"The easiest way to explain to someone who hasn't followed battery development in recent years, would be that lithium technology did the same thing for the battery industry as LED technology did for lighting." - Landgren Dynamics
A charged discussion - Which batteries are really the best? Explore the benefits of lithium batteries.
Batteries have become a vital part of our daily lives, powering everything from our smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. Among the several different battery types available, lithium batteries have emerged as a forerunner and dominate the market due to the many advantages compared to other types of battery chemistry. In this article, we will explore the benefits of lithium batteries and understand why they have become the clear preferred choice for most types of applications.
High energy density
One of the main advantages of lithium batteries is their high energy density. Energy density refers to the amount of energy a battery can store in a given volume or weight. Lithium batteries offer superior energy density compared to other battery chemistries, meaning they can store more energy in a smaller and lighter package. This feature is particularly important for all our portable devices and electric vehicles, where space and weight are critical factors.
Longer lifespan
Lithium batteries are known for their long life. They can withstand a greater number of charge and discharge cycles before their performance degrades. This makes them a cost-effective and more environmentally friendly option in the long run, as users don't have to change and throw away batteries as often. For example, today's lithium-ion batteries can withstand thousands of charge cycles, while lithium iron phosphate batteries (LiFePO4) can last even longer, making them an ideal choice for applications that require longer life.
Fast charging
Lithium batteries excel when it comes to charging speed. They can accept much higher charging current without large energy losses overheating or taking damage, which makes fast-charging possible and sustainable. This is crucial in this day and age, where "downtime" can be downright costly or just inconvenient. where we need to charge our devices and vehicles quickly to get back to our tasks. Electric vehicles equipped with lithium batteries obviously benefit greatly from fast charging, which significantly reduces the time required to charge up and get going.
High discharge rate
Lithium batteries can handle a higher discharge, which makes them suitable for anything that requires a quick release of stored energy. This is particularly beneficial in "power electronics", such as power tools, drones and several different types of electric vehicles, where a sudden, steady and reliable discharge may be required. Lithium batteries can provide a consistent output voltage even under heavy load, ensuring reliable performance where it needs.
Light and compact
Lithium batteries are known for their lightweight and compact design. They are an excellent choice for portable and mobile devices, as they provide a high energy capacity without adding unnecessary weight or bulk. This function is also particularly important in the development of efficient electric vehicles as a lower weight or smaller size directly translates into lower consumption and better efficiency of all moving objects. This also lends itself to consumer electronics, ensuring that devices remain small and easy to move and place.
Low self-discharge
Lithium batteries are known for their low self-discharge, which means they retain their charge for longer periods when not in use. This feature is very beneficial in applications where long-term energy storage is required, such as emergency backup power systems, remote sensors and medical equipment. Users can rely on lithium batteries to retain and return energy when it's needed most, even after months to years of storage.
Environmental friendliness
Compared to some other battery types, lithium batteries are considered more environmentally friendly. They do not contain as much toxic heavy metals as lead or cadmium, which are present in older battery chemistry. In addition, lithium-ion batteries have a greater *usable capacity* longer life and are easier to recycle, have a lower weight, all of which help reduce the environmental impact of battery handling and disposal, and promote sustainability compared to other types of batteries.
(*usable capacity*: lithium batteries can hold and discharge close to 100% of the specified capacity compared to lead-acid or AGM/GEL batteries that only deliver about 50% of the specified capacity in AH/WH).
as an example
A 105 ah lithium battery with a nominal voltage of 12.8V holds a useful capacity of ~1344 wh
Whereas a corresponding 105 ah lead-acid/AGM with a nominal voltage of 12.5V only provides a usable energy capacity of ~650wh of the specified 1300wh, before the voltage drop becomes significant or the battery is damaged internally and the life of the battery is shortened.
Summary
Lithium batteries have revolutionized the way we power our devices and vehicles. Their high energy density, long life, fast charging, high discharge rate, lightweight design, low self-discharge and environmental friendliness make them the preferred choice for a wide range of applications. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more benefits and innovations in the world of lithium batteries, further cementing their position as a Game-changer in portable energy storage.
Analysis of benefits
High energy density
Lithium ion: 150-200 Wh/kg
Lead acid: 30-40 Wh/kg
Longer lifespan
Lithium ion: 500-2000 cycles (easily increased to 3500-6000 cycles with optimized DOD and different types of lithium chemistry)
Lead acid: 200-300 cycles.
Fast charging
Lithium ion: Fast charging is supported with lower energy losses.
Lead-Acid: Slower charging - due to gassing and potential overheating.
High discharge rate
Lithium ion: very High discharge rate with lower losses.
Lead-acid/AGM: Moderate emission rate that is greatly affected by ambient temperature.
Light and compact
Lithium ion: Light and compact, on average approx. 55% lighter compared to AGM/Lead-acid.
Lead-acid/AGM(NiMH) (NiCd): Moderate-high weight, bulky.
Low self-discharge
Lithium-ion: Low self-discharge, with up to 10x (1000%) lower compared to lead-acid/AGM
AGM/Lead-acid/ (NiMH) : Moderate self-discharge, and needs maintenance charging when stored.
Conclusion
In a comparative analysis, lithium batteries, especially lithium ion and lithium polymer, exhibit several advantages over other common battery chemistries. These advantages include higher energy density, longer life, fast charging capacity, high discharge rates, light and compact designs, low self-discharge and environmental friendliness. As technology continues to advance, lithium batteries are expected to maintain their dominant position in the battery market, bringing significant benefits to a wide range of applications for us as consumers.