Is it possible to select the appropriate lithium ion battery? Before we get into that, what exactly is a lithium ion battery?
The process of charging and discharging a lithium-ion battery involves the movement of lithium ions between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. This gives the battery the ability to be recharged. Secondary batteries and primary batteries are the two types of lithium-ion batteries that are available. However, secondary batteries can be charged several times, but disposable batteries cannot be charged multiple times. Because lithium-ion batteries are suitable for storing huge amounts of power, they are used extensively in a variety of applications, including forklifts, recreational vehicles (RVs), yachts, fishing boats, and other areas. Although this is the case, there are several soft-packaged lithium batteries that are used in electronic products, intelligent robotics, and other industries.
The fundamental mode of operation of a lithium ion battery
An anode, a cathode, a separator, an electrolyte, and two current collectors (positive and negative) are the four essential components that make up a lithium battery. Salts, solvents, and additives are the basic components that make up the electrolyte. It works as a lithium-ion pipeline between the positive and negative electrodes, delivering positively charged lithium ions from the anode to the cathode and vice versa via the separator. The movement of lithium ions creates free electrons in the anode, consequently creating a charge on the positive electrode current collector. Then, the current travels from the current collector via the device (mobile phone, computer, etc.) that delivers power to the negative current collector. Finally, the separator is a physical barrier that separates the cathode from the anode.
Advantages of lithium-ion batteries
- High energy density. High power density means that lithium batteries can offer more power in the same volume condition. For example, compared to 25WH/kg lead-acid batteries and 60-70WH/kg nickel-metal hydride batteries, it may have up to 150 watt-hours (WH) per kilogram (kg).
- Low maintenance. Since lithium batteries are more stable compared to other batteries, they do not need much maintenance under typical conditions. But when there is a strong collision in an emergency, there will be no fire or explosion.
- Chargeable. Lithium iron phosphate battery is a secondary battery that may be recharged repeatedly. As a consequence, customers do not have to bother about replacing fresh batteries every usage, which offers convenience for those who use them for a long period. However, its drawback is that it is more costly.
- Long life cycle. Compared with ternary lithium batteries and other lithium batteries, lithium iron phosphate batteries’ cycle periods are greater, generally above 4000 times. Significant cost reductions in the long term.
- Low self-discharge. Lithium iron phosphate batteries’ self-discharge rate is modest compared with other batteries. So you need not fear that the battery will waste a lot of power while not in use.
- Customizable. Because of various application regions, the battery’s size will vary. Private modification may be performed according to customers’ preferences.
- More ecologically friendly. How to assess if an item is ecologically friendly may be studied from its ingredients. Lithium-ion batteries do not contain dangerous compounds, but lead-acid batteries contain lead. Although both batteries are recyclable, lead-acid batteries used in UPS and electric cars are far less difficult to recycle than huge lithium-ion batteries in most regions of the globe. The contamination of lead-acid batteries is mostly reflected in the manufacture process. Lead-containing heavy metal wastewater will arise in painting and battery cleaning. Although both batteries are recyclable, lead-acid batteries used in UPS and electric cars are far less difficult to recycle than huge lithium-ion batteries in most regions of the globe.
- Safety. The power lithium battery usually employs lithium iron phosphate. The PO bond in the lithium iron phosphate crystal is balanced and resistant to breakdown. Therefore, even with high temperatures case in or overload, it will not collapse and heat like important oxidizing chemicals or lithium cobalt oxide. According to a study, some samples were observed to burn in acupuncture or short-circuit experimentations in real operation, but no explosion happened. Lithium iron phosphate batteries so are safer than conventional batteries. The lithium iron phosphate battery is provided with a protective valve. When the air pressure is too high, the protective valve will automatically open to safeguard the battery. In addition, a BMS protection feature is also available. When the voltage or current is too great, the protective feature will be engaged.
Combining all the criteria, the lithium iron phosphate battery has the greatest value. These include a safety factor, stability, and cost performance.
Things to consider when picking the proper lithium-ion battery
- The power capacity you require. When you want to acquire a new battery product, you need to know the power capacity needed by the associated item. If the capacity is too high or too little, it will impact the regular functioning of the product.
- Find out the battery size you require. The appropriate size is highly vital for an application; too big or too tiny is not ideal. If your application is more specific, you need to buy a new battery casing.
- Charge rate. The charging rate controls how quickly you charge. If you are short on time, then you need a rapid charger. If you use it routinely, simply purchase a matching charger. Occasionally quick charging has minimal impact on the battery. However, regular rapid charging may diminish the battery’s service life.
- Range of working temperature. When you choose a battery, you need to consider its functioning environment. Too high or too low the temperature will disrupt the battery’s normal functioning. If the temperature is too low, you may need to heat the battery to a specified level to operate appropriately.
- Life cycles. Since various manufacturers are supplying batteries on the market, the costs are likewise unequal. The number of cycles of various kinds of batteries is also vary. But from the present point of view, the cost performance of lithium iron phosphate batteries is still quite high. The safety factor is also pretty high.
- Do you want to utilize it inside or outdoors? For indoor usage, you may get a bigger energy storage battery. However, if you use it outside, you need to examine if it is convenient.
- Which field do you wish to apply in? Lithium batteries may be employed in a number of industries, for instance, solar and wind power are converted into electrical energy for storage. It may also be employed as a portable capability source, which can be consumed when the emergency capacity is necessary. The same may be consumed in RVs, speedboats, fishing boats, forklifts, and other uses. Different batteries are utilized in different industries, therefore you need to think about it before purchasing.
- Do you want everyday usage or emergency? For regular usage, you may need to acquire better-quality batteries. For emergency usage, you might think that the purchase price is not so costly. You may acquire it according to your financial capabilities. When you want to acquire a new battery product, you need to know the power capacity needed by the associated item. If the capacity is too high or too little, it will impact the regular functioning of the product.
- What is the price you are planning to spend? Generally, the greater the price, the better the item’s quality. Therefore, everything should be considered depending on one’s economic strength.
Types of lithium ion batteries
| ltems | Lithium titanate | Ternary lithium | Lithium Iron Phosphate |
| Standard Voltage | 2.4V | 3.6V | 3.2V |
| Life cycles | > 9000 | > 1000 | > 2000 |
| Safety | Good | Better | Excellent |
| Range of working temperature | -30℃-60℃ | -20℃ to 55℃ | -20℃-60℃ |
| Possibility of material price reduction | Have some space | Have some space | Have large space |
| Advantage | Good cycle performance, high stability, fast charging | Good high temperature stability, good resistance to dielectric corrosion | High stability, safety and relibility, good cycle performance, excellent high temperature performance, and can work normally at low temperature -20℃ |
| Disadvantage | The discharge voltage platform is low, the energy density is low, and the price is expensive | The material lattice will be distorted during charging and discharging, and the cycle performance is poor | General conductivity, low tap density |
| Comprehensive price/performance ratio | Low | Generally | High |
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