Lithium Ion Battery Safety and Cost

Lithium ion batteries power the cell phones, laptops and hybrid electric vehicles that we use today. Their cost, energy density and safety have improved dramatically over the last three decades. In fact, a one-kilowatt-hour lithium battery cost $7500 in 1991, but now costs $181.

The improvement of Lithium Ion Battery has been facilitated by advances in the materials used. These include layered cathode materials, solvent-free electrolytes and nanomaterials for electrode activation.

Cost

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are a common power source in mobile devices and laptop computers, but they are also being used increasingly as energy storage and electric vehicles. Despite their relatively high cost, LIBs have a very large amount of energy per volume and can store more than 20 times the charge of an equivalent traditional battery. In addition, they don’t contain toxic chemicals. Their costs have declined dramatically over the past three decades. In 1991, it cost $7500 to make a cell with a capacity of one kilowatt-hour; in 2018, it cost $181. This is a remarkable 97% reduction in price.

The low production costs of lithium-ion batteries are driven by the falling prices of Lithium Ion Battery raw materials and components as production capacity grows. This trend is expected to continue through the next decade. In 2023, pack prices are projected to fall 14% to a record low of $139 per kilowatt-hour, according to research firm BloombergNEF (BNEF).

It is important for battery manufacturers to have a flexible cost model that can reflect various prospective developments in the manufacturing process and cell characteristics. Such a model can take into account a variety of factors, including future cathode active material prices, enhancements in the specific energy of LiB cells, and expansions in production capacity. The model can also take into account the latest realistic prices for key essential materials, such as cobalt and nickel.

Energy density

The energy density of a lithium-ion battery measures how much electrical energy it can store in a given volume and weight. Higher energy density means smaller and lighter batteries for the same capacity, which is an important benefit in electric vehicles. However, there are several factors that affect a battery’s energy density, including the chemistry used and its degradation during cycling.

The first factor is the cathode material. Graphite is currently the dominant material, as it is electrically conducting and can intercalate lithium ions with modest volume expansion (10%). Other materials can offer better performance, but they typically have higher voltages that decrease energy density.

Another factor is the chemistry of the electrolyte. Most lithium-ion batteries use an alkyl carbonate solvent to assure the formation of a solid electrolyte interface on the negative electrode. This solvent is flammable, and efforts are ongoing to replace it with non-flammable compounds. Finally, the battery’s anode material can affect its energy density.

During charging, an external electrical power source applies an overvoltage to the battery cell, forcing electrons to flow from the positive to the negative electrodes. As they do so, lithium ions migrate through the electrolyte and intercalate into the anode material. Over time, this process can cause the battery to overheat and gas. This is a form of battery degradation known as thermal runaway, and it reduces the energy density of the battery.

Lifespan

A lithium battery’s lifespan is determined by the number of full charge and discharge cycles it can perform before its capacity decreases below 80%. Quality batteries can achieve thousands of cycles, and their low self-discharge rate means they keep a charge even when not in use. This long battery life makes them ideal for devices that need to operate continuously and for extended periods of time.

Like other types of batteries, lithium-ion batteries have an anode, a cathode, and a separator. They also have a liquid electrolyte to carry current. However, their electrochemistry is what sets them apart. Lithium ions are stored in the anode through a process called intercalation, where they are physically inserted between 2D graphene layers. The insertion reaction creates an electrical potential difference between the anode and cathode terminals, which charges the battery.

When storing lithium-ion batteries, make sure they are in a cool room, as the heat can degrade them. It is best to keep them at a 24V Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery partial charge of about 40% or 50%, as this will prolong their lifespans. Additionally, it is important to keep track of the room temperature and humidity, as these factors can influence the performance of a lithium battery. These battery life tips can help you extend your battery’s lifespan and increase the efficiency of your material handling operations.

Safety

Lithium batteries can cause fires and explosions if they are damaged or handled incorrectly. These batteries are often found in smart phones, laptops, e-scooters, cigarettes, smoke alarms, toys, and cars. They can also be used to power electric grids and electric vehicles. However, the technology is still new and has not been fully vetted. Many users are unknowingly using lithium-ion batteries that may be defective or pose a safety risk. To avoid these risks, it is important to follow battery safety best practices and use only reputable, certified manufacturers.

Batteries should be kept at room temperature and away from combustible objects. If you notice that a battery is hot to the touch or is leaking, it is safest to remove it from service. Place it on a nonconductive surface away from combustible items until it cools down. If a battery or device appears to be overheating, you should immediately stop using it and call 911.

In order to maintain EV battery safety, the cell contains a separator that keeps the cathode and anode apart. The separator also prevents the direct flow of electrons. A special electrolyte allows lithium ions to move to the electrodes but not the opposite direction. This ensures that the cells do not short circuit or overcharge.

In addition, the battery contains a battery management system (BMS) that monitors the cell voltage and temperature to prevent overcharge or overheating. The BMS also shuts down the battery if it gets too hot, preventing thermal runaway that can cause an explosion. The BMS also controls the speed at which lithium ions move to and from the cathode.