Li-ion Rechargeable Batteries
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 andLi-ionrechargeable batteries began to be mass-produced.
Nowadays, Ni-Mh
batteries are falling behind to provide more space toLi-ion batteries, which
are used in almost any wireless technology - electric toothbrushes, electric
razors, phones, tablets, laptops, screwdrivers, electric bicycles, cars,UPSsystems, etc.
The trend shows that
Ni-Cd abdNi-Mh usage will shift towardsLi-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 ofNi-Cd andNi-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 standardNi-Cd andNi-Mh
batteries. Subsequently, we can also derive thatLi-ionbatteries do not have the “memory effect” which is very specific for theNi-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 andNi-Cd batteries.
Li-ion battery have a low self-discharge rate - less than half of thenickel cadmium. In addition,Li-ion cells cause less environmental damage than other types ofrechargeable 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 thelithium-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 singleli-ion battery, certain safety rules must be strictly observed. When
it comes to charging ali-ion battery we must note that they can be charged solely
with specially designedchargers. They are slightly more expensive compared to
the regularSLA 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.
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