Lithium-ion batteries operate based on the movement of ions between the positive and negative electrodes. Although this process should theoretically continue indefinitely, factors such as cyclical use, high temperatures, and aging result in a gradual decrease in battery capacity.
Each time a battery is charged and discharged, it undergoes a cycle. Over time, these cycles lead to capacity loss. A complete discharge (100% DoD) can drastically shorten the battery’s lifespan. Therefore, avoiding complete discharges and more frequent charging at partial discharges (e.g., 20% DoD) is a key strategy to extend battery life. A Cadex laboratory study showed that Li-ion batteries that were only partially discharged lasted significantly longer than those that were fully discharged.
Exposure to high temperatures accelerates chemical reactions within the battery, leading to faster degradation. For instance, a battery consistently kept at 40°C can lose up to 35% of its capacity after one year, while the same battery at 25°C would lose only about 20%. This underscores the importance of temperature management in extending the lifespan of lithium-ion batteries. For business applications, it is crucial to store batteries in a cool place and minimize use in hot environments.
Constantly charging a battery to its maximum voltage can also shorten its lifespan. Most Li-ion batteries are charged to 4.2V per cell to achieve maximum capacity, but it has been proven that a lower charging voltage extends battery life. By reducing the charging voltage to, for example, 4.0V per cell, the battery’s lifespan can be doubled, albeit at the expense of total capacity. This principle is already applied in certain industrial applications such as satellites and electric vehicles, where the focus is on longevity rather than maximum capacity.
Regardless of use, the performance of lithium-ion batteries declines over time due to internal chemical processes. This natural aging process can be slowed by storing batteries under optimal conditions, such as in a cool, dry place and at a partial charge (about 40-60% of capacity).
Fortunately, there are several strategies that business users can employ to extend the lifespan of their lithium-ion batteries. Firstly, it is important to adopt proper charging and discharging practices. Avoid full discharges and charge the battery more frequently at partial discharges. This reduces stress on the battery and extends its life.
Temperature management is also crucial. Store batteries in a cool, dry place and avoid use in high temperatures. For applications in hot environments, considering cooling systems can help regulate the temperature and protect the battery.
Elfa Elementenfabriek offers various advanced technologies and products that help manage and extend the lifespan of lithium-ion batteries. This includes advanced battery management systems and specially designed chargers that can adjust the voltage to reduce voltage-related stress. These systems can automatically select the optimal charging and discharging levels and monitor the battery’s temperature to ensure it remains within safe limits.
For various sectors, there are specific recommendations to optimize battery lifespan.
In the medical sector, it is crucial for batteries to perform reliably and long-term. Use batteries with high cycle capacity and ensure regular maintenance and calibration. Medical devices are often used continuously, making it important to manage charge cycles carefully and avoid fully discharging batteries.
Industrial applications require robust and reliable batteries that can withstand harsh conditions. Implement battery management systems that optimize charge and discharge cycles and regulate battery temperature. This not only helps extend battery lifespan but also improves overall equipment performance.
In the transport sector, such as in electric vehicles and railways, it is essential to properly insulate batteries against extreme temperatures and use efficient charging systems. Good insulation and temperature regulation can help minimize the impact of environmental factors on the batteries, thereby extending their lifespan and improving vehicle reliability.
By paying attention to the factors that contribute to the aging of lithium-ion batteries and using the right technologies and products, business users can significantly extend the lifespan of their batteries. Elfa Elementenfabriek offers various solutions to support this process, ensuring that your investments in battery technology are fully utilized. By following the above-mentioned advice, companies can not only save costs but also contribute to a more sustainable future.
Elfa offers high-quality batteries and lighting solutions, specifically tailored to your business needs. With over 100 years of experience, we provide customized solutions and standard products that ensure optimal performance and reliability. Our experts are ready to advise and support you in choosing the right technology, so your systems operate efficiently and sustainably.
Contact us today and discover how Elfa can strengthen your business.
Like humans, batteries perform best at room temperature. Did you know that lightly warming an empty battery from a smartphone or flashlight, for example by keeping it in the pocket of your jeans, can contribute to a longer lifespan? This is because a better electrochemical reaction occurs at more pleasant temperatures, around 27°C.
While high temperatures can temporarily improve performance, prolonged exposure to heat can significantly shorten battery life.
In colder conditions, as any motorist in a cold country can confirm, a warm battery starts a car’s engine better than a cold one. This is because cold increases internal resistance and reduces capacity. A battery that offers 100% capacity at 27°C performs at only 50% of its capacity at -18°C.
However, not every battery is the same. The temporary capacity reduction depends on the chemical composition of the battery.
The solid-state polymer battery, which delivers optimal performance at temperatures between 60-100°C (140-212°F), illustrates the complexity of temperature management. These batteries are used in hot climates where heat acts as a performance enhancer, supported by built-in heating elements. Despite their potential, high costs and safety risks limit their application.
In multi-cell packs, such as those in power tools and electric vehicles, cold can lead to cell reversal when weaker cells become overloaded and permanently damaged. This underscores the importance of appropriate technology choice and regular monitoring of battery cells to ensure sustainable performance.
This section highlights how advanced battery technologies and careful cell management are crucial for maintaining battery efficiency and durability under varying temperature conditions.
It is important to note that batteries last the longest when used at or just below room temperature (20°C). When a battery is used at 30°C instead of the just mentioned room temperature, its lifespan is shortened by as much as 20 percent. If you discharge or charge the battery at 45°C, the lifespan is only half of what can be expected when used at room temperature.
Efficient temperature management is crucial for maintaining battery performance and lifespan. The tips below can help your batteries perform optimally under all conditions.
Use: Avoid exposing devices with batteries to direct sunlight or in a car on a hot or cold day. If possible, keep the devices indoors or insulated.
Storage: Preferably store batteries in a dry, cool place at a (somewhat) constant temperature. As described earlier, extreme temperature fluctuations can negatively affect performance and lifespan.
Charging: Charge batteries at room temperature. Charging at extremely high or low temperatures can damage the battery, often making it less efficient.
Understanding the impact of temperature on battery performance and lifespan is crucial for optimizing energy storage. Factors such as operating temperature, cycle duration, and charging and discharging times play a significant role in how efficiently and sustainably batteries operate. At Elfa, we have deep knowledge of these complex factors and offer targeted solutions to maximize the efficiency of your battery usage.
As your partner in lighting and energy solutions, Elfa not only provides high-quality batteries and accumulators, but also the necessary expertise and support to make your projects successful. Whether it’s applications in electric vehicles, solar energy systems, or industrial settings, we are ready to assist you.
Contact us today to discover how Elfa can help you with your specific applications.
The story of lithium batteries begins almost a century ago, with G.N. Lewis paving the way in 1912. However, it wasn’t until the 1970s that we welcomed the first commercial non-rechargeable lithium batteries. These early batteries, however, brought their own problems, especially around stability and how they were used.
When the 1980s dawned, attempts were made to develop rechargeable lithium batteries, but these did not take off due to problems with the metallic lithium used. It was only in 1991, when Sony introduced the first commercial Li-ion battery, that lithium batteries really took off.
A significant advance was the contribution of John B. Goodenough, co-inventor of the lithium-cobalt-oxide battery. His innovation opened the door to the superior specific energy of Li-ion. Although his work was initially unrecognized, Goodenough later received the praise he deserved as a key figure in the development of lithium batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries are actually quite clever in their simplicity. They consist of three main parts: a positive electrode called the cathode, a negative electrode called the anode, and a type of conductive material called an electrolyte.
In these batteries, the anode is the negatively charged part, while the cathode is positively charged. The cathode is made of a type of metal oxide, while the anode is made from a special, porous carbon.
When you use a lithium-ion battery and it discharges, small particles called lithium ions move from the anode through the electrolyte to the cathode. At the same time, electrons are released that provide the electrical current we use. When you then recharge the battery, this process is reversed: the lithium ions move from the cathode back to the anode, absorbing electrons.
This constant ballet of particles traveling through the electrolyte and separator allows lithium-ion batteries to store and deliver the energy we need for everyday devices, like our phones, laptops, and electric cars.
Lithium-ion batteries are available in various variants, each with unique properties and applications. Although they all use lithium ions as an electrolyte, they vary in composition and performance characteristics.
One of the early variants of lithium-ion batteries used carbon coke as the anode material, but since the 1990s, most manufacturers have switched to graphite due to its more stable discharge curve. Graphite, a common form of carbon, offers a good balance between performance and stability and is therefore widely used in consumer electronics.
In addition, there have been innovative developments, such as the use of silicon-based alloys and nanostructured lithium titanate as anode additives. Silicon can theoretically store more energy than graphite, but it can lead to problems such as anode expansion during charging. On the other hand, lithium titanate offers excellent lifespan, loadability, and safety, although its specific energy is slightly lower.
Manufacturers are also experimenting with different cathode materials, such as lithium-cobalt-oxide, lithium-iron-phosphate, and lithium-manganese-oxide. Each of these materials has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of energy density, lifespan, and safety.
In addition to differences in materials, there are also various cell configurations, such as Energy Cells, Power Cells, and Hybrid Cells. Energy Cells are optimized for high capacity and longer run times, while Power Cells focus on high power output. Hybrid Cells offer a compromise between the two, balancing capacity and power.
Choosing the right lithium-ion battery depends on the specific requirements of the application. Whether it’s portable electronics, electric vehicles, or energy storage systems, the diversity of available lithium-ion batteries offers a range of options to meet different needs.
Lithium-ion batteries offer several advantages, including high specific energy and loadability, long life, and ease of maintenance. However, they also have limitations, such as the need for a protection circuit to prevent thermal runaway and restrictions at high temperatures and during transport. Understanding these pros and cons is essential for effectively using and maintaining lithium-ion batteries.
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Understanding the complex world of lithium-ion batteries is essential for optimizing their performance and lifespan. By gaining insights into factors such as cycle duration, charging and discharging times, and environmental influences, you can maximize the efficiency of your energy storage. At Elfa, we understand that choosing and maintaining the right batteries is crucial for the success of your projects.
As your partner in energy solutions, Elfa not only provides high-quality lithium-ion batteries but also expertise and support to make your projects a success. Whether it’s supplying batteries for electric vehicles, solar energy systems, or industrial applications, we are ready to assist you at every step of the process.
Contact us today and discover how Elfa can support you in implementing and maintaining lithium-ion batteries for your specific needs.
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