All Dell laptops are powered by a lithium-ion batteries hence Dell laptop’s battery contain lithium metal which is one of the major components use to make long lasting rechargeable batteries in most electronic gadgets.
Lithium battery contains lithium metal which make this batteries poses some rare danger because of this, Lithium batteries are regulated as a hazardous material under the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT)
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does dell use lithium-ion or lithium-polymer?
Typically all Dell batteries are Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries that is why they last longer and they are able to hold up more energy within a limited space.
Most of our home gadgets that are rechargeable and are expected to hold up large volumes of energy, all make use of Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery.
Lithium-ion are known to hold up to four times the charge compared with lithium-polymer (Li-Po) batteries of the same size.
Lithium-ion last longer than lithium-polymer and are idea batteries for our electronics gadgets but with all its numerous advantages, it has its disadvantage and one of its disadvantage is that it is more hazardous than lithium-polymer (Li-Po).
While lithium-polymer can handle external pressure, Lithium-ion batteries cannot withstand external pressure.
The ability of lithium-polymer to withstand external pressure makes them able to mitigates hazards, so when it comes to safety concern lithium-polymer (Li-Po) is general safer.
We believe with time and improvement in technology lithium-polymer (Li-Po) battery will be largely adopted as they are now being used on some phones because of their fast charging capacity.
Note: most of our fast charging phones makes use of lithium-polymer (Li-Po) because it charges faster when compared to Lithium-ion (Li-ion).
What hazard class is lithium ion batteries?
lithium ion batteries are listed as Class 9 Miscellaneous hazardous materials in the U.S. And international hazardous materials. This class made lithium ion batteries to make it to the list of dangerous goods hence care must be taken when handling them or when packaging , shipping or transporting them.
How toxic or hazardous is a lithium ion battery?
lithium ion batteries are not that toxic or hazardous if handle properly, and if the batteries are in good shape, there is no defects of whatsoever and the battery have not expired.
But if they are not handled properly then they are prone to risk which are injury to human and the environment.
Again lithium ion battery offer little resistance to external pressure and might become hot and explode mostly if they are overcharged.
How likely are lithium-ion batteries to explode?
lithium-ion batteries are known to contain one major metal used to produce them and this metal is called lithium metal which can be hazardous under certain condition.
The chances that lithium-ion batteries will explode is extremely low but under certain conditions that is not recommended for them, the chances of them exploding might slightly occur.
To minimize the chances that they explode, you should avoid overcharging lithium batteries
How do I know if my Dell laptop has a lithium battery?
How do you remove a lithium battery from a Dell laptop?
- Before removing the lithium battery from your Dell battery, it is advised that you drain or discharge the battery first,
- Then you shutdown the system after disconnecting it from any power sources.
- Next is for you to kindly locate the compartment of the battery and press the release latch or button with this you will be able to remove the battery with minimal pressure.
When removing the battery please be careful with it and you already know that it contains lithium and shouldn’t be punctured or damaged in whatever circumstances.
We have provided a video to guide you on how to safely remove your Dell laptop lithium battery from your laptop
Should lithium batteries be removed when not in use?
Yes, lithium batteries should be removed when they are not in use because by removing your battery when not in use you are preserving your battery shelf life and ensuring it does not get damaged
Because lithium battery not in use for an extended period of time will slowly discharge on it own and with time, holding up energy as it use to will become a problem. This is why it is recommended you take the battery off your laptop once its not in use.
Lastly you should ensure you remove your lithium battery because of potential safety hazard because you can never tell if the battery will Leak or generate heat that will lead to ignition.
How long can a lithium battery sit unused?
When you removed your lithium battery from your laptop its recommended you have them stored up in a temperature of about 20°C and 25°C (this place of storage should be dry) .
This is the ideal way to ensure that the battery maintains it shelf life and also to minimise discharge rate because warmer temperature are known to fasten the rate of discharge.
Expert suggest that once a lithium battery is stored in the recommended temperature it will be able to maintain about 80% of its original capacity after 12 months of being stored.
Does Dell offer battery replacement?
Yes, Dell offers battery replacement for its laptops and this comes at a cost. You need to contact dell for more information concerning their replacement service.
But if you don’t want to go that long route and you need something urgent you can get the battery from a third party dealer but ensure it is the recommended battery specifically designed for your laptop otherwise you might end up getting a battery that might pose life safety hazard.
Note: if your Dell lithium-ion battery pack swells up this indicate danger, you should get ride of the battery as soon as possible
How long do Lithium Ion laptop batteries last?
Lithium-ion laptop batteries shelf life depends on several factors and this factors determine how many years the battery is expected to last before its not able to hold energy anymore.
This factors are: age of the battery in question, the brand of laptop, more also how the battery is being maintained and the usage.
Typically lithium laptops battery should survive over 500 charge cycle.
There are other things you need to adhere to so as to prolong the lifespan of your battery;
- your lithium battery should be stored in recommended room temperature.
- Your lithium battery should be recharge instantly before the battery drain off.
- Don’t wait untill you run out of battery before you start recharging.
- calibrating lithium battery can help extend it shelf life. So try to do this.
Sources
https://www.makeuseof.com/lithium-ion-vs-lithium-polymer-which-is-better/
https://www.choosesolar.com.au/will-li-ion-battery-degrade-over-time-even-if-left-unused/