Why is it important to balance the terminal voltage of a battery?

Balancing the terminal voltage of a battery is crucial for ensuring that all cells within the battery pack are charged and discharged evenly. When cells are not balanced, some cells may become overcharged while others are undercharged, which can lead to reduced performance and a shorter overall lifespan of the battery. Over time, this imbalance can cause significant issues, such as diminished capacity, increased internal resistance, and potential damage to the cells, ultimately resulting in a failure of the battery. Thus, maintaining an equal voltage across all cells enhances the reliability and longevity of the battery system.

The other considerations related to overheating, charge time, and noise can be impacted by battery management, but they are secondary effects compared to the primary importance of maintaining balanced voltage for longevity and reliability. Balancing increases the efficiency of the battery usage and helps in sustaining its health over time.