Lithium-ion battery large capacity analysis

Gone are the days when nickel-cadmium batteries were the only appropriate solution for portable equipment. Now, various other better solutions have sprung up in the market. One of them has become one of the most powerful battery types.

What is the most powerful battery?

Lithium-ion batteries have dethroned all other kinds of cells to become the most powerful battery in town. Moreover, manufacturers of the battery are continuously trying to improve it, to further increase its power.

Compared to a conventional nickel-cadmium battery, a lithium-ion battery features twice as much energy density. Whether it be load characteristics or the discharge, lithium-ion batteries are better at it all. Since each cell can have a high voltage of 3.6 volts, the product can perform the function via one cell rather than two. Additionally, the battery doesn’t require much maintenance since it does not have memory effect or cycling issues. Its self-discharge is also significantly less than other types of cells.

What is the difference between lithium ion and nickel metal hydride batteries?

Lithium-ion batteries differ significantly from Metal Hydride batteries. One of the most apparent differences between the two is the material each use for the sake of storing power. While Lithium-ion batteries feature carbon and lithium, Nickel metal hydride make use of hydrogen for storing power and nickel along with another metal to keep the hydrogen ions within the cell. The use of Lithium in Lithium-ion batteries allow the product to store an extensive amount of energy.

Apart from structural differences, there are various other ways the two batteries differ from one another.

Cost

When you compare the prices of the two batteries, you will find that Nickel metal hydride costs considerably less than Lithium-ion. This is because the technology employed in the production of Nickel metal hydride batteries is cheaper than the one needed for Lithium-ion batteries. However, as Lithium-ion cells are gaining popularity due to their ability to store immense power, the production of the cells is increasing. With the increasing number of units produced, economies of scale are bound to kick in soon, thereby decreasing the price of the product.

Power

When it comes to storing power, both Lithium-Ion batteries, as well as Nickel metal batteries, perform similarly. However, the difference arises in their ability to charge and discharge. Here, lithium-ion batteries take the lead and are known to quickly charge and discharge. Also, lithium-ion batteries don’t feature any “memory effect”. This effect is persistent in Nickel metal hydride batteries and causes the product to lose out on its capacity due to being charged before the battery is adequately drained out.

Weight

Nickel metal hydride batteries are significantly heavier as well as more substantial in size than Lithium-ion batteries. If you are looking for batteries for your hybrid car, this difference is significant for making the right choice for the cells of your vehicle. For instance, in cars, a battery needs to provide enough power to overcome the inertia experienced by the vehicle. This helps in boosting the mileage of the hybrid vehicle. Batteries which feature a lighter weight along with high power storage make a car going with less effort than those which are heavier and have low energy. While lithium-ion clearly belongs to the first category, Nickel metal hydride belongs to the other. Therefore, this difference showcases the superiority of Lithium-ion over Nickel metal hydride batteries.

Durability

Not only does the robustness of the two batteries differ, but Nickel metal hydride is considerably better than Lithium-ion batteries in this regards. It has been observed that compared to Nickel Metal Hydride batteries, Lithium-ion cells don’t last as long. This mainly occurs if the product is used in extreme climates. However, various manufacturers of lithium-ion cells are putting in efforts to improve the durability of the product. Some quality providers have succeeded in ensuring that the batteries last as long as the vehicle they are powering.

How to maintain lithium battery large capacity

Even though lithium batteries already feature large capacity and low “memory effect”, still you must take proactive measures to boost the capacity of the cells. Here are some tips that can help you out.

Store the batteries at room temperature

Warm temperatures tend to reduce the capacity of lithium batteries. Therefore, to maintain them, you must store them at a temperature between 20 to 25 degree Celsius. Make a point not to keep your battery charging on a hot day.

Opt for a high capacity battery than carrying multiples

A lot of people carry multiple batteries for an emergency. However, regardless of whether you use a cell or not, it will deteriorate as time passes. Rather than investing in various batteries and taking care of them, select one high capacity lithium battery instead.

Use partial discharge cycles

Nickel metal hydride batteries require a deep discharge cycle. This means that you must drain them out entirely before recharging. This is not a requirement of lithium-ion batteries. In fact, to effectively maintain them, it is advised that you use partial discharge cycle instead. Just make sure to allow the cell to completely discharge after every 30 charges to avoid suffering from digital memory.

Don’t discharge your lithium-ion batteries completely

Let’s say you try to use the battery below 2.5 volts. This will damage the safety circuit of the cell and hence destroy its mechanism. Now, you won’t be able to use your charger to charge your batteries. You will have to rely on battery analyzers. To avoid the hassle, it is best that you don’t discharge the battery below 2.5 volts. Also, make sure not to try to recharge a battery which has been completely discharged.

Conclusion

Lithium-ion batteries have managed to outstrip all others in terms of power, convenience and performance. It doesn’t matter what type of equipment you wish to power. It can be as small as your mobile device and as big as your vehicle. Regardless, Lithium-ion batteries will deliver exceptional value to you. Choose large power lithium ion batteries today and realize its benefits.