10 Things You Should Know About Lithium Battery
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on lithium batteries! As a leading lithium-ion manufacturer, Ufine Battery understands the importance of staying informed about this revolutionary energy storage technology. Whether you’re an enthusiast, a professional, or simply curious about the advancements in battery technology, this article aims to provide you with essential insights into lithium batteries. Here are 10 crucial things you should know about lithium batteries. Let’s dive in!
1. Battery types
1) Chemical battery
– Primary batteries: carbon-zinc dry batteries, alkaline-manganese batteries, lithium batteries, activated batteries, zinc-mercury batteries, cadmium-mercury batteries, zinc-air batteries, zinc-silver batteries and solid electrolyte batteries (silver-iodine batteries), etc.
– Secondary batteries: lead batteries, Ni-Cd batteries, Ni-MH batteries, lithium-ion Li-ion batteries, sodium-sulfur batteries, etc.
– Other batteries: fuel cell batteries, air batteries, thin batteries, photovoltaic light batteries, nano batteries, etc.
2) Physical battery: solar cell
2. Charging methods for batteries
How to charge nickel-metal hydride batteries:
01) Constant current charging: The charging current is a certain value during the charging process. This method is the most common;
02) Constant voltage charging: During the charging process, both ends of the charging power supply maintain a constant value, and the current in the circuit gradually decreases as the battery voltage increases;
03) Constant current and constant voltage charging: The battery is first charged with constant current (CC). When the battery voltage rises to a certain value, the voltage remains unchanged (CV), and the current in the circuit drops to very small, eventually tending to 0.
How to charge lithium battery:
Constant current and constant voltage charging: The battery is first charged with constant current (CC). When the battery voltage rises to a certain value, the voltage remains unchanged (CV), and the current in the circuit drops to very small, eventually tending to 0.
3. Self-discharge and self-discharge rate of rechargeable lithium batteries
Self-discharge is also called charge retention capability. It refers to the ability of the lithium battery to maintain the power stored under certain environmental conditions in the open circuit state. Generally speaking, self-discharge is mainly affected by manufacturing processes, materials, and storage conditions. Self-discharge is one of the main parameters to measure the performance of lithium batteries. Generally speaking, the lower the storage temperature of lithium batteries, the lower the self-discharge rate. However, it should also be noted that either the temperature is too low or too high, which may cause damage to the battery and render it unusable. A certain degree of self-discharge is normal after a lithium battery is fully charged and left open for a period of time. IEC standards stipulate that after the nickel-metal hydride battery is fully charged and left open circuit for 28 days at a temperature of 20°C ± 5°C and a humidity of (65 ± 20)%, the 0.2C discharge capacity reaches 60% of the initial capacity.
4. What is the 24-hour self-discharge test?
Self-discharge testing of lithium batteries generally uses 24-hour self-discharge to quickly test their charge retention capabilities. Discharge the battery to 3.0V at 0.2C, charge to 4.2V at the constant current, and constant voltage at 1C, cut-off current: 10mA. After leaving it aside for 15 minutes, discharge it at 1C to 3.0V and measure its discharge capacity C1. Then, charge the battery to 4.2V using constant current and voltage 1C, with a cut-off current of 10mA. After leaving it aside for 24 hours, measure the 1C capacity C2. C2/C1*100% should be greater than 99%.
5. Internal resistance in the charging state and internal resistance in the discharging state
The internal resistance in the charged state refers to the internal resistance of the lithium battery when it is 100% fully charged; The discharged internal resistance refers to the internal resistance of the lithium battery after it is fully discharged. Generally speaking, the internal resistance in the discharge state is unstable and relatively large. In contrast, the internal resistance in the charging state is small, and the resistance value is relatively stable. Only the internal resistance in the charged state has practical significance when using lithium batteries. In the later stages of the use of lithium batteries, due to the depletion of electrolytes and the reduction in activity of internal chemical substances, the internal resistance of lithium batteries will increase to varying degrees.
6. What is a green battery?
Green, environmentally friendly batteries refer to high-performance, pollution-free batteries that have been used or are being researched and developed in recent years. Metal hydride nickel batteries, lithium-ion batteries that have been widely used, mercury-free alkaline zinc-manganese primary batteries, and rechargeable batteries that are being promoted, as well as lithium or lithium-ion plastic batteries and fuel cells that are being researched and developed, are all in this category. In addition, solar cells (also known as photovoltaic power generation), which are currently widely used and use solar energy for photoelectric conversion, can also be included in this category.
7. What impact do batteries have on the environment?
Almost all batteries today do not contain mercury. However, heavy metal is still an essential component of mercury, rechargeable nickel-cadmium, and lead-acid batteries. These heavy metals can harm the environment if disposed of improperly and in large quantities. There are specialized agencies in the world that recycle manganese oxide, nickel-cadmium, and lead-acid batteries. For example, RBRC Corporation is a non-profit organization.
8. What effect does temperature have on lithium batteries?
Among all environmental factors, temperature has the greatest impact on lithium batteries’ charge and discharge performance. Because the electrochemical reaction at the electrode/electrolyte interface is related to the ambient temperature. The electrode/electrolyte interface is considered the heart of the battery. If the temperature drops, the reaction rate of the electrode also drops. Assuming that the lithium battery voltage remains constant and the discharge current decreases, the power output of the lithium battery will also decrease. If the temperature rises, the opposite is true, i.e., the battery output will rise. Temperature also affects the electrolyte transfer rate. As the temperature rises, the transmission speeds up, and as the temperature drops, the transmission slows down, and the battery charge and discharge performance will also be affected. However, if the temperature is too high, exceeding 45°C, it will destroy the chemical balance in the lithium battery and cause side reactions.
9. What devices are rechargeable lithium batteries used in?
Rechargeable lithium batteries are particularly suitable for electrical equipment requiring a relatively high energy supply or large current discharge, such as portable radio players, CD players, small radios, electronic game consoles, electric toys, household appliances, professional cameras, mobile phones, etc. Telephones, cordless phones, laptop computers, and other devices require higher energy. It is best not to use rechargeable batteries for devices that are not commonly used. Because rechargeable batteries have a large self-discharge, if the device requires a large current discharge, rechargeable batteries must be used. Generally, users are advised to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to select a battery suitable for their device.
10. What is a solar cell?
A solar cell is a device that converts light energy (mainly sunlight) into electrical energy. The principle is the photovoltaic effect; that is, the built-in electric field of the PN junction causes the photogenerated carriers to separate and reach both sides of the junction to generate a photovoltage, which is connected to an external circuit to obtain power output. The power of solar cells is related to the intensity of light. The stronger the light, the stronger the power output. Solar energy systems are easy to install, easy to expand, and easy to disassemble. At the same time, using solar energy is also very economical, and there is no energy consumption during the operation. In addition, the system is resistant to mechanical wear and tear; a solar system requires reliable solar cells to receive and store solar energy.
Generally, solar cells have the following advantages:
01) High charge absorption capacity;
02) Long cycle life;
03) Good rechargeability;
04) No maintenance required.
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