Jul 06, 2020 Pageview:918
It is no wonder that lithium-ion batteries, which are a rechargeable type of batteries, are vital to today's technology, powering most of the portable devices as well as electric vehicles. Laptops smartphones, grid-energy storage, tablets, flashlights, and cordless power tools are a few instances powered by lithium battery technology. The battery's huge popularity is due to its ability to equip a remarkable amount of energy into a small space with quite low weight.
Like other battery technologies, the lithium battery offers similar elements inside the battery cell in order to produce power from the chemical reaction - a negative electrode, a positive electrode, and an electrolyte. Moreover, the lithium-ion battery technology has evolved with the passage of time, containing new chemistries.
Today, you will look at some of the latest and different types of lithium batteries. So, continue reading the post to learn more about this electrifying technology.
What Are The Different Types Of Lithium Batteries?
Now, let's get straight into the different types of lithium batteries -
Also known as lithium-ion cobalt or lithium cobaltate batteries, these batteries are made from cobalt and lithium carbonate. As compared to other batteries, the battery features high specific energy, making it the perfect choice for mobile phones and laptops. In addition to that, the battery has a moderate performance and low cost. However, this type of battery technology comes with some drawbacks - short battery life as well as limited specific power and low safety.
Lithium manganese oxide
lithium manganese oxide batteries are also known as lithium manganate or Li-ion manganese batteries. Sometimes, these batteries are called Li-manganese or manganese spinel. The battery features a moderate level of safety, moderate power and moderate specific energy as compared to other types of Li-ion batteries. In addition to that, it has a low cost. When it comes to downsides, it has a low lifespan and low performance. It is generally found in power tools and medical devices.
Lithium iron phosphate
lithium iron phosphate batteries are also referred to as Li-phosphate batteries and utilize phosphate as a cathode. These batteries have only one major limitation when compared to other Li-ion batteries and it is low specific energy. Besides that, it features a moderate to a high rating in all other traits. It features a high level of safety, high specific power, high lifespan, and low cost. In addition to that, it has the moderate performance. It is often used in electric motorcycles and applications requiring a high level of safety and a long lifespan.
Also known as NMC or lithium manganese cobalt oxide batteries, they are made of numerous materials common in Li-ion battery types. They incorporate a cathode made of a combination of cobalt, manganese, and nickel. It has two main advantages - high specific energy, making it best for electric powertrains, electric bikes, etc and moderate in terms of safety, lifespan, performance, and power.
Lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide
Also known as NCA batteries, they are becoming vital in electric powertrains and grid storage. They offer one solid advantage and it is high specific energy. Besides that, it doesn't truly offer much when compared to other batteries. It offers a low level of safety and quite moderate in other traits like performance, lifespan, and specific power. However, its high specific energy and good lifespan make it a perfect option for electric powertrains.
Lithium titanate
Lithium titanate is also referred to as Li-titanate. It offers high performance, high safety, and a good lifespan - all are vital elements every battery needs to have. As compared to other lithium batteries, it has a low specific energy. And when it comes to drawbacks, it has only one - high cost. Another considerable feature of the battery is fast recharge time, making it perfect for storing solar energy.
Is There A Better Battery Than Lithium Battery?
Lithium-ion batteries, which is the power behind your laptop, smartphone and typically any rechargeable device you have. Several bad events - from environmental concerns to high-profile battery fires to the rising cost of its namesake element, has experts pushing to find a more efficient, safer, less expensive element to power our applications.
According to several studies, it is found that following are battery materials that could overtake lithium-ion battery technology in the future-
Fluoride
Fluoride batteries can last 8 times longer than lithium batteries. The reason is that fluoride is negatively charged ion or an anion that is the magic behind its superlative energy density.
Ammonia
Ammonia-powered batteries may not be coming soon. However, the chemical commonly called a household cleaner is still a good alternative option to lithium in the approach it can power fuel cells in vehicles as well as other equipment.
Above are a few examples of the battery technology that could overtake lithium batteries in the future. Considering this, there is currently no better battery technology than lithium battery.
What Factors Make A Best Lithium Battery?
Following are the factors that make the best lithium battery
Specific energy - it is the battery capacity in weight and indicates a runtime. Applications that require long runtimes at fair load are then optimized for high specific energy.
Specific power - it is the capability of delivering high current and relates to loading capability. And batteries for power equipment are designed for high specific energy and feature the reduced specific energy.
Performance - it determines how well the battery operates under different temperature conditions.
Lifespan - it reflects longevity and life cycle and is associated with factors like temperature, load, and depth of discharge.
Safety - It relates to factors like the thermal stability of the elements used in the battery. The elements should have the capability of sustaining high temperatures before it becomes unstable. Fully charging batteries and keeping it beyond the delegated minimizes safety.
When it comes to choosing the type of lithium-ion battery, make sure to consider the above-mentioned factors to make the right purchase.
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