Is the lithium battery the best?
Have ever heard of lithium batteries? No? You will learn everything in this article. Do you know which battery uses in mobile phones or computers? Its Lithium. Its high-power lightweight battery comes in several shapes and sizes.
Those with metal are not rechargeable and are usable for cameras. On contrary, lithium ions- has no metal, and are rechargeable.
Work on such batteries began in 1912 by G.N. Lewis. Later, the first lithium metal battery was commercialised in the 1970s. However, many safety concerns came between. Lithium metal is usually unstable, hence affecting charging.
As a result, lithium ions came to exist. These have low energy, yet are safe while charging. It was commercialized by Sony Corporation back in 1991.
Lithium-ion batteries are a high choice for makers and consumers. If you want more about Lithium, read this article.
Lithium-ion battery advantages
After extensive research, we have come up with some of the advantages you would get from lithium-ion batteries.
High Energy
Lithium-ion has a longer charging capacity. For instance, you charge your mobile once or twice a day. Why? Because lithium-ion batteries are there in mobiles.
Also, it’s worth mentioning that lithium has higher energy than that nickel. Similarly, electric vehicles also needed high energy density which can be provided with lithium batteries too.
Low Maintenance
Unlike many other batteries such as Ni-Cad, lithium ions do not require any sort of periodic discharges. Similarly, the acid cell needs maintenance too. However, Lithium batteries have low maintenance. It has no memory or scheduling cycling. Also, lithium does not require any maintenance procedures.
Higher Cell Voltage
The cell voltage of each lithium-ion is 3.6 volts. This means, with one cell, you are good to go, Let’s take the example of a mobile phone. Because it is small, it requires only one Lithium cell to work smoothly.
On contrary, if you are using a nickel battery, it requires at least 3 cells with a voltage of 1-2 must be connected in series. Similarly, lead acid has a voltage of 2 on each cell. Also, an Alkaline cell requires a volt of 1.5.
Lithium-ion battery disadvantages
Though keeping the upper hand over other batteries, lithium-ion has many drawbacks too. We are mentioning them here so you would get a brief view of how to eliminate possible adverse consequences.
Fragility
If you are using a Lithium battery, you are supposed to be concerned with its overcharging. Yes, firstly, Lithium requires too much protection, this could only be done through the circuit to keep its safe operations. Because the circuit keeps lithium cells from too much high voltage. However, what if the circuit is not available?
Low Time Limit
As per many manufacturers, ageing is one of the problems lithium ions are facing. It has started deteriorating within a year regardless it’s being used or not used. It has failed to work after 2 to 3 years.
Expansive Batteries
Firstly, the making of lithium batteries is quite expensive. These cost up to 40% higher than the cost of nickel batteries. Plus, shipments of lithium-ion batteries are subjected to trade restrictions. Importing such batteries may incur additional costs for the importer.
Still Developing
One of the disadvantages of having such batteries is they are still developing, hence consider immature. This mean, it will never remain constant. If someone has bought one version and another version has come, they have to switch.
When is a lithium battery better?
Owing to their extraordinary traits, lithium batteries are a good choice for many electronic items. Some are the best for small devices, while others with much higher currents are best-suitable for electric vehicles.
With the high charge capacity, voltage and better maintenance, it has become a choice of many manufacturers. Some of the products that use lithium batteries are:
- Smartphones
- Desktop computers
- Tablets
- Medical equipment
- Cameras
- Radio devices
Conclusion
At this point, you must be uncovered all truth and lies regarding lithium batteries. Lithium is the lightest metal with having large energy density. Also, its cells carry high voltage and can be used easily.
However, as discussed above, many disadvantages of lithium ions are also there, but it does not mean these problems cannot be overcome. The reason to discuss this is to assist you with every aspect so you can avoid any future problems.