Lithium manganese acid battery or ternary lithium battery, which safety performance is better?

When it comes to batteries, there are diverse types; some differ in the types of chemicals and acids used, while others differ entirely in their capacity, power, and many other aspects.

There are always some safety concerns when it comes to batteries. Consumers always want to have the best one, especially when it comes to the safety of the battery. In fact, manufacturers work mostly on battery safety, even though they test the battery in every hazardous circumstance to reduce the level of any unwanted situation to nil.

Lithium-manganese acid batteries and ternary lithium batteries are two of the most used batteries in the world when it comes to safety. Both lithium manganese acid (LiMnO2) batteries and ternary lithium batteries can be safe if they are designed, manufactured, and used properly. However, there are some differences in their safety characteristics:

LiMnO2 Battery (Lithium Manganese Dioxide):

Safety: 

LiMnO2 batteries are generally considered safe due to the use of manganese dioxide as the cathode material, which has good thermal stability.

Lower Energy Density:

LiMnO2 batteries typically have a lower energy density compared to ternary lithium batteries, which means they may not hold as much energy, but this can be an advantage for safety.

Ternary lithium battery (NMC or NCA):

Higher energy density: Ternary lithium batteries, such as those using Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) or Nickel Cobalt Aluminum (NCA) cathodes, often have higher energy density, which means they can store more energy for a given size and weight.

Thermal Management: 

The higher energy density of ternary lithium batteries can make them more susceptible to thermal runaway if not properly managed. Thermal runaway can lead to safety hazards.

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Safety of Material

Some of the key materials used in both of these batteries are the following:

Cathode Materials:

LiMnO2 batteries use manganese dioxide as the cathode material. Manganese dioxide is relatively thermally stable and less prone to thermal runaway, making it a safer choice compared to some other cathode materials.

Ternary lithium batteries can use cathode materials like nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) or nickel cobalt aluminum (NCA). These materials can provide a higher energy density but may be less thermally stable compared to manganese dioxide. Proper engineering and safety features are crucial for managing the potential risks associated with these materials.

Anode Materials:

In both types of batteries, graphite is commonly used as the anode material. Graphite is a relatively safe material and does not pose significant safety concerns.

Electrolytes:

The electrolyte in lithium-ion batteries is typically a lithium salt dissolved in a solvent, often an organic solvent. The choice of electrolyte and its formulation play a significant role in the safety of the battery.

Non-aqueous electrolytes, which are commonly used in lithium-ion batteries, can be flammable and pose safety risks. Efforts are made to develop safer electrolyte formulations, such as those based on solid-state electrolytes, to improve battery safety.

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Separator:

The separator in a lithium-ion battery is typically a porous membrane that keeps the cathode and anode apart while allowing the flow of ions. The separator must be stable and have good thermal properties to prevent thermal runaway.

Advances in separator technology have led to the development of safer separators that can resist thermal propagation.

Thermal Management and Safety Features:

Battery safety also depends on the inclusion of thermal management systems and safety features like overcharge protection, over-discharge protection, and short-circuit protection.

Manufacturing and Quality Control:

The safety of a lithium-ion battery largely depends on the quality of its manufacturing. Proper quality control measures during production are critical for ensuring the safety and reliability of batteries.

Pack process

Cell Selection: Battery pack assembly begins with the selection of individual lithium-ion cells. These cells are typically cylindrical or prismatic in shape and can vary in size and capacity. The choice of cells depends on the specific requirements of the application

Cell Sorting: Cells are sorted based on their characteristics, such as capacity, internal resistance, and voltage, to create a well-matched set that will perform uniformly in the pack. Cells with similar properties are grouped together.

Cell Testing: Each cell is tested for electrical and mechanical integrity to ensure it meets quality and safety standards. Testing may include measuring voltage, capacity, and internal resistance.

Battery Management System (BMS) Integration: A Battery Management System, or BMS, is a crucial component in a battery pack. It monitors and manages the cells to ensure safe operation. The BMS is integrated into the pack, typically through a control board.

Cell Arrangement: The cells are arranged in a specific configuration based on the requirements of the application. This can include arranging cells in series and parallel combinations to achieve the desired voltage and capacity.

Thermal Management: Depending on the application, a thermal management system may be incorporated into the pack to control the operating temperature of the cells. This can involve the use of cooling systems or insulation.

Mechanical Enclosure: A protective mechanical enclosure is designed to house the cells and associated components securely. This enclosure is often made of materials that are lightweight yet durable.

Wiring and Connectors: Wiring is used to connect the cells in the desired configuration and to connect the BMS, thermal management system, and external connectors. Proper insulation and protection are essential for safety.

Insulation and Sealing: The pack is sealed to prevent moisture and contaminants from entering and to protect against potential short-circuits. Insulation materials are used to avoid electrical contact with the enclosure.

Final Testing and Quality Control: The completed battery pack undergoes extensive testing, including checking voltage, capacity, thermal performance, and safety features. Any faulty packs are rejected.

Cycle life

It is a critical metric in evaluating a battery's durability and longevity, as it indicates how many times the battery can be used before its capacity significantly degrades or it becomes unusable. A longer cycle life is desirable for applications such as electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems, as it extends the useful lifespan of the battery and reduces the need for frequent replacements. Factors that influence cycle life include battery chemistry, depth of discharge, charge/discharge rates, operating temperature, and the quality of battery management systems. Extensive research and development efforts are ongoing to improve battery technologies and enhance their cycle life to meet the growing demand for more robust and durable energy storage solutions.