Advantages and Disadvantages of the Portable Lithium-Ion Battery
Portable lithium-ion battery is an advanced battery technology that has many advantages. Understanding these benefits as well as the disadvantages or limitations enables best use of this battery technology.
These batteries use critical minerals such as cobalt and graphite which are expensive to extract. This means that these batteries must be recycled when they are no longer in service.
Faster Chargers
In general, lithium batteries are designed for moderate charge and discharge rates. This is because a battery is nonlinear and requires time to reach the full state of charge.
Some lithium-ion chemistries support ultra-fast charging, but this type of technology is costly. The current required to achieve these speeds puts the cell under stress.
Today’s thin-electrode cells can charge in less than 15 minutes, but they are 20% less energy-dense and cost twice as much as thick-electrode chemistries. Additionally, fast charges cause excessive heat generation and electrolyte movement, which can damage the active materials in the cell.
Xtar has developed a solution to address these challenges with their SC2 charger, which features an eight-slot, dual-channel design that simultaneously charges AA and AAA batteries. Its built-in microcontroller monitors each battery’s temperature and adjusts the charge current accordingly. A screen displays the status of each battery and indicates when they’re fully charged. The charger also supports 0.5A, 1A and 2A charging currents. Its USB micro port works with 5.0 Volt devices such as laptops and power banks.
High Energy Density
Compared to other rechargeable batteries like nickel-cadmium or nickel-metal-hydride, lithium-ion Portable lithium-ion battery battery packs have much higher energy density. That means they can store more power in a smaller package, allowing for lower overall weight.
This is especially important for consumer electronics, where the size of a battery pack is directly proportional to its runtime. However, it’s also crucial for electric vehicles and grid energy storage, where batteries must be able to sustain high current bursts over long periods of time.
Lithium-ion batteries are able to do just that, making them the preferred technology for passenger and commercial electric vehicles and power tools. They’re also helping to pave the way for a fossil fuel-free economy.
They’re already used to drive electric scooters, bicycles and motorcycles and are playing a key role in electrifying larger buses and freight trucks. The Portable lithium-ion battery high energy density of Li-ion batteries allows these vehicles to travel much farther on a single charge than their conventional counterparts. In addition, a fully charged Li-ion battery can be opportunity charged and reused many times over without losing a significant amount of capacity.
Low Self-Discharge Rate
All battery types lose charge or self-discharge over time, but lithium ion batteries have one of the lowest rates in the industry. They lose only about 1% per month, while nickel-based batteries may drop 10% to 15% per month when left uncharged.
Lithium ion cells are built into battery packs and power tools, but they also are available as small cylindrical batteries (AAA, AA, C or D) for digital cameras, GPS sport watches and some portable headlamps. They can go straight from the package to your device.
Unlike lead acid batteries, lithium-ion battery voltage is precisely regulated to the set point. Boosting the voltage beyond that stresses the cell and reduces capacity. Most power tools, which have protection circuits, automatically stop charging when the battery reaches its specified full charge (80% of its rated capacity). Choosing a lower voltage threshold for the power tool extends the runtime. Some manufacturers also offer a topping charge to prevent the battery from being left unused for long periods of time, which further increases the life.
Longer Lifespan
Lithium-ion batteries have become the dominant power source in consumer electronics. In fact, chances are that a lithium battery powers your smartphone or computer! Lithium-ion batteries (sometimes referred to as li-ion) provide high energy density, fast recharge time and low self-discharge rate. They also have a very high estimated number of recharge cycles and operate in a wide range of temperatures.
They are a popular choice for notebook computers, digital cameras, portable power devices and even some bike lights. Because they have the lowest voltage threshold of any rechargeable battery, they can deliver more power with fewer cells than lead acid or nickel-cadmium batteries.
As with all rechargeable batteries, a lithium-ion battery will lose its capacity over time and usage. To keep its lifespan as high as possible, it is recommended to store a battery at 50% state of charge rather than 100%. This will prevent the battery from discharging while it is in storage. Keeping your device current with the latest software and drivers may also help prolong your lithium-ion battery’s life!
Safety
Lithium-ion batteries power many portable consumer electronics and electric vehicles. Despite their popularity, this energy storage system is not without its safety concerns. It’s important to only use manufacturer-provided lithium batteries and charging equipment that has been certified by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory. In addition to the passive protection standards, most lithium-ion battery packs feature a built-in protection circuit that limits the peak voltage of each cell during charge and prevents the current in the saturation stage from dropping too low.
Due to their high energy density, lithium batteries require enhanced safety systems and special handling when in or removed from a product. They are classified as a dangerous good and must be transported in accordance with the provisions detailed in UN manual of Tests and Criteria, Part 3, section 38.3.
As lithium-ion battery manufacturers approach the theoretical limit of their energy density, they’re increasing focus on improving manufacturing methods to ensure maximum safety. If you were injured in an aircraft fire caused by a lithium battery pack, speak with an aviation accident attorney to learn whether you could file a claim against the airline or other parties.
