Fast chargeability lithium polymer batteries

This paper investigates the fast chargeability of lithium polymer batteries. Attempts to fast charge 100 A-h lithium polymer batteries are presented in this paper. The tests were done at five charging currents: 50 amperes (0.5C), 100 amperes (1C), 200 amperes (2C), 300 amperes (3C), and 320 amperes (3.2C). The tests were done at three ambient temperatures: -20, 0.0, and +20degC. The currents, voltages, and temperatures were recorded during the test. It was found that the battery accepts high current for fast charging with little difficulty. The battery charged well at 0.0, and +20degC, but would not fast charge (above 3C) at -20degC. The experiments were conducted at the Battery Evaluation Lab at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. The results show that the lithium polymer batteries can be fast charged, but the batteries will need cooling at high charging rates (more than 3C). Also, such batteries will need heating if they are to be fast charged in an ambient below 0degC.