Ok, so I have read severl blogs, threads, web pages, etc regarding how to charge Li-ion cells. I know the correct way is CC/CV. But here is the question and if it has been answered elsewhere, I appologize. I spent several minutes reading through several posts and didn't find any on this particular question.
What if I don't charge at a constant current rate? What happens if the current is allowed to vary maybe as low as 1ma up to 500ma. It would be monitored via micro or analog to verify it stays under 4.2 during this part of the charge, thereafter held at the 4.2 until the current diminishes off.
The premis for the question is a small solar panel charging. I know this has been addressed in the other posts, but I have seen no discussion regarding the effects on the cells with the current dynamic. I know this is not optimum but what kind of damage (if any) does it cause the cell?
BTW I purchased a solar charger off ebay for about $15 which is about the size of an iPhone, contains an 800 mw solar panel, a 2600mah li-ion poly battery, and switch selectable output usb voltage. (it is meant as a multi phone charger - I just want the 5.0 volts out)
Thanks,
mitch
What if I don't charge at a constant current rate? What happens if the current is allowed to vary maybe as low as 1ma up to 500ma. It would be monitored via micro or analog to verify it stays under 4.2 during this part of the charge, thereafter held at the 4.2 until the current diminishes off.
The premis for the question is a small solar panel charging. I know this has been addressed in the other posts, but I have seen no discussion regarding the effects on the cells with the current dynamic. I know this is not optimum but what kind of damage (if any) does it cause the cell?
BTW I purchased a solar charger off ebay for about $15 which is about the size of an iPhone, contains an 800 mw solar panel, a 2600mah li-ion poly battery, and switch selectable output usb voltage. (it is meant as a multi phone charger - I just want the 5.0 volts out)
Thanks,
mitch