Discharging, Li⁺ ions move through the electrolyte from anode
to cathode while electrons take the long way round the external
circuit, lighting the bulb. Charging reverses both flows. Cell
voltage and stored capacity respond to the current you set.
C-rate describes how fast the cell is charged or
discharged relative to its rated capacity (1C empties/fills it
in about an hour, 3C in about 20 minutes). Higher C-rates push
ions across the electrolyte faster in this model, but they also
accelerate capacity fade over time. Temperature changes
ion mobility directly: warmer electrolyte lets Li⁺ ions diffuse
faster, while cold electrolyte thickens and slows them down.
- Current — sets the base electrode current as a
percentage of maximum.
- C-rate — multiplies how fast that current actually
moves ions and how quickly voltage/capacity change; also
stresses the cell (fast-charging trade-off).
- Temperature — speeds up or slows down ion motion,
and nudges voltage/capacity to reflect real degradation at
extremes.
This mirrors real packs: EV fast-charging at high C-rates
cuts charge time but wears the cell faster, and lithium-ion
batteries lose usable capacity and voltage sag in cold weather
because sluggish ion transport can't keep up with demand.