22 Years' Battery Customization
Nov 04, 2020 Pageview：654
Do batteries hold the same amount of energy? The answer is much apparent that batteries hold a different amount of energy. The amount of energy in a battery is determined by the materials used in the manufacture of that battery.
We have different equipment at home that requires a different amount of power or energy. The demand for high-density batteries arose due to environmental pollution and energy shortages. Thus, people needed energy storage systems that are reliable and effective.
Thus, I saw it better that we learn and know which batteries have the highest energy density. Many people face difficulties getting the best batteries because there are so many battery types in the market.
Failure to get a reliable and durable battery means that you might get stranded when your battery drain. Nothing is frustrating, like having a battery that you cannot even trust. Thus, follow me through and learn.
Energy density is the measure of the amount of energy a battery can hold in proportion to its weight. Energy density is measured in Watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/kg). A battery will have a longer runtime only if it has the highest battery density.
Scientists have been researching the best material to make the highest energy density battery. Getting the right material will mean a big win in the battery industry. Lithium is considered the most promising material used to make an anode for high energy density batteries. This is because lithium has the lowest mass-density as compared to other metals.
Compared to the current lithium-ion batteries, Li-sulfur and Li-oxygen batteries made of lithium metal anodes have a much higher theoretical energy density. However, their application is hindered by Li dendrites' formation on the metallic anode, Li polysulfide shuttle issue from the sulfur cathode, and oxygen/moisture erosion emanating from the oxygen cathode.
Lithium has a theoretical capacity of about 3860 mAh g-1 and the lowest potential of about -3.04 V. there are several batteries with different energy densities. These energy densities include:
The lead-acid battery has an energy density that ranges between 30 to 50 Wh/kg.
The lithium-ion battery has an energy density ranging between 50-260 Wh/kg.
Nickel-metal hydride battery has an energy density that ranges between 60 to 120 Wh/kg.
Nickel-cadmium has an energy density that ranges from 45 to 80 Wh/kg.
We can notice that lithium-ion batteries have high energy densities from the above energy densities than the rest. The performance factors of these lithium-ion batteries, such as energy density, power density, and cycle life, largely depend on the electrode material used in the battery.
Most batteries require to be adequately maintained to extend its lifespan. Thus, it is good to know how you will maintain your battery to make it reliable and useful for an extended period. If the battery's energy density is reduced by low battery maintenance, then the battery life might end after a short period.
The various ways of caring for battery energy density include:
Regular Inspection And Maintenance
Proper inspection of a battery at least once a month is always recommended. You need to:
Check the battery's state of charge. Several batteries have a State of Charge Indicator on top of the battery that monitors your battery state. But you should use a voltmeter so that you can get reliable results and the best analysis.
Always ensure that the battery’s top is clean, dry, and free from any particles.
Check the battery's terminals, screws, clamps, and cables for any breakages, damage, or loose connections. This can damage your battery and impact the battery's charge holding capacity.
Battery Testing
Battery testing is always crucial in the maintenance of the battery's energy density. Failure to test your battery means that it can be reducing its effectiveness without you realizing it. This is because most batteries give little warning before failure due to increased electrical demands.
Before testing a battery, always ensure that it is fully charged. A slightly discharged battery can give you false information that will deem the battery faulty when all that is needed is a recharge.
Several methods can be employed in testing a battery. But the most preferred option is the use of a digital tester. A digital battery tester is safe, easy to use, and offer a quick diagnosis of the state of your battery. You can also use fixed and adjustable load testers, voltmeters, hydrometers, and discharge testers to analyze your battery.
The battery energy density can be determined by integrating from 0 to t (time to achieve the cut off potential) V (t)*i*A dt. Then you divide the results for (3600*Mw). In this way, you will have calculated the specific energy density in Wh kg-1.
In the above expression, I is given in A m-2, A is expressed in m2, V in volts, t is time in seconds, and Mw is the molecular weight measured in Kg. Let us look at the following example;
Maximum capacity delivered by the cell 160mAh g-1= 160Ah kg-1 (respect to the cathode weight)
Average operating voltage of the cell or mid-point voltage e: 3.8V
Hence: 3.8 V×160 mAh g-1=608 Wh kg-1 (respect to the cathode weight)
In the above example, we used the weight of the only positive electrode.
But it is always recommended that we use the weight of both electrodes in our calculations. We should also use the weight of the various components to make the battery to get the right results.
Manufacturers recommend that the battery users should know the energy density of various battery types. If you have electrical components that consume a lot of power, it is good to get a battery with the highest energy density.
As we have discussed above, lithium batteries are the ones that are known to have the highest energy densities but then there are different types of lithium batteries. Thus, it is good to know the one that will serve the purpose that you intend.
Always maintain your battery well to avoid unnecessary expenditure. High-density batteries can be quite expensive, thus do your part.
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