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Li-ion Rechargeable Batteries

Posted by Replacement Battery Store on Mar 26th 2019

Li-Ion Rechargeable Batteries

For many years, Ni-Cd (nickel-cadmium) batteries have been the only option for portable appliances and devices. More than two decades ago, Ni-Mh and Li-ion rechargeable batteries began to be mass-produced.

Nowadays, Ni-Mh batteries are falling behind to provide more space to Li-ion batteries, which are used in almost any wireless technology - electric toothbrushes, electric razors, phones, tablets, laptops, screwdrivers, electric bicycles, cars, UPS systems, etc.

The trend shows that Ni-Cd abd Ni-Mh usage will shift towards Li-ion technology and this is no coincidence. It is due to the many positive aspects of lithium ion batteries which is expected to grow on an even larger scale.

Nevertheless, the main benefit of using Li-ion rechargeable batteries instead of Ni-Cd and Ni-Mh is the energy they provide, which is twice as much. Therefore, for a unit of energy a bigger capacity is achieved with Li-ion batteries. Also, a lithium ion cell has a higher voltage (3.6V) in contrast to the nickel-cadmium or nickel-metal hydride (1.2V). This allows us to purchase battery packs with just one or several cells.

In addition, a great benefit of lithium ion battery is its ability to be stored fully discharged. This is a distinctive feature compared to the standard Ni-Cd and Ni-Mh batteries. Subsequently, we can also derive that Li-ion batteries do not have the “memory effect” which is very specific for the Ni-Cd batteries. Thus, it is not necessary to make plans for mandatory charge and discharge cycles to ensure longer battery life.

Furthermore, a lithium ion battery has longer lifetime than nickel cadmium or nickel metal hydride battery. For instance, the number of lifecycles a li-ion battery can perform is more than 1000 as compared to just about 500 lifecycles for Ni-Mh and Ni-Cd batteries.

Li-ion battery have a low self-discharge rate - less than half of the nickel cadmium. In addition, Li-ion cells cause less environmental damage than other types of rechargeable batteries.

Lithium-ion batteries contain flammable chemical electrolyte. If a battery is used beyond capacity, its electrochemistry can experience thermal runaway and overheat, which may cause fire or explosion. In addition, even if one cell in the lithium-ion battery does a thermal runaway it can spread to the rest of the cells and worsen the effect.

Despite the numerous advantages, lithium ion batteries must follow strict rules when transported. Either in large quantities or a single li-ion battery, certain safety rules must be strictly observed. When it comes to charging a li-ion battery we must note that they can be charged solely with specially designed chargers. They are slightly more expensive compared to the regular SLA chargers. In addition, Li-ion battery prices are also higher.

To sum up, we can say that lithium ion batteries slowly but surely seize more and more positions in modern appliances, becoming an integral part of future technology. This progress is due to the many positive aspects they carry and therefore, they are a preferred portable energy source by today's engineers and technologists.