible if you create a special device that delivers the required current. But in reality, you will have to try to bring the design to life. There is no finished development yet.

Watch the video on how to build a cool battery with solar panels.

Advice! It is best to buy a charger for 18650 li ion CV or CC batteries.

How to make a charger for 18650 batteries?

Charging for li ion batteries can be done on the LM 317 chip. Below is a diagram and what it looks like assembled.

The video provides an example of creating a charger for this battery.

Which device should you use?

Different models of chargers differ in technical characteristics, set of functions and some other parameters:

Liitokala Lii-500 is a universal charger that automatically selects currents for charging batteries.

1. Simple. Such devices supply a current of 1 A. They have a single socket for installing an 18650 battery.
2. Improved. The device is equipped with 2 battery slots. The maximum voltage level is 4.2 V. This charger is more expensive. Additional functions include charge indication. The device automatically limits the procedure time, preventing overcharging.
3. Universal. Used to charge power supplies of the 18650 and 26650 types. Models of this type are used to restore the functionality of lithium-ion and nickel-cadmium cells. The best devices are equipped with a safety system that eliminates the need for regular voltage and current measurements.
4. Homemade. If a ready-made device cannot be found, the charger can be assembled at home. The components are connected according to the diagrams.

The quality of the memory largely depends on the cost. Cheap devices do not have components that allow you to abandon constant monitoring. Using an incorrectly assembled homemade device may result in battery failure or personal injury.

How to drain a 18650 battery?

Let's carry out a safe discharge. To do this you will need:

• 12 volt incandescent lamp.
• 2 wires.
• Battery to discharge.

Now all that remains is to solder the wires to the lamp and connect to the 18650 battery. A smooth discharge will occur.

You can also perform discharge using a special unit shown in the video below.

The maximum discharge current can reach up to 35 A. But it is better that this is more a myth than a reality. It is best to use the gentle mode and discharge with a current of 1 ampere.

The discharge current should not be more than 2 times the capacitance value (2C). For example, a battery with a capacity of 2000 mAh will be equal to 4000 mAh. The voltage should not be less than 2.5 volts.

Marking of high-current Li-ion cells 18650

The table shows a breakdown of the labeling of high-current batteries from well-known brands:

How to check if a 18650 battery is working properly?

To check, use a regular multimeter. With this device we measure the voltage and determine the voltage of the battery. A normal 18650 battery contains 3.6-3.7 volts.

If the battery starts to get very hot during charging and its temperature reaches more than 40 degrees, it is better to get rid of it.

It is believed that when the voltage is less than 1 volt, these batteries need to be thrown away. But if it accepts a charge, you can still use the battery.

Recommendations for use and storage

If the batteries are not in use, several conditions must be observed when storing them:

• You cannot keep them completely discharged; it is better to discharge them halfway before long-term storage;
• stable temperature conditions. Despite the fact that operation and storage are usually permissible in the range from -20 to + 50-60 degrees Celsius, it is recommended to avoid negative temperatures and positive temperatures above 40 degrees. So, for example, charging should generally take place at +10-+40 degrees Celsius.
• no high humidity. Water and especially salt always have a detrimental effect on any metal, oxidizing it in the shortest possible time. This leads to damage to the outer shell and failure of the battery.

At the same time, even despite all conditions being met, battery degradation will always be observed. It reaches loss values ​​of up to 10% of the original capacity per year. Therefore, it is extremely important to pay attention to the production date.

How to make a battery from 18650 batteries?

To do this, you should prepare the following:

1. The required number of 18650 batteries.
2. Wires or thin tin plates.
3. Connector for power output. Or just two wires, preferably black and red.
4. Electrical tape or container in which the batteries will be securely fixed.

The battery assembly from 18650 batteries is carried out according to the following principle. The negative end must be connected to the positive end. It is worth deciding what kind of connection is needed, parallel or serial . The first saves space in length, and the second in width. The figure below shows what the second connection looks like. This is a laptop battery.

Scheme of sequential battery connection.

Parallel connection:

See the video for assembly details.

Samsung

This manufacturer indicates in 1 line the model, type of chemistry and dimensions of the battery. Below is information about the manufacturing plant: SDI - Korean plant, SDIEM - Malaysian. By line 3 you can find out the release date, and the designations are different for the SDI and SDIEM models.

Samsung SDI series batteries produced in the city of Tianjin have a final letter T in the marking, and the month is indicated differently - in order by letters from D to O. For example, the GH5T marking means that this battery was released in 2016 (G), in the 5th week of May.

Application of 18650 batteries

So where are 18650 batteries used? This battery is used in various technical gadgets. Below is a list of them:

1. An 18650 battery is inserted into the flashlight.
2. It is needed for vaping or electronic cigarettes.
3. It can be used as an external battery with replaceable 18650 batteries. Essentially, it is a power bank with 18650 batteries.
4. Quadcopters.
5. Radio controlled toys.
6. Airsoft drives.
7. For powering electric motors.
8. Laptops.
9. Screwdrivers.
10. Drills.
11. Players.
12. Electric bicycles.
13. Portable telephone handsets.

Braid for 18650 batteries

When purchasing this battery, do not neglect the packaging. The case for 18650 batteries performs a protective function. Prevents accidental ingress of moisture and contact with metal. In addition, the 18650 battery is quite easy to carry in the box.

The braid looks like this:

How much do 18650 batteries cost?

Prices for this device are different everywhere. It all depends on the specific company, the characteristics of the battery and the store itself.

At the moment, the price tag for batteries with a capacity of 3500 mAh fluctuates around 1800 rubles. On Aliexpress it is 1000 - 2000 rubles. But you understand that you will have to wait a long time.

A battery with a capacity of 2500 mAh costs 200 – 1400 rubles.

The difference between 18650 and AA batteries

The main difference is this:

1. Size. It may be a couple of millimeters larger. It all depends on the specific model.
2. Charge. The voltage level is 3.7 volts. At the moment of energy accumulation it reaches 4.2-4.3 V.
3. Battery type. That is, it is recharged many times. Usually 500 – 1000 times.

If you want to replace the AA with an 18650 battery, be sure to check the voltage. By connecting two AA batteries we get 3 volts. And this device produces about 3.7 V. Therefore, it is better to use it in flashlights and equipment that can withstand excess voltage.

They can replace three AA or AAA batteries, but again there will not be enough energy. Again, you need to think about which products will operate at reduced voltage. The radio receiver and player may work fine, but the engine or heating element will work rather poorly.

Li-ion 18650 battery is susceptible to aging

The wear process occurs regardless of whether a li ion 18650 battery is used or not. There is an opinion that after a few years from the moment of manufacture they should be thrown away. Once a year the battery loses charge by as much as 10%. Before you buy it, look at what year it was made.

Another disadvantage is the inability to store discharged for a long time. This leads to damage. Aging also depends on the temperature that surrounds them. They can work perfectly from -20 to + 20 degrees. Some species are able to function at +50.

What does protected battery mean?

As a rule, lithium-ion batteries should have a voltage of 2.5-4.2 volts. There is a special defense that it was not rejected. It is made in the form of a small board with radio elements. This device is attached to the negative pole of the battery.

The board protects against overload and lock. It is soldered to the negative using a special metal tape. Such items are marketed under various brands. This microcircuit slightly extends this type of power supply. If there are two words Short-circuit and Protection, then the battery is protected.

There is also mechanical protection. It is triggered when a large amount of gas accumulates.

18650 specifications table

Where are they used?

Lithium ion batteries 18650 are designed to power modern devices and other electrical devices of various classes and purposes: These include:

1. Electric flashlights designed for the required standard size 18650.
2. External power source (so-called “Power Bank”).
3. Quadcopters.
4. Radio-controlled models with motors.
5. Electric drills and screwdrivers.
6. Mobile telephone handsets.
7. Laptops, etc.

Elements from Panasonic like cgr18650ce , for example, are used to power the “on-board network” of bicycles and other self-propelled vehicles designed for a voltage of 3.7-4.3 V.

18650 battery repair

The protective board fails periodically. This electronic filling can be removed and the battery can be used again.

Step-by-step action plan:

1. Remove the cellophane wrapper.
2. After this, you will see a conductor running from the positive pole to the microcircuit. This whole thing is hidden under the minus. In the event of an emergency, the board breaks this contact.
3. Remove the board and remove the conductor. If necessary, spot welding can be cleaned with sandpaper.
4. It is worth removing the shell enough so that the contact of the device touches the contact of the battery.
5. Now wrap it with tape or a special adhesive film and you can use it.

After doing these steps, the 18650 battery will lose 1 millimeter.

Where is the plus of the battery?

It is not difficult to determine where the plus and minus are. Depending on the manufacturer, there may be several options. The simplest one is when the corresponding designation is indicated on the battery itself. However, this does not always happen. Option two - the output of the positive electrode is located on the side of the protrusion at the end. A third option is also possible - when the positive pole is indicated by a wide black stripe. If there is neither one nor the other, nor the third, let’s pay attention to the small openings-slots and the convexity of one of the sides. This is a plus.

Precautions for use

Many batteries can catch fire and even explode under certain conditions. The chemical elements used can cause an increase in temperature and various reactions that lead to an increase in the temperature of the main elements. 18650 ion batteries are more prone to heat than others. Among the features we note the following points:

1. E-cigarette users are often injured due to battery failure. To power such a device, an 18650c4 battery is installed, the characteristics of which are slightly higher than those of conventional versions.
2. Often, lithium-ion power supplies are installed on mobile phones, tablets and laptops. Such devices are characterized by high power consumption, which leads to heating of the battery. Too high a load and mechanical damage to the housing can lead to fire of the battery.

We recommend: Starting and traction battery for electric boat motor

In most cases, the battery ignites due to poor assembly. In the case of electronic cigarettes, it is much easier to provoke an explosion, which is due to the basic characteristics of the device.

Too low a resistance can cause the load on the battery to increase rapidly. In some cases, the load becomes prohibitive, which leads to fire or explosion of the structure. Recently, manufacturers have begun to use various protection technologies that de-energize the battery when a short circuit occurs.

Homemade device

Some users have a question about how to charge an 18650 battery in an emergency when a special device is not at hand. In this case, you can do it yourself. An old phone charger (for example, Nokia) will do.

You need to remove the wire sheath and disconnect the minus (black) and plus (red) wires. Using plasticine, you can attach the exposed contacts to the battery. Proper polarity must be observed. Next, the device is connected to the network.

This charging can last about an hour. This will be enough for the battery to ensure proper operation of the equipment.

Recommendations from experts

Experts recommend taking a responsible approach to the process of charging and discharging the battery. Its durability depends on this. It is not worth discharging the battery completely and charging it to 100%. It is better to limit the charging process to 90%. However, periodically (every three months) you can completely discharge and fully charge the battery. This is necessary to calibrate the controller.

The battery can be stored for quite a long time. To do this, you need to charge it 50%. She can remain in this state for about a month. At the same time, the room should not be too hot or too cold. Ideal conditions are considered to be keeping the temperature at 15 ºС.

By looking at how to charge a 18650 battery, you can properly maintain and operate the battery. In this case, its service life will be much longer.

Li-ion battery design

When creating the power source in question, a special liquid is used as an active substance in which chemical reactions occur. At the same time, the chemical reactions that take place are reversible, due to which the battery can be recharged. The operating principle of the battery is as follows:

1. The device has a cathode and an anode: the first is a negative electrode, the second is positive.
2. When a chemical reaction takes place, a current is generated between these two elements.
3. The ongoing processes of discharge and charge are represented by oxidation and reduction of the surface of the electrodes.
4. Conductive materials are used in the manufacture of the cathode and anode.
5. Violation of operating conditions causes the electrodes to begin to deteriorate, which leads to an increase in metal concentration. The resulting molecules become a conductor between the cathode and the anode, after which short circuits occur. A similar process, like a snowball, gains speed exponentially. Therefore, once the integrity of the battery is damaged, it does not last long.
6. Manufactured housings are characterized by tightness. Heating the electrolyte causes it to expand and increase pressure. Once the pressure becomes critical, the battery explodes or catches fire.

In many ways, the operating principle of this type of battery is similar to that of car batteries. The difference lies in the presence of only two plates and the type of materials used in manufacturing.