The use of lithium ion, li-ion batteries has grown significantly in recent years. They offer some distinct advantages and improvements over other forms of battery technology including nickel metal hydride, lead acid batteries and of course nickel cadmium batteries. However, like all technologies, lithium ion batteries have their advantages and disadvantages. To gain the best from the li-ion battery technology, it is necessary to understand not only the advantages, but also the limitations or disadvantages of the technology. In this way they can be used in a manner that plays to their strengths in the best way
With lithium ion battery technology advancing at a very swift
rate, the disadvantages are being addressed and the overall technology is being
improved.
Because of their attributes, lithium ion batteries and cells are more suitable for some applications than others. They provide high levels of charge than other battery technologies, and they have a higher voltage, and can often cost more than some of other types. This makes them more applicable to some electronic circuit designs than other types of battery technology, or in other cases it may make them less suitable. Also modern lithium ion batteries are paired with battery management systems or circuitry. This helps ensure that the battery is run within its capability and provides the best performance.
There are many advantages to using a li-ion cell of battery. As a result the technology is being used increasingly for a huge number of widely varying applications. Everything from small electronic devices, through smartphones and laptops to vehicles and many other applications. When selecting a lithium ion battery over another technology such as a lead acid battery or a nickel metal hydride battery (NiMH battery), it is necessary to look at the advantages. The advantages of Li-ion technology mean that these batteries are finding an increasing number of applications, and as a result a huge amount of development is being invested into them.
The li-ion battery advantages include:
High energy density: The high energy density is one of
the chief advantages of lithium ion battery technology. With electronic
equipment such as mobile phones needing to operate longer between charges while
still consuming more power, there is always a need to batteries with a much
higher energy density.
For example, NiMH batteries would not be able to provide the charge capacity required for a modern smartphone. Using Nickel Metal Hydride battery technology a smartphone would not last long enough, especially if the battery needed to keep within the same size constraints. In addition to this, there are many power applications from power tools to electric vehicles. The much higher power density offered by lithium ion batteries is a distinct advantage. Electric vehicles also need a battery technology that has a high energy density.
Self-discharge: One issue with many rechargeable batteries is the self discharge rate. Lithium ion cells is that their rate of self-discharge is much lower than that of other rechargeable cells such as Ni-Cad and NiMH forms. It is typically around 5% in the first 4 hours after being charged but then falls to a figure of around 1 or 2% per month.
Low maintenance: One major lithium ion battery
advantage is that they do not require and maintenance to ensure their
performance.
Ni-Cad cells required a periodic discharge to ensure that they
did not exhibit the memory effect. As this does not affect lithium ion
batteries and cells. This process or other similar maintenance procedures are
not required. Likewise lead acid cells require maintenance, some needing the
battery acid to be topped up periodically.
Fortunately one of the advantages of lithium ion batteries is that there is no active maintenance required.
Cell voltage: The voltage produced by each lithium ion cell is about 3.6 volts. This has many advantages. Being higher than that of the standard nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride and even standard alkaline cells at around 1.5 volts and lead acid at around 2 volts per cell, the voltage of each lithium ion cell is higher, requiring less cells in many battery applications. For smartphones a single cell is all that is needed and this simplifies the power management.
Load characteristics: The load characteristics of a lithium ion cell or battery are reasonably good. They provide a reasonably constant 3.6 volts per cell before falling off as the last charge is used.
No requirement for priming: Some rechargeable cells need to be primed when they receive their first charge. One advantage of lithium ion batteries is that there is no requirement for this they are supplied operational and ready to go.
Variety of types available: There are several types of
lithium ion cell available. This advantage of lithium ion batteries can mean
that the right technology can be used for the particular application needed.
Some forms of lithium ion battery provide a high current density and are ideal
for consumer mobile electronic equipment. Others are able to provide much
higher current levels and are ideal for power tools and electric vehicles.
For some applications there may be other advantages of using
lithium ion batteries and cells. With a cell voltage of just over 3 volts, a
single cell may be sufficient for many applications. Most mobile phones use a
single cell.
Other applications may have their own parameters that may mean a lithium ion battery or cell is use for use within the electronic circuit design, or for an electrical application.
US Research is aimed at Battery Research to eliminate problems associated with EV Batteries. EVs don’t operate in the cold. Lithium-Ion Batteries catch fire if they are submerged in Sea Water.
Llithium-ion batteries can catch fire easily and are a
serious fire risk:
- Flammable: Lithium-ion
batteries are made of flammable materials and are energy-dense.
- Overheating: Lithium-ion
batteries can overheat if they are overcharged, exposed to extreme
temperatures, or used with non-compliant charging equipment.
- Physical damage: Lithium-ion
batteries can catch fire if they are crushed, dropped, pierced, or
vibrated.
- Short-circuiting: Lithium-ion
batteries can short-circuit, which can lead to a fire.
- Spreading quickly: Lithium-ion
fires can spread quickly and are difficult to put out.
- Toxic smoke: The
smoke from lithium-ion fires is extremely toxic and should not be breathed
in.
To prevent lithium-ion battery fires, you can:
- Store batteries away from high temperatures.
- Keep batteries away from each other.
- Avoid overcharging or undercharging your
batteries.
- Don't throw away lithium-ion batteries with general
trash or mix them with recyclable materials.
Lithium-ion batteries are used in many devices, including laptops, phones, and tablets. - Google Search
Comments
The EVs have failed to start in the cold and have caught fire in salt water. They also need too much recharging too often and there are no charging stations for highway traffic. These EV problems are being studied by engineers and other materials are being studied to remove flaws in current batteries being used.
Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader
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