The "heart" of your jet surfboard needs careful care; a proper maintenance is worth far more than a thousand yuan.
What is the core and most expensive component of that valuable power surfboard? It is not the carbon fiber board body, nor the precision motor, but the energy-containing battery under your feet. It is like the beating heart of the board, directly determining the endurance and experience of each water adventure.
1.Regarding battery maintenance, why is proper maintenance very important?
As your jet board glides across the water, behind that white wake lies a sophisticated electrochemical system at work. The vast majority of powered surfboards use lithium-ion batteries, with ternary lithium batteries or lithium iron phosphate batteries being common.
The price of a high-end electric surfboard battery pack usually reaches more than 1,000 US dollars, accounts for 30% - 40% of the total cost. Lithium batteries are not simply "energy storage tanks", They are more like living beings with "memories" and "emotions". Every charge and discharge is a journey where lithium ions shuttle between the positive and negative electrodes. Electrode materials undergo small, irreversible structural changes. This aging process does not proceed at a constant rate; improper usage habits can accelerate battery degradation like a catalyst. In particular, extreme charge-discharge states and high-temperature environments. The goal of professional maintenance is not to prevent aging, Instead, through scientific management, the aging rate is slowed down, allowing the battery to maintain performance close to that of a new product for a longer period of time.
2.Understand the principle: the trade-off between charging state and cycle count
The key to maintenance lies in understanding two core concepts: state of charge and charge-discharge cycle.
The state of charge refers to the percentage of the battery's current power relative to its full capacity. Scientific research shows that long-term maintenance of a 100% full charge or a deep discharge state below 20% will cause additional stress on lithium-ion batteries. The state of charge refers to the percentage of the battery's current power relative to its full capacity. Scientific research shows that maintaining a 100% full charge for a long time or a deep discharge state below 20% will both cause additional pressure on lithium-ion batteries. The optimal long-term storage level for electricity is 40%-60%. Within this "comfort zone," the structural stress of the electrode material is minimal, and aging is the slowest. Each complete charge-discharge cycle from 0% to 100% is recorded as one "cycle," but two charges from 50% to 100% also add up to one cycle. Most high-end power surfboard batteries are rated to have a cycle life of 500-1000 times. Scientific maintenance can ensure that you can reach or even exceed the upper limit as much as possible, rather than experiencing premature degradation.
3.The golden rule for daily charging: operational details determine lifespan
Do not charge immediately after using it in water. Wait for 30 minutes to allow the battery temperature to cool down naturally to the ambient temperature. Charging at high temperatures is the "number one killer" of lithium batteries, as it directly accelerates internal chemical reactions and material decomposition. Use the original or certified charger. Batteries of different brands and models have specific charging curves and voltage controls. Mismatched chargers may cause overcharging or undercharging, which can damage the battery health. Avoid "fragmented charging". If only part of the battery is consumed after a short period of use (for example, a 30% drop), there's no need to fully charge it every time. It can be used several times cumulatively before a full charge is needed. Modern lithium batteries do not have a "memory effect," and this charging mode is actually beneficial. If you do not use the board for more than a week, please do not store it with a full battery. Adjust the power to around 50%; this is a useful tip for long-term storage.
4.Storage and seasonal maintenance: key strategies to transcend time
Winter or long-term storage (for more than one month) is a critical period for battery maintenance. Clean and thoroughly dry the battery compartment and interfaces to prevent moisture and corrosion. Remove the battery and store it in a cool and dry environment. The ideal temperature is 10-25°C. Try to avoid basements (which may be damp) or attics (where temperatures fluctuate greatly). Whether used or not, lithium-ion batteries will have a small amount of self-discharge (about 2-5% per month). Check the stored electricity every 2-3 months, If it drops below 20%, it should be charged to around 50% before continuing to store it. Storing the battery in a long-term undercharged state will cause it to enter a "deep sleep" mode, or even permanent damage, and the repair cost will be extremely high.
5.Use tips to manage your battery rather than drain it
Avoid draining the battery each time you use it. When the surfboard indicates low battery (usually 20% remaining), you should plan to return. Fully discharging the battery to 0% before recharging will put significant stress on the battery.
Pay attention to the ambient temperature. Intense use in extremely hot weather (above 35°C) or multiple consecutive full-speed sprints can cause the battery temperature to rise sharply. Taking timely breaks to cool down is beneficial to the long-term health of the battery. When used in cold weather (below 10°C), the battery activity will decrease and the battery life will be significantly shortened. This is a normal physical phenomenon, not a sign of battery damage. If possible, the battery can be stored in a warm environment for a period of time before use.
6.System check to detect potential issues in advance
Develop the habit of regular checks. Pay attention to the data from the battery management system (such as through some connected apps), and be on the lookout for any abnormal shortening of the battery life after a certain charge. Observe if there are significant changes in charging time. If the time required to charge from 20% to 80% is much longer than before, it may indicate an increase in battery internal resistance and a decline in health status.
Pay attention to whether there are any abnormalities in the appearance of the battery. Such as bulging, liquid leakage, or severe corrosion of the interface. Once these danger signals are detected, you should immediately stop using it and contact professionals.
Most brands recommend a professional battery health check once a year or after 50-100 cycles of use.
Conclusion:
When the battery health of your surfboard drops from 80% to 70%, it means that the one hour of high-speed cruising you could originally enjoy may be shortened to fifty minutes. Your time and the sense of freedom on the water are both being diminished imperceptibly. The best maintenance not only extends the physical lifespan of the battery, but also safeguards the complete and undiminished joy every time you set sail. In the middle of the vast waters, the last thing you need to worry about is when the energy beneath your feet will run out.
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