Lithium-Ion Battery Pack

Lithium batteries power everything from cell phones and tablets to electric cars. They have a higher energy density and run-time pound for pound than older battery chemistries.

Li-ion batteries are rechargeable and have no memory effect like other types of cells. They also charge much faster than nickel-based batteries.

All lithium battery packs have a protective circuit to ensure safety. They limit the peak voltage during charging and prevent the cell from dropping to a dangerous low on discharge.

High Energy Density

Energy density is a crucial battery metric. It determines how much power the battery can emit per volume or weight. This is important when space is limited or when a high power output is needed, such as in the case of mobile phones and other handheld devices.

Today’s lithium batteries typically have an energy density of about 300 Wh/kg. This is not enough for electric vehicles or other applications that require a high power-to-weight ratio, such as satellites and uncrewed aircraft.

To increase energy density, scientists are working on new battery chemistries and materials. In particular, the cathode material is an area of focus. Current lithium-ion batteries use intercalation cathodes made of graphite and a combination of lithium and other choice metals. The theoretical gram capacity of these materials is limited.

Researchers have been able to achieve higher energy densities by using thinner cathodes and increasing the anode loading mass. They also used a solid electrolyte instead of a liquid one. These changes increased the cell’s energy density significantly. Moreover, by using lifepo4 rechargeable battery a lower charge rate and more moderate discharge rates, they were able to extend the cycle life.

Rechargeable

Lithium batteries have very high energy density, which means they can hold more power in a smaller package than other battery types. This has led to a huge increase in cordless and portable devices using this battery chemistry. They also can be charged multiple times, which reduces the need for buying and throwing away single-use batteries, saving you money and helping to reduce waste.

A lithium-ion battery has a negative and positive electrode, a separator that conducts lithium ions in and out of the cell and an electrolyte. The anode is typically made of lithium cobalt oxide, and the cathode is often made from carbon. During charging, lithium ions move from the negative electrode to the positive electrode, and then back again during discharge.

When the battery is unused for a while, it can lose some capacity over time. To extend its lifetime, it’s best to keep it partially charged. This is known as the battery “memory effect” but doesn’t affect the safety of the chemistry or its lifespan.

The rechargeable nature of lithium-ion batteries makes them a great choice for wirefree motorized blinds and shades. With the Somfy External Battery Pack, you can continue to use your window treatment while it’s charging. The battery pack is easy to install and includes everything you need, including wall mounting clips, screws, drywall anchors and instructions. If you need help, Somfy’s US based support team is available to assist you.

Long Lifespan

When it comes to battery lifespan, nothing beats a lithium-ion. These batteries have more charge cycles, a faster charging LiFePO4 Rechargeable Battery Manufacturer rate, and can last much longer than NiCad batteries under ideal conditions.

The secret to their longevity lies in how you use them. Lithium ion batteries don’t have the same memory that nickel-metal hydride and nickel-cobalt hydride batteries do, which means you can recharge them multiple times after they have been partially depleted without losing any of their storage capacity. The best way to maximize this benefit is to charge your batteries early and often, but never let them drop below their minimum voltage, which for most Li-ion batteries is 2.4 V to 3.0 V per cell.

However, lithium batteries still require an optimal temperature for performance. Extreme hot or cold environments can cause the internal chemistry of the battery to change, and this can reduce its overall lifespan. Furthermore, extreme deep discharges can irreversibly damage a lithium battery by creating metallic plating on its inside, which will render it useless and even hazardous.

In addition, high charging currents can also negatively impact battery life. These conditions can speed up the exfoliation of the graphite type material used in the battery’s electrode, reducing its overall lifespan. The good news is that the battery protection circuits built into most lithium-ion battery packs are designed to limit the maximum charge and discharge current.

Safety

Lithium-ion batteries are common in laptops, PDAs, cell phones and iPods. They’re incredibly popular because, pound for pound, they’re the most energetic rechargeable batteries around. However, these batteries have also been in the news because they have the rare ability to burst into flames occasionally. This is called thermal runaway and it happens when the battery gets hot enough to cause internal shorting between the positive and negative electrodes. This causes the battery to heat up very quickly, and it can explode and burn if a person or object comes in contact with the hot cell.

While thermal runaway is uncommon — only two or three battery packs per million have a problem — it is serious enough to warrant safety features in all lithium-ion batteries. The mandatory safety features interrupt the charge/discharge cycles, check the temperature of the pack and prevent overheating.

Using lithium-ion batteries correctly helps to reduce the chance that they will fail, and it can prolong their lifespan. Follow the product manufacturer’s guidelines for use, and store batteries in a cool place. Don’t leave them charging unattended, and disconnect the charger as soon as the battery is fully charged. Lithium-ion cells prefer partial discharges to deep discharges, so never take them down to zero. Like all batteries, they lose storage capacity over time if stored unused. Always dispose of dead batteries in an approved battery recycling facility, rather than throw them in the trash.