The performance degradation of portable energy storage power supplies in low-temperature environments primarily stems from reduced internal chemical reaction rates, increased electrolyte viscosity, and increased ion migration resistance. These physicochemical changes lead to increased internal resistance, decreased charge/discharge efficiency, and may even cause a sharp drop in capacity and shortened battery life. To mitigate these issues, a comprehensive approach is needed, encompassing battery technology optimization, temperature control system design, structural protection enhancement, and adjustments to user habits.
At the battery technology level, the selection of low-temperature resistant battery materials is crucial. Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) batteries, due to their stable crystal structure and excellent low-temperature adaptability, are the preferred solution for low-temperature scenarios. Compared to ordinary lithium batteries, LiFePO₄ batteries exhibit slower decay in ion insertion/extraction capabilities at low temperatures, are less prone to lithium plating, and offer higher safety. To further improve low-temperature performance, electrolyte formulations with added plasticizers can be considered to improve ion conduction efficiency by reducing solvent viscosity; alternatively, nano-carbon conductive agents can be introduced to modify electrode materials, enhancing electronic conductivity and thus mitigating polarization caused by low temperatures.
Integrating a temperature control system is the core approach to addressing low-temperature challenges. Active heating technology directly provides heat to the battery pack through built-in heating films or heating wires, maintaining its operating temperature within a suitable range. For example, a protection board with an integrated heating film can monitor battery temperature in real time and automatically activate the heating system when the charging temperature is too low to ensure battery activity. This type of design must balance heating efficiency with energy consumption to avoid excessive power consumption affecting overall range. Furthermore, the application of intelligent temperature control algorithms enables dynamic adjustment of the heating strategy, optimizing heating power based on changes in ambient temperature, improving response speed while reducing energy loss.
Structural protection design is equally important for ensuring low-temperature performance. The casing material must be a tough plastic or alloy resistant to low-temperature impact to prevent cracking or deformation due to low-temperature embrittlement. Simultaneously, the casing's sealing must be strengthened, using elastic sealing strips or high-temperature resistant silicone sealant to fill interface gaps, preventing cold air intrusion and internal heat leakage. For portable energy storage power supplies used outdoors, an insulation layer or a removable insulating sleeve can be added, using thermal insulation materials to reduce heat loss and create a relatively stable operating environment for the battery.
Adjusting usage habits can also significantly mitigate low-temperature performance degradation. When charging in low-temperature environments, prioritize warm, dry indoor locations and avoid direct charging outdoors in cold conditions to improve charging efficiency and battery activity. If the device has a preheating function, preheat the battery in advance via the app or physical button to shorten charging time and extend battery life. Furthermore, avoid prolonged full-load discharge at low temperatures to reduce the impact of high current output on the battery, which helps slow down capacity degradation.
A robust safety protection mechanism is the last line of defense for low-temperature use. In low-temperature environments, increased battery internal resistance may lead to localized overheating. Overheat protection circuits must monitor the temperature in real time to prevent thermal runaway. Simultaneously, over-discharge protection prevents battery damage due to deep discharge, extending battery life. Some high-end models are also equipped with tri-proof features (dustproof, waterproof, and moisture-proof), using a high-protection-level casing and built-in dehumidifier to address condensation issues caused by large temperature differences between day and night in high-altitude or extremely cold regions, ensuring stable operation in harsh environments.
Optimizing the low-temperature performance of portable energy storage power supplies requires the synergistic effect of battery technology, temperature control systems, structural protection, and user habits. By employing low-temperature resistant materials, integrating active heating, implementing sealed and insulated designs, and employing scientific usage methods, low-temperature degradation can be effectively mitigated, enhancing the reliability and practicality of equipment in cold environments. In the future, with breakthroughs in new technologies such as solid-state batteries, the low-temperature adaptability of portable energy storage power supplies will be further enhanced, providing more stable energy support for outdoor exploration, emergency rescue, and other scenarios.
