One of the Common Causes of Electric Wheelchair Breakdown: Battery Aging - Symptoms, Causes, and Solutions

One of the Common Causes of Electric Wheelchair Breakdown: Battery Aging

Electric wheelchair battery aging refers to the process where battery performance gradually declines with time and usage.

Below is a detailed discussion of battery aging, including its manifestations, causes, and countermeasures.

Manifestations of Battery Aging

1. Automatic shutdown or inability to power on:
   
   • Even if the battery indicator shows power, the electric wheelchair suddenly shuts down or cannot start, which usually indicates a severe decline in battery performance.
2. Slower travel speed/distance:
   • Performance degrades, for example, from charging once a week to once a day.
     
3. Overheating issues:
   • Abnormal heat generation when not charging or in use, which could be due to an imbalance in internal chemical reactions.
4. Swelling or leakage:
   • Lithium batteries may swell or leak during the aging process, which is a very dangerous sign and requires immediate replacement.
5. Slow charging speed, inability to charge, or over 500 charge cycles:
   • A noticeable decrease in charging speed, or even inability to charge normally, is a clear sign of aging.
   • When the number of charge-discharge cycles exceeds 500, it is usually recommended to consider replacing the battery to avoid affecting equipment performance.
6. Abnormal power display:
   • Inaccurate power display, such as quickly dropping to a low level after being fully charged, is also an indicator of aging.

One of the emergency methods for electric wheelchair breakdown
If the wheelchair has been bumped or suddenly breaks down, try unplugging the battery or battery cable. The battery cell can be reset, which can resolve most electric wheelchair breakdown situations.This is an emergency measure; it is best to have a thorough inspection afterward.

Causes of Battery Aging

1. Charge-discharge cycles:
• Battery life is typically measured by the number of charge-discharge cycles. Each time the battery is charged from 0% to 100% and then discharged back to 0% counts as one full cycle. Generally, electric wheelchair lithium batteries have a cycle life of about 500 to 1000 cycles, after which battery performance will significantly decline.
2. Deep discharge and high current discharge:
• Deep discharge shortens battery life because over-discharge can cause an imbalance in internal chemical reactions. Similarly, charging with high currents can also accelerate battery aging.
3. Overcharging:
• Overcharging can lead to increased internal pressure and potentially gas generation, thereby damaging the battery structure.
4. Environmental factors:
• High-temperature environment: (above 45℃) accelerates the aging of battery materials and reduces efficiency, while low temperatures may lead to hydrogen generation, increasing internal pressure. The ideal operating temperature is generally between 20℃ and 40℃.
• Magnetic field effects: Strong magnetic fields may cause internal short circuits or other safety hazards in the battery.

Countermeasures

• Regular inspection: Users should regularly check the battery health. Our company and some products can check the number of charging cycles or mileage.
• Avoid extreme conditions: Try to avoid using and storing electric wheelchairs in extremely high or low-temperature environments.
• Proper charging and discharging: Avoid deep discharge and overcharging, maintaining the optimal usage range between 20%-80%.

Understanding these aging phenomena and their causes can help users better manage and maintain their equipment to extend its service life. Avoiding improper use or inferior products can lead to indirect consequences. Choosing high-quality batteries and following correct usage methods can effectively reduce potential risks.

Related articles: Electric wheelchair battery types, Correct battery usage, Improve battery performance

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