Ryobi has been one of the leading manufacturers of power tools for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike. They offer a wide range of power tools that cater to various needs, but one of the Achilles heels of their brand is the battery life. Thankfully, they're among the few brands that have embraced Lithium-ion batteries, which are renowned for their longer lifespan and faster charging times. Therefore, this article will take an in-depth look at the Ryobi Li-ion battery pack - specifically, the BPL 1820.
Design and Composition
The BPL 1820 is a high-capacity Lithium-ion battery pack designed specifically for Ryobi's cordless power tools. The battery pack is rated at 11.4V and 46Wh, which is fairly potent powering the various power tools in Ryobi's arsenal. The BPL 1820 comprises ten individual Li-ion batteries, each rated at 3.7 volts. These batteries are inserted within a robust plastic casing that acts as the battery's exterior shell, which also provides added protection from potential damages.
The Charging Board and Its Control
The charging board serves a dual purpose - regulating the current during charging and upkeep of the battery's safety. If there's an issue with any of the battery's cells, the charging board showcases the error via the Ryobi Fuel Gauge. This gauge is composed of three LED lights - red, orange, and green. Each LED indicating the battery's charging status. The red light indicates a depleted battery that requires immediate recharge, whereas the orange light indicates that the battery is neither full nor empty. Lastly, the green light indicates a fully charged battery.
The Charging Board Control IC primarily serves two functions. One, it balances out the charge between the different battery cells, ensuring that each one charges and discharges uniformly. This increases the lifespan of each cell, thus prolonging the battery's overall lifespan. Second, it monitors the temperature of the battery pack, deactivating the charging process if the temperature gets too hot because high temperatures depress lithium-ion batteries' performance and can even cause them to explode.
Key Takeaways
In conclusion, the Ryobi BPL 1820 is a high-capacity Lithium-ion battery pack comprising ten individual 3.7V Li-ion batteries that power Ryobi's cordless power tools. The charging board provides added safety measures - balancing out the charge between each cell and monitoring the temperature of the battery. Lastly, the Ryobi Fuel Gauge indicates the battery's current charging status through three LED lights - red, orange, and green. If you're in the market for a reliable and long-lasting battery pack for your Ryobi power tools, the BPL 1820 is an excellent choice.