What are lithium battery- devices, characteristics, and working?

Lithium batteries outperform other types of batteries. They are not meant to be recharged frequently. The batteries have an anode as metallic lithium. Also, lithium has a high cost in each unit and charge density hence used in critical weight.

The batteries are widely used in various applications. Most people prefer lithium to general batteries because of their exceeding advantages. This includes life span, superior capacity, fast charging, efficiency and energy density. All these features make lithium to be costly and hard to manufacture. The battery will cost you but be sure not to regret.  Moreover, they have significant characteristics and work in many ways.

What devices use lithium battery?

Digital cameras

Most digital cameras have turned to lithium batteries. For this reason, many photographs can be taken for hours before the camera is recharged.

Smartphones

Small lithium batteries power personal digital assistants and smartphones featuring music, cell phones and camera.

Pacemakers

Implantable hospital devices and pacemakers use special lithium batteries which are able to last for 15 years. This means that they stay for long without replacement.

Watches

Lithium batteries have convenient features and long life making them attractive. Manufacturers of the watch are now developing wristwatches that have three voltage lithium batteries.

Thermometers

Battery chemistry affects the capacity of a temperature. Additionally, lithium-based batteries are able to deliver 100% capacity when the cold temperature of thermometer increases. The batteries handle harsh cold weather, unlike others. Energy is stored in both high and low temperatures.

Hearing aids

Hearing aids are used by people with hearing problems. They are expensive to buy as well as batteries. Lithium batteries store charge for long and do not need replacement sooner like other batteries.

3.2V 20A Low Temp LiFePO4 Battery Cell -40℃ 3C discharge capacity≥70% Charging temperature：-20~45℃ Discharging temperature: -40~+55℃ pass acupuncture test -40℃ maximum discharge rate：3C

READ MORE

Mp3 players

Mp3 players with lithium batteries should be charged fully before use. Half charging of batteries can undermine future operation. Do not switch off your computer when it is not completely charged.

Calculators

Calculators having lithium batteries are highly efficient and have a great life span before getting damaged.

Remote control

Manufacturers have come up with lithium batteries that offer continues performance to remotes.

Clocks

Lithium batteries act as a replacement of alkaline cells in clocks.

Oceanographic

Although lithium battery packs are expensive than oceanographic packs, they have the superior capacity.

Cars

Lithium batteries are highly demanded on electric vehicles. They maintain great voltages for a very long period than the alkaline cells.

Aircraft

Manufactures of aircraft are changing Nickel batteries with lithium batteries. Most radios controlled aircraft use lithium batteries. Aircraft is a good an example of applications that has some serious weight issues. For example, Boeing 787 was first to use li-ion. The batteries offer great capacity as well as power aircraft systems.

What are the characteristics of lithium battery?

Light

Lithium batteries are lighter than other general batteries. The electrode of Li-on battery is made of both lithium and carbon

High energy density

Lithium batteries have twice energy density than standard batteries. Lithium metal is highly reactive; thus, more energy is kept inside the atomic bonds. This is changed into energy density for batteries. For example, they can keep electricity of 150 watt-hours per 1 kilogram. On the other hand, lead-acid batteries can only store 25watt hours.

Fragile

Lithium batteries have downsides despite overall advantages. For instance, they need a circuit for protecting them in order to prevent unsafe operation. Protection circuit helps to stop the voltage of cells from dropping. In addition, their cell temperature should be monitored so as to prevent too much temperature.

Self-discharge

Most rechargeable batteries have problems with the rate of self-discharge. Lithium batteries self-discharges at a lower rate. The rate to 5% after charging for 4 hours then drops to 1 or 2 per cent each month.

Low maintenance

The major advantage of lithium batteries is that they need low maintenance for their performance. This is a major characteristic over lead-acid batteries.

High voltage

Lithium batteries have a voltage of about 3.6(V). It has a higher voltage than lead-acid, which has about 2 volts. Lithium volts need fewer cells for various applications.

Expensive

Lithium batteries are 40% more expensive compared to other batteries. Also, they are difficult to manufacture thus their high costs.

Transportation issues

Many air travels limit transportation of lithium batteries. Protective covers should be put on the batteries to avoid short circuits.

Low Temperature High Energy Density Rugged Laptop Polymer Battery Battery specification: 11.1V 7800mAh -40℃ 0.2C discharge capacity ≥80% Dustproof, resistance to dropping, anti - corrosion, anti - electromagnetic interference

READ MORE

How does lithium battery work?

They are made with cells that generate power. Every cell consists of three components, namely positive electrode, negative electrode and electrolyte.

Positive electrode gives lithium ions while the battery is charging. Lithium ions move inside the electrolyte towards the graphite electrode and stay. Therefore, the battery keeps in the energy in the process.

During the discharging process, lithium ions go back through electrolyte towards the positive electrode. This leads to productions of energy that powers a battery. During both processes, electrons move in the opposite side to ions outside the circuit. Electrons are an insulating barrier that cannot flow across the electrolyte.

Movement of electrons and ions through external circuit and electrolyte in the opposite side are simultaneous. If one process stops, it affects the other. Electrons cannot go through the outer circuit if ions stop moving across the electrolyte hence lose power. In the same manner, switching off the application powered by the battery will stop the flow of electrons and ions. However, it will continue discharging at a low rate, even if it is disconnected.

Lithium batteries have inbuilt electronic controllers for monitoring charging and discharging. Controllers help to stop overheating and overcharging, which may result from fire.

Final thoughts

Lithium batteries are frequently used to power sources in electronics and other medical devices. Even though they are expensive than normal batteries, they offer a long life span. You will be happy with its results seeing that they do not need a short replacement. For instance, lead-acid batteries have limited cycles; thus cannot be used for more than two years. Their high energy level makes lithium batteries to be used in applications where weight is critical. Lastly, follow manufactures recommendation in order to avoid damage to your device.