MelissaPersonal neck fans are portable and therefore require an autonomous power supply. A rechargeable battery with a capacity large enough to provide cool relief all day long powers the majority of wearable fans. Replaceable batteries power a lot of neck coolers.
What Kind of Batteries Power Neck Fans?
Modern neck fans are powered by lithium-ion batteries, also known as Li-ion batteries. They are rechargeable batteries consisting of cells in which lithium ions move from the negative electrode through an electrolyte to the positive electrode when discharging and back again when charging.
The major advantage of Li-ion batteries is their tremendous energy density. They are capable of storing more energy per pound than any conventional rechargeable battery. This makes them very popular for portable electronics, vehicles, etc., like neck coolers.
They do not have the memory effect of Nicad batteries and are best suited for deep discharges compared to Nicad or Nimh batteries. From an environmental point of view, they are safer to dispose of than Nicad, as they do not contaminate water, and from a mining point of view, there are neither advantages nor disadvantages.
Rechargeable or Replaceable Batteries?
Most wearable fans are powered by rechargeable batteries. These batteries can be charged again after being discharged by applying DC current to their terminals. Rechargeable batteries can be reused after charging once they have been completely discharged.
To easily make the difference, primary batteries are non-rechargeable and can only be fully discharged once. After that, the battery cannot be charged, and it cannot be used to produce an electric current.
There are 3 main types of rechargeable batteries:
- NiCd (Nickel-Cadmium)
- NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride)
- Li-ion (Lithium Ion)
The last ones – Li-ion batteries power portable fans for their high energy density and low weight.
How do I Know If a Battery is Rechargeable?
A rechargeable battery is measured by its charging capacity, which is shown in mAh (milli amp hours). You’ll see this number in the specifications of the device.
What Is the Typical Battery Capacity of Neck Fans?
Battery capacity is the total amount of current generated by electrochemical reactions in the battery and is expressed in ampere-hours. For example, a constant discharge current of 1 C (5 A) can be drawn from a 5 Ah battery for 1 hour.
The battery capacity of a neck fan is specified in the technical data of the device. It varies from 1800 mAh for smaller mini and children’s fans to 6000 mAh for larger devices.
If you want to buy a neck fan to use it all day long and have no opportunity to charge it in the meantime, then you should choose a fan with a larger battery capacity of 4000 mAh or more.
How to Charge a Neck Fan?
To charge a neck fan, connect it to a charger using a cable with a USB Type-C connector. You can use a normal charger connected to the power supply, a car charger, a power bank, a laptop, PC or any other powered device.
How Long Is the Battery Life of a Neck Fan?
The battery life of the neck fan on a single charge ranges from 3 to 20 hours. It depends on the battery capacity and the set wind speed – in terms of power consumption. The higher the speed, the higher the power consumption, the shorter the battery life.
How Long Does It Take to Charge the Battery of a Neck Fan?
Charging time depends on battery capacity and charging power. The larger the capacity, the longer it takes to charge the fan. The higher the capacity, the faster the charging process.
It usually takes 2 to 4 hours to fully charge the battery of a neck fan. If you need a fast-charging fan, refer to the fan’s technical specifications for information on charging power.
How Do I Know That a Battery is Fully Charged?
Some fans have an LED indicator that flashes when the fan is charging and lights up when the unit is fully charged. Other more expensive portable air conditioners have an LED indicator where you can read the charge level.
There are neck fans that do not have an indicator of available capacity. So you have to wait for some time until they are fully charged.
We hope you find this information useful and will easily choose the right neck fan for your needs. Stay cool on hot summer days – on the beach, camping, jogging, walking with your friends, at work,, and at home.
