8 Reasons to Choose Lithium-Ion Batteries over Other Batteries
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When cutting down on battery costs is your number one priority, switching to lithium-ion batteries is the best solution for you. These batteries have been around for a very long time and you can get them in various sizes. From smaller ones to those that are the large-scale industrial type, all of these different types of lithium-ion batteries are now commonly available. Amongst the many benefits that they have to offer, the one that truly matters is the high capacity that they tend to offer due to the material that has been used for their manufacturing purposes. Apart from that, there is also the fact that they have a minimal discharge rate, which makes them the perfect choice when it comes to the efficient storage of energy.
The lithium benefit
Lithium technology works best when it comes to powering smaller electronics, although it can be used for larger appliances as well. This includes cordless tools and laptops and with the passage of time, the utilization of lithium-ion batteries has definitely increased in these applications. As their usage grew, the older rechargeable batteries made using nickel-cadmium became much more obsolete.
However, until a few years ago, lithium-ion batteries had a bit of a bad rep associated with them. This is because a few defective laptop batteries literally burst into flames. The reason behind this was the utilization of lithium cobalt oxide in the formulation of the battery. On the whole, this particular chemistry of the battery is known to be somewhat prone to thermal runaway in case the battery gets overcharged. It is because of this that the batteries catch fire and is the sole reason lithium was not used for the formation of large battery banks up until recently. However, with the development of a new formula focused on mixing lithium-ion batteries in 1996, things took a turn for the better. Known as lithium iron phosphate, the new batteries are far safer than the lithium cobalt oxide ones as these are non-combustible.
Longer cycle life
According to laboratory results, there is a good chance that one can achieve about 5000 cycles out of a lithium ion battery that is well cared for. Research studies actually suggest that a lithium-ion battery has the potential to deliver over 80% of its capacity even after 2000 cycles at a full 100%. If anything, these statistics are said to be much higher than those of the NCA or NMC chemistries that are used rather commonly in the electric vehicle industry. On the other hand, the average lead-acid batteries are known to work for about 500-1000 cycles at their best.
Charging is both fast and efficient
The best part about lithium-ion batteries is that they get charged to 100% of their capacity very quickly. With lead-acid batteries, it is necessary for an absorption phase to be fulfilled so that the final 20% gets stored. This, however, is not the case with lithium-ion batteries. As long as you have a powerful charger, there is a good chance that your batteries will get charged really fast. To put it in numbers, as long as you provide adequate charging amps, a lithium-ion battery can easily be charged in just about half an hour. Most importantly, even if the battery doesn’t get charged to a full 100%, there isn’t a thing for you to worry about. This is because, unlike lead-acid batteries, the inability to fully charge lithium-ion batteries on a regular basis is not going to cause any damage to them. What this means is that their utilization will make it possible for you to tap into different energy sources and charge the batteries any opportunity you get without having to worry about having to do a full battery recharge.
Energy loss is minimal
Lithium-ion batteries are far better in terms of preserving energy than lead-acid ones. Compared to the 85% efficiency of most lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries charge at an astounding 100% efficiency. This characteristic of the batteries is particularly helpful in cases where they need to be charged via a solar source, which are times when you want to make the most out of every single amp before the sun goes down.
They are climate resistant
In cold environments, it is fairly common for lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries to lose out on their capacities. On the other hand, lithium-ion batteries work more efficiently in terms of maintaining their capacity at even the lowest temperatures. For those residing in harsh environments (both hot and cold), the best choice is, hence, lithium-ion batteries for the resistance that they offer in this regard.
There’s no such thing as voltage sag or Peukert’s losses
Lithium-ion batteries are known to have a flat discharge curve. What this means is that even if the battery is charged to only 20%, it is going to provide the same output voltage as it would if it were 80% charged. This tends to go a long way in terms of preventing issues that are triggered due to a voltage sag, which is associated with lead-acid batteries when they start discharging. Apart from that, Peukert’s losses are just about non-existent in these batteries. Even at high currents, these batteries can deliver their full-rated capacity. In terms of functionality, this makes them the best choice when looking to power high current loads like microwaves and induction cooktops. On the other hand, lead-acid batteries are known to have a 40% loss of capacity when used at high loads.
All in all, the utilization of lithium-ion batteries is highly recommended for the countless benefits that they tend to offer. If cost-savings and extended usage are what you are interested in, it is best for you to consider using lithium-ion batteries.